Aug 6, 2026
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Fashion

Following his appearance on The Traitors, Stephen Libby discusses his journey with personal style and plans to share fashion advice in upcoming columns.

ManyPress

ManyPress

ManyPress Editorial

3 min readSource:The Guardian Fashion
Stephen Libby on Personal Style and Fashion Advice

Key facts

  • Stephen Libby grew up on the Isle of Lewis, where he traveled to Inverness for shopping trips.
  • Libby’s first pair of skinny jeans were purchased when he was 16 or 17 years old.
  • During his time at the University of Glasgow, Libby began buying vintage clothing due to its unique style and affordability.
  • Libby reports that he did not have a professional styling budget for his appearance on The Traitors.
  • Libby plans to use his next three columns to offer advice on topics such as tailoring and wedding dressing.

Stephen Libby, a contestant on the television show The Traitors, says he has received numerous requests for fashion advice from men since the program aired. Libby notes that he had no styling budget for the show, relying instead on his own wardrobe. He attributes the attention to his outfits to a perceived low bar for men's fashion, noting that even his neutral choices, such as a mint green jumper and high-waisted jeans, appeared distinctive to viewers.

By the numbers

cost of knitted top£40.44
cost of jeans£375
cost of necklace£225
cost of boots£350

Early Influences and Challenges

Libby’s interest in fashion began during primary school on the Isle of Lewis, Scotland, where he felt different from his peers. He recalls that his early experimentation with clothing, such as wearing a striped cardigan, led to negative reactions from other boys. By age 16 or 17, he began wearing skinny jeans, though he often hid them from his parents, changing into them only after leaving home to socialize with friends.

Developing a Vintage Aesthetic

Upon moving to Glasgow at 18 for university, Libby began exploring vintage clothing as a way to differentiate his style from the high street trends of the time. He gravitated toward the prints, colors, and silhouettes of the 60s, 70s, and 80s, favoring items like dagger-collar shirts and flared trousers. He notes that while he initially faced comparisons to Simon Cowell for wearing high-waisted trousers, he maintained his preference for a distinct, dramatic look.

Future Fashion Columns

Libby states that his goal on The Traitors was to represent himself authentically rather than to influence others' wardrobes. However, due to the volume of inquiries he has received on social media, he plans to dedicate his next three columns to providing fashion tips. These upcoming installments will cover topics including tailoring, wedding attire, and jumpsuits.

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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by The Guardian Fashion.

Fashion