Uniqlo has taken over my wardrobe!

I just updated my Pinterest boards with some new purchases and had a strange realization: 2/3 of the clothing I've bought since summer is from Uniqlo! I guess they really are the new Gap for me: versatile, high-quality, natural fibers, and most things come in black...

Have you found one brand taking over? Do you try to put the brakes on it before it goes too far? I go through phases of focusing on basics and it might be time to seek out a few special items to balance it out.

Basic or not, I love almost every one of these and they're basics with a bit of style. A lot are from the recent Uniqlo U line which was directed by Lemaire in some way. They filled a lot of niches in my wardrobe. So, I'm putting this all solidly in the positive category -- I just hadn't quite noticed what a trend it was!

(I'm including Finds for images but alas, almost all are sold out.)

Uniqlo U:

  • wool milano-knit sweater with a distinctive boxy cut that is somehow flattering
  • 70s-esque crewneck tee of the most amazing thick cotton - I wish I could have bought four, and some in white, but they sold out
  • fitted button-down shirt, something I'd wanted for ages
  • long button-down tunic, ditto
  • denim A-line midi skirt - I don't know yet if this one is in the "love" category, as I waffled too long on keeping it and missed the return window

Regular Uniqlo:

  • men's flannel shirt that I could wear every day
  • sleeveless tunic-length tee that is instantly flattering
  • v-neck tunic tee, same (not shown because I couldn't make a find)
  • boxy boiled-wool sweater coat that is admittedly not (conventionally) flattering but I wear it at least once a week

If I added my new R13 jeans to this set, it would almost be a perfect capsule wardrobe!

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33 Comments

  • Elizabeth P replied 7 years ago

    These look fabulous! That's a brand I've never tried, or even seen, to my knowledge. I have no idea where the nearest spot is that it may be available, but it looks worth seeking out! How great that you've found a go-to basic brand.

  • Bijou replied 7 years ago

    I really like Uniqlo too and would have much more if I didn't have to buy it online as there is no store in my city. Each of these pieces are just so perfect for your style, and when I see you in these clothes, I don't think you look like a Uniqlo brand ambassador, but rather Greyscale with your cool, edgy and polished style.

  • LaPed replied 7 years ago

    I buy a good deal of my basics from Uniqlo. The pricepoint is excellent for the quality. And I *love* the Lemaire collabs! 

    To the public eye, I probably read more as a Patagonia brand ambassador, though. ;)

  • cindysmith replied 7 years ago

    I wish I had a uniqlo near me. Basics is an area that is sorely deficient in my wardrobe. Uniqlo has a reputation for great quality for the price, and I would love to go get myself a few pieces to use as base layers under my interesting pieces.

    I see nothing wrong with having a lot of your stuff come from one store. It tells me you know your style, and you found a place that works for it.

  • Traci replied 7 years ago

    I think sometimes the stars just align and you have to go with it.  Uniqlo is really getting you this year.  It won't last forever, so don't feel bad about stocking up!

  • replied 7 years ago

    It look like it would be the perfect capsule.  

  • El Cee replied 7 years ago

    Fabulous capsule! Interesting black basics are so hard to find.

  • Greyscale replied 7 years ago

    Traci, that's a great point. Some years they have nothing I like.

    And actually, it's almost always the collabs that really work for me. The normal Uniqlo fit is a little off for me - shirts are too short in the torso. And I never like their pants.

    I'm curious to see what next year will bring.

  • Tanya replied 7 years ago

    These all look like fabulous pieces that will work for you for a long time.  They really suit your style.

    I don't think I could ever shop in one place only, but occasionally I find my self getting lots of pieces from a single place.  This usually happens when they match my style aesthetics and have excellent sales at the same time.

  • approprio replied 7 years ago

    You say this like it's a bad thing :D

  • Sal replied 7 years ago

    It is great when it works like this.  These pieces feel very authentic to your style.

    I have had the year buying a lot from Witchery.  Last year was Country Road - I am not quite sure what the US equivalent is, maybe Banana Republic or J Crew?  This year Witchery fits have been spot on for me - I have added a top, a dress, a jacket, pants, two pairs of shoes and a hat...  They have all been total workhorses, basic but still with interest.

  • Beth Ann replied 7 years ago

    I wish this would happen to me!  It would make my wardrobe so much easier to curate!

    Last year, Loft and BR were reliable "go-tos" for me!

  • Brooklyn replied 7 years ago

    We have a Uniqlo here and, at first, I wondered what all the fuss was about. All the heat tech stuff is not really necessary for my climate. But I have recently become a convert to their tees and their knit tops. I love that they are cotton. So hard to find! And good prices too. Our store currently has your denim skirt in burgundy. I would be all over it except that they only have it in tiny sizes, and I already find that their sizing runs small. I hope you get to wear it soon. Your capsule looks great.

  • Jaime replied 7 years ago

    I was so excited to see that the first sweater comes in dark green that I ordered it! I have worn my Lemaire/Uniqlo sweaters to death.

  • Greyscale replied 7 years ago

    Shevia, I wore mine today for the first time (our weather finally got cold) and I love it! And my shopping buddy wants to get one too. I hope yours is perfect for you.

  • replied 7 years ago

    I was glad that you mentioned the "normal fit is off for you."  My very limited experience is that the fit is off for me as well.  May I ask how tall you are? 

