Uniqlo just dropped the perfect £40 holiday dress
Virtual shopping baskets at the ready: Japanese high street hero Uniqlo has teamed up with British designer Clare Waight Keller (she of Chloe, Givenchy and Meghan Markle's wedding dress fame) for round two of one of last year's hottest collabs.
The spring collection from the surprisingly affordable Uniqlo: C dropped last month (22 February), followed by a flurry of more summery pieces today (28 March). Think lacy short-sleeved jumpers, cut-out dresses, pretty gathered blouses and strappy sandals.
Based on how rapidly the inaugural September range flew off the shelves, we're expecting this new drop to sell out quickly, so if you see something you like, act fast.
We've long been turning to Uniqlo for timeless daily staples, but Clare's signature spin on things – think fluid designs, modern silhouettes and a delicate use of colour – has firmly elevated the brand's offering.
This beautiful new range is full of soft, super wearable neutrals, yet there are pops of punchy colour from on-trend cherry red to electric blue and emerald green. In short, we can confirm that this is definitely a 'run, don't walk' situation once again.
Prices start from just £19.90 for accessories, £24.90 for knits, £34.90 for dresses and £49.90 for outerwear. So, this is a fantastically affordable way to shop from such a leading designer (if we can snap anything up before it all disappears, that is).
So, what are the highlights? Well, last year's sell-out rosy beige trench coat is back, but in an off-white, black or olive this time. There are a couple of utility jackets that feel perfectly of the moment given how big utility dressing is tipped to be, and Clare has designed the relaxed-fit tailored blazer of our dreams.
Cute cropped tees and gathered blouses join sheer shirting and a timeless striped jumper, while the crepe jersey dress in black, blue and green is set to be our new season workwear staple.
Heading off on holiday before the sun starts shining here? You need the floaty linen blend dress with its flared sleeves and subtle open back design. Choose from white, red, black or blush pink – all gorgeous and made for strolling through Mediterranean villages.
Elsewhere, there's a cool checked baseball cap, some stompy high-gloss loafers and a puffy bag in three colours that's got 'fashion influencer favourite' written all over it.
The name Uniqlo: C was chosen not only because of Clare's name, but also because the label is inspired by words beginning with the letter: casual and chic, city and capsule, connection and creativity.
Her aim is to deliver comfort and functionality that supports the modern woman's busy life; each piece feels tailor-made, yet the joy of wearing something refined combines with the reassuring ease of familiarity.
Speaking about the spring/summer collection, Clare said: 'I wanted to explore the concept of movement through lightness. Working with ultra-light fabrications, I found a new perspective of proportions. Longer volumes play against cropped silhouettes.
'Fluidity and freshness were key elements of the spirit. I think that spring represents a time of transition where the seasons change, and our wardrobes need the same flexibility.
'I love the mix between tailored and relaxed styles. The feeling is effortlessly elegant with a youthful attitude that captures the lightness and ease of summertime.'
Clare's top picks? She loves the funnel-neck belted utility coat that's 'perfect to travel with' and the wide-leg jeans made from a special 'floppy denim'.
'You'll see it's super drapey,' she said. 'It feels like the ultra-comfortable jeans that you've worn for twenty years that have become your favourite.'
Finally, Clare is besotted by the dotty blue pleated dress, also available in black and red. 'You can wear it really high or low with the adjustable spaghetti strap, with a T-shirt underneath, or just on its own,' she said. 'I absolutely love this piece for the summer.'
Trust us on this one: if you like something, add it to basket immediately, as this collection won't hang around.
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