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Claudia Winkleman's Strictly stylist reveals her ultimate high heel hack - and it's genius

Ever wondered how Claudia Winkleman can walk in high shoes?

claudia winkleman
Leanne Bayley
Director of Lifestyle & Commerce
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If you're anything like us, you'll be a tad obsessed with Claudia Winkleman's outfits on Strictly Come Dancing. We love both Tess Daly AND Claudia - we couldn't pick a favourite - but we just love how Claudia rocks sequins, high-street AND super high heels. 

MORE: Claudia Winkleman's fiery red Strictly dress is more affordable than you might think

If you're wondering how Claudia manages the Strictly stairs in such high heels, you'll be pleased to know she has a trick that we can all copy...

WATCH: Tess and Claudia's Strictly style secrets

Sinead McKeefry, who dresses Claudia each week, revealed to us that the presenter's heels are over 4 inches and she tends to wear the 'SO Kate' style by Christian Louboutin. And to make them easier to walk in, she scores the bottom of the soles with something sharp to make them less slippery.

She said: "I score the bottom, but other than that [her heel walking skills are] all her own effort!"

So Kate

Christian Louboutin 'So Kate' pumps, £525, Net-A-Porter

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It's no secret that Claudia is a fan of a sequin or two. Who can forget that Topshop sparkling suit? Stunning. "Cool hair and makeup is key" to making sequins look effortless, Sinead says.

The stylist shops for Claudia's outfits ahead of the show, and she tends to go straight to Net-A-Porter or Zara.

claudia winkleman black dress

Wearing a gorgeous Marchesa dress

"Claud loves fashion so she is happy to experiment," she told us ahead of the 2019 series. "She knows what she likes. She loves black, but equally, we have a few unexpected numbers in the wardrobe this year which I'm looking forward to seeing her in." Could we see her rocking Victoria Beckham's designs perhaps? "I hope so. We love VB!"

ZARA JUMPSUIT

Wearing her Zara sequin suit

She continued: "Claudia and I shop together but that usually ends in ten minutes of trying on and then a three-hour coffee and a gossip. I start prep for Claudia's outfits in August and we do a few big fittings throughout the run and then usually see how we feel on the day."

Has she and Claudia ever had a fashion emergency? "Loads. They are not fun on a live show let me tell you…" she added.

MORE: All the times Claudia Winkleman looked incredible in Zara

Speaking of how Tess and Claudia plan their outfits together, she added: "The girls are great. If they both want to wear something similar, they are both the first to say 'no, you wear it I'll wear something else...' which is a credit to them. We don't do drama."

tess and claudia

Co-ordinating with co-host Tess

How would Sinead describe Claudia’s off duty looks? "A black Gucci pea coat with her Gucci loafers and black skinny jeans. Always has been and always will be. It's the uniform. Undone hair and makeup is a must - usually last night's mascara which is my fave look."

claudia flares

Claudia loves to wear black

We all know Claudia loves a jumpsuit and they are the trickiest to shop for - and Sinead has the best advice!

MORE: Strictly Come Dancing host Claudia Winkleman shares a peek inside her London home

"Don't go near a shop. Over order online and try on at home. Make an effort with your hair and makeup and give yourself time to try them all on and enjoy the experience. Believe me, you will not find the perfect one in a badly lit shop dressing room while you are sweating!"

tess strictly outfit

Rocking Topshop sequins

We can all agree that Claudia has killer legs - but does Sinead try and keep the length fairly modest for a BBC viewer? "I dress my clients according to their proportions. Claud rocks a midi length - it's her perfect length for her proportions," she said.

Follow Sinead on Instagram @SineadMcKeefry

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