  • Helen11 replied 7 years ago

    I looked in Uniqlo on my last trip to the big city. I also thought everything was much too warm for my lifestyle, but I can see how others love shopping there.
    Greyscale, you have yourself a great capsule there.

  • Turmeric replied 7 years ago

    I'd buy a lot more Uniqlo if the fit worked better for me, too.  Wearing one of their basic long-sleeved tees right now.  I love the look of that sleeveless tee and the wool coat!  (How long is that coat?)  Nice capsule collection.

  • Lisa replied 7 years ago

    A great capsule you have here and I agree, Uniqlo is sort of like a better quality Gap.  Their clothes are certainly more timeless in their looks and styles, at least right now.  The hardest thing is sometimes they fit as I find them a tad narrow, particularly for the shoulder lines.  I really enjoy their quality though, and I am a huge fan of their Heattech thermals, especially the scoopneck which layers so well with v neck sweaters.

  • Traci replied 7 years ago

    Not to enable, but this blouse screams your name to me.

  • RobinF replied 7 years ago

    I say go for it! I've never tried any of their stuff, never even heard of it until I joined YLF, but I really want to. Maybe in the new year I'll take a look and try some items. It would be nice for me if they run short as I am a petite and it doesn't look like any of their styles come in petite.

  • replied 7 years ago

    RobinF: I just bought some Heat Tech leggings, and they fit me perfectly, even though I'm petite (5'2"). I haven't ordered any of the tops or tees yet, though, and am wondering how the fit is.

  • Greyscale replied 7 years ago

    Sterling, I'm 5'4" but all torso.

    Brooklyn and Helen, I also have no need for all the heat tech gear and so on. I'm surprised that they fill our San Francisco store with all the warmest clothes -- it never gets very cold here! I also don't have a use for their cool summer underlayers. So their main line of stuff is rarely as useful for me.

    Traci, I love the blouse! I have a moratorium on black silk blouses - I own four already (my two favorites are from Uniqlo's Ines de la Fressange line in fact). But if I had room for another, that would go on my list.

    Turmeric, the wool coat is really more of a sweater, a lightly-boiled wool knit. And I have to say, it's a very boxy cut, widest in the middle, which isn't the most flattering on me. But anyway, it hits me just below the knee, though I have very short legs.

    Lisa, yes, it reminds me of 90s Gap more than current Gap: cotton and wool basics in a wide range of colors.

    RobinF, I think there's a good chance they'll fit you. I've never bought pants there, but I have short arms and their sleeves are often the right length on me, which is almost unprecedented. And like I said, the torsos are often too short to me. Hope you find something that fits!

  • Style Fan replied 7 years ago

    Great stuff.  I like Uniqlo but I don't know where the closet store is.  Their simplicity appeals to me.

  • replied 7 years ago

    I broke down and ordered two Heat Tech tops. I'll let you know how they work on me, a petite. I'm concerned about the length, as petite tops are sometimes too short for me, but we'll see. I plan to wear them under some ponchos I ordered (which I hope to get soon; still haven't received shipment confirmation from Nordstrom Rack).

  • LaPed replied 7 years ago

    Greyscale, that's so funny, I'm also 5'4" but I find Uniqlo's basic tops (supima cotton, heattech, merino sweaters) all fit me really well and true to size -- I seem to be smack dab between and XS and S and choose according to how slim a cut I want. I have had to send a couple things back due to too-short sleeves, but this seems to apply more to woven shirts and jackets than to tees and sweaters. 

    I agree that their pants are almost always a miss, and seem to be cut for a very narrow-hipped low-rise rectangle, but I love the heattech tights and leggings. They layer so well! 

  • Isabel replied 7 years ago

    Many years ago, when I worked, I found myself with a closet full of Ann Taylor clothes.  I think it is a huge relief when you find a brand that ticks all the boxes !  Congrats !

  • JamC replied 7 years ago

    Uniqlo has a large presence in my closet too! I believe in finding brands that fit and buying from them. It makes it easier to shop when you only look at the brands that get you.

  • Jaime replied 7 years ago

    I LOVE Uniqlo!! Everything that I have from there is of great quality-esp for the price. I have tees from 3 years ago that still look new.  I read an article once about how they are able to have great quality for such a low price-its because they are one of the biggest retailers in the world and they buy in such bulk that the price comes way down for them. They could cut corners and give an "Old Navy" quality product for sure, and increase their bottom line-I love that they do not and are committed to quality. I only wish they had more stores in the US.

  • replied 7 years ago

    I'm wearing my new Uniglo Heat Tech leggings underneath my dress pants today. I love the way they feel and fit. That was $ well spent!

  • rachylou replied 7 years ago

    I dream of one-stop shopping...

  • CocoLion replied 7 years ago

    I like Uniqlo too.  It's my go-to place for work clothes.  Whenever you see a jean with "Kaihara"denim on it, buy it!  This is the place where designer jeans brands buy their denim.  Great stuff.

    As for fit -- I have plenty of jeans from them and am an hourglass.  I love their low cost in house hemming service.

  • Greyscale replied 7 years ago

    CocoLion, you know, I don't think I've ever tried their jeans. I'll have to check those out! I could use another pair of skinnies and if they don't quite work, at that price I won't feel bad. Heck I might buy a pair specifically for wearing as 'play clothes' - the jeans I wear for rock climbing and to our metal shop are getting a little old.

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