Stephen Libby, known for his appearance on The Traitors, has become an unexpected style icon for men, receiving numerous requests for fashion advice since the show aired. In his first column, he opens up about his journey to finding a distinctive personal style, from early experimentation on the Isle of Lewis to embracing vintage fashion in Glasgow.
From Island Roots to Fashion Forward
Libby's fashion journey began at primary school on the Isle of Lewis, off the north-west coast of Scotland. He recalls feeling different from other boys due to his interest in clothing, often turning up his hems and paying close attention to what the girls wore. This early fascination was a precursor to his eventual self-discovery, as he notes that his sexuality began to manifest in his clothing choices.
Shopping trips to the mainland were a significant event, involving a three-hour ferry ride and a 90-minute bus journey to Inverness. These biannual visits to Topman felt like a religious experience. One of his first memorable purchases was a grey and black striped cardigan, which led to bullying at school, as cardigans were not considered acceptable for boys at the time. Despite the distress, Libby's love for fashion persisted.
Hidden Skinnies and Vintage Discovery
By age 16 or 17, Libby had bought his first pair of skinny jeans, which were fashion-forward for the Isle of Lewis in the 2000s. He kept them a secret from his parents, changing into them after leaving the house when going out with friends. Reflecting on this, he wishes he had realized that he was simply ahead of the curve, as many straight male counterparts would later adopt similar styles.
Moving to Glasgow for university at 18 changed his perspective. With everyone having access to the same high-street clothes, Libby no longer felt unique. This led him to vintage shopping, partly due to his limited student budget. He was drawn to the vibrant prints and dramatic silhouettes of the 60s, 70s, and 80s, which contrasted with the beige and brown tones of contemporary fashion. He still regrets not purchasing a pale blue 70s suit priced at £50, which was out of his reach at the time.
Embracing a Distinct Look
Once Libby found his style, he never looked back. His signature look includes vintage shirts with dagger collars or billowy sleeves, and high-waisted trousers with a slight flare for added drama. Despite being compared to Simon Cowell for his high-waisted choices, he feels this is how he is meant to dress.
Preparing for The Traitors, the most stressful aspect was deciding what to wear, not the game itself. Libby believes that clothing conveys a lot about a person, as it's all snap judgments. However, his goal was never to inspire a trend but to present his truest self.
Sharing Style Tips
Since the show aired, Libby has received numerous messages from men seeking clothing advice. He plans to use his next three columns to share his tips, covering topics like tailoring, wedding dressing, and jumpsuits. His advice is grounded in his personal experience, encouraging men to embrace bold choices and find what makes them feel authentic.
Libby's story highlights the importance of self-expression through fashion and the courage it takes to defy norms. His journey from a small island to national television serves as an inspiration for anyone looking to develop their own style.
