The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission. Why trust us?
Uniqlo U’s latest collection has got us dreaming of spring: Here’s what we’ll be buying
Upgrade your wardrobe for the new season with soft but smart trousers, shirt dresses, sandals and more
The mornings are (slowly) starting to get lighter, daffodils are beginning to bloom and the air, dare we say it, feels ever so slightly milder, which can only mean one thing: spring is well and truly on its way.
Bursting with the promise of sunnier days, spring brings with it the opportunity to banish well-worn knits and duvet-style coats to the back of our wardrobes for another year.
And, as months of battling against cold weather come to an end, we can finally begin to look forward to spending more time outdoors, even if it is just for a daily lockdown stroll.
Read more: 10 best jewellery gifts for her this Valentine’s Day
After spending the majority of the winter wearing cosy loungewear, it’s likely that the impending new season has left you itching for fresh ideas on how to get dressed and, it just so happens that Uniqlo U has exactly what you need.
What started in 2015 as a collaboration between ex-Hermès artistic director Christophe Lemaire and Uniqlo has now become its very own sub-brand, delivering fashionable takes on everyday clothing using innovative materials.
The new spring/summer collection has got us dreaming of warmer climes, with an earthy palette of neutrals interspersed with sunnier shades of chartreuse, lilac and burned orange. The crisp collarless shirts and bermuda shorts, meanwhile, have left us wanting to look a little more put together.
But, fear not, this needn’t mean abandoning the level of comfort you’ve got used to. On the contrary, Lemaire has introduced easy-to-wear styles in super-soft fabrics to suit your new working-from-home lifestyle while simultaneously allowing you to look and feel more refined. Think soft but smart trousers, flowy shirt dresses, lightweight knits and failsafe basics like crewneck sweatshirts and sandals to see you through the day.
Whether you’re looking to stock up on high-quality essentials or want to revamp your wardrobe ahead of spring, here are the pieces we recommend adding to your shopping basket.
You can trust our independent round-ups. We may earn commission from some of the retailers, but we never allow this to influence selections. This revenue helps us to fund journalism across The Independent.
Uniqlo U milano ribbed v-neck cardigan: £34.90
Dust off those cold-weather cobwebs with this comfy cardigan that’s made from a tightly twisted cotton yarn for a sleek finish. Designed with a classic v-neck, it has dropped shoulders, co-ordinating buttons and comes in four different colours. Our favourite is sage green, but you can also pick it up in off-white, black and yellow.
No longer considered the dowdiest item in your wardrobe, a cardigan is the ideal throw-on layer for the changeable British weather and looks great worn with everything from casual T-shirts to slip dresses, when things start to warm up.
Uniqlo U trench coat: £129.90
A quality trench is a must-have for spring because it is the ultimate in transitional outerwear.
Versatile, practical and stylish, this one will see you through almost every situation. Made from a cotton blend fabric, it’s robust enough to keep you warm when layered over a turtleneck while there’s still a chill in the air, but lightweight enough to throw over a floral dress as the cold begins to fade. It’s designed with a trendy oversized cut and has all the classic features one expects from a trench, including tortoiseshell buttons, wide lapels and an elegant vent at the back.
Uniqlo U jersey relaxed fit straight leg trousers: £34.90
If you can’t bear the thought of wearing tailored trousers after spending months in comfy tracksuits and leggings, then this pair could be the perfect solution.
While they look smart, they are designed to have all the ease of a sweatpant as they’re made from soft jersey material and come with an elasticated waist and hidden tie. We also love the straight cut, which adds to the overall comfort levels and creates a smooth, flattering line.
Uniqlo U shiny rayon long sleeved shirt dress: £39.90
Shirt dresses are another great option if you’re not quite ready to forgo the comfort of loungewear. The perfect hybrid, this style can easily make you look pulled together for Zoom calls while also providing a comfortable, chuck-on option.
Made from shiny rayon, Uniqlo’s version has a soft sheen and can be worn buttoned up to the neck or left undone for a more casual look. It also has a loose fit and comes with a thin tie belt for styling. Our favourite colour is this bright green, but you can also buy it in peach and classic black.
Uniqlo U tape sandals: £34.90
We'll consider stepping out of our shearling-lined slippers for these stylish sandals. A trend that has been around for some time, dad sandals were initially scoffed at by the fashion crowd but have since skyrocketed in popularity – no doubt because they're so comfortable.
This pair has a simple design featuring a thick sole and neoprene straps, while the terracotta shade means they will look just as great paired with floaty midi skirts as they will with joggers while you’re running errands. They’re unisex too, and come in sizes 3.5 to 10.
For more style inspiration, read our review of the sell-out Mango coat loved by Gigi Hadid