Lorraine Candy’s Cold Weather Style

Lorraine Candy is an author, journalist, and the co-host of the Postcards from Midlife podcast. A mum of four, she grew up in Liskeard, Cornwall, but now lives in North London. 

When I was the editor-in-chief of ELLE magazine, one of my favourite jobs was approving the clothes for shoots in our autumn and winter issues. I loved spending hours with my magazine styling team in our fashion cupboard looking at all the new pieces coming in that season. I was lucky to see everything well in advance on the catwalk before it hit the high street. I must say seeing rails of gorgeous knitwear, coats and festive party dresses was a joy. There is always much more choice when it comes to autumn winter looks, and it’s a chance to rethink your wardrobe a little.  

I believe finding the right coat is such an exciting prospect. If there is one new piece that will change your look or update your style it’s a coat. It is after all the first thing people notice about you in the colder, dark days of autumn and winter.   

Now that I am writing books and podcasting rather than editing fashion magazines, I’ve enjoyed adopting a more casual style when it comes to the winter trends. When I head home to Cornwall, where I grew up, I love to be able to wrap up warm for long walks on Bodmin Moor with my family or stomps across the beach at Daymer Bay. And I love to be able to support local businesses like Seasalt who have built a lovely community around their creative ideas.  

So what am I looking forward to this winter? Check coats and velvety fabrics top the list and I have chosen my favourite pieces below.  

This wool-rich coat is a versatile addition to your winter wardrobe. I love the fact I can wear it for a dog walk on the moors but also nip to our local London high street in it too, because it’s smart enough for city life. I love the colour and cut, and the fact that I can wear a polo neck underneath on colder days without it feeling too tight. It’s a coat that goes with a skirt too and I would also style it with a cream Aran knit underneath.  

This soft, warm jumper has a delicate feel to it and is perfect for Sunday lunch with friends. It’s got great length sleeves and I love the choice of colours. You can wear statement jewellery over the top, or a silk scarf perhaps, and it’s fine enough to tuck the front into jeans if that suits your weekend look. It is perfect teamed with these cropped black cords.  

Nothing says winter is here better than cords, which I much prefer to jeans. As a woman who is just 5ft 2inches tall I pray for the right length cords, as they so often come in longer lengths I can’t wear. The choice of colours at Seasalt is great and they fit perfectly for more petite sizes. You can wear with a cropped top, or a crisp white shirt and some statement jewellery. They go with trainers, boots, or brogues. 

This easy-to-wear, super comfy red silk velvet dress could be one of the most useful things in your wardrobe. You can wear it with heels or black boots, it’s smart enough to go ‘out out’ in and easy to wear if you’re hosting friends for dinner at home and have to rush about sorting things. I love the V-neck and would even consider wearing a thin ribbed black polo neck underneath during the day.  

What’s not to like? This is my third pair of Seasalt pyjamas, super soft and what my teenagers call “Instagram friendly” because they are cute-to-photograph, smart nightwear! These are for lazy Sundays, Christmas mornings and movie nights at home with the kids under a blanket. They have a slightly oversized and relaxed fit with wide legs and pockets. Also, on a practical note: Seasalt pyjamas wash well and always come out looking new. And the slippers are as comfortable as wearing cushions.

Discover more of Lorraine’s style on Instagram at @lorrainecandy. What are your favourite pieces in our latest collection? Show us how you’re #WearingSeasalt and tag @SeasaltCornwall.