Where do you go when you need to update your basics? I go to Uniqlo. I went there this lunchtime, in fact, and my local store was absolutely teeming with people who, like me, were looking for that one essential item to update the rest of their wardrobe for the new season ahead.
Back to the office, back to college, back to school, back to everyday life – trust me when I say Uniqlo can dress you for all of that today, and they do so better than ever. Why? Because the lead designer in charge of cut, colour and fabric choice is Clare Waight Keller, who spent years working in Paris creating world-class clothes for brands including Chloé and Givenchy.
3D Knit Seamless Cotton Crew Neck Volume Sleeve Jumper (Striped)
3D Knit Seamless Cotton Crew Neck Volume Sleeve Jumper (Striped)
Why did she switch to Uniqlo? Because she wanted as many people as possible to have access to great design and she does it not by following faddy fashion trends, but by creating modern forever styles, very often in 100% natural fibres, that won’t need updating until they’ve worn out.
I have personally looked at, touched and tried every single one of the five items I’m recommending here, starting with the 3D cotton striped Breton-inspired knit, above. It has a weighty feel and, because it is made using a 3D knitting machine, a sculptural shape that makes it look more expensive than its price tag suggests.
The most versatile jacket at Uniqlo is the zip-up short jacket. Featuring two patch pockets and a contrast collar, it currently comes in three colours, and is worth every penny for its style and usefulness.
My personal favourite, and what I plan on buying ASAP, are the chic cream cotton barrel trousers from Clare Waight Keller’s Uniqlo: C line, which arrived in-store and online today. They also come in navy, black, brown and beige and are very chic and flattering, and easy to pair with loafers, simple knits, cardigans and a well-cut blazer.
If you’ve become a wearer of tailored or Bermuda shorts over the summer – who hasn’t? – Uniqlo has a range of below-the-knee culottes in various colours that look different and fun and will work with knee-high boots when it gets colder. The white pair are my favourite, though they come in grey too for a more office-appropriate look.
Last, but never least, is Uniqlo’s famous 100% Merino wool round-necked jumper. It comes in 11 colours, and everyone I know has one. I lost my navy one (the disadvantages of tying a jumper around your waist) and miss it so much. For £34.90, it doesn't get better value than this natural fibre knit.
Though I would like to highlight, there's one in a perfect shade of grey on the site that is not on sale yet - if you're a fan of this style, and love a luxurious shade of grey, keep an eye out for when this becomes available.
