When it comes to styling my winter wardrobe, comfort always trumps style.
But I’m quickly learning that you don’t always have to forsake style for cosiness, and it’s possible to enjoy both simultaneously — without breaking the bank.
Take Uniqlo’s recent collaboration with British-born fashion designer JW Anderson for example.
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As a Brit, he certainly understands the importance of keeping warm, and the collection is full of Paddington Bear-style coats, jacquard crew neck sweaters and Oxford long shirts in shades of pastel pink and navy.
But what struck me from the campaign images — and later on, when I actually tried on a range of the clothes — was how cool-for-school the looks were despite the fact every inch of skin was covered.
I decided to pair the $59.90 Crew Neck Sweater in blue, made from a non-itchy long pile yarn, with the pink $59.90 Oxford shirt, which was made from some of the thickest cotton I’d ever felt.
On the bottom half, the $79.90 Slim Straight Jeans are an absolute winner so long as you size down — they’re baggier at the waist than you think.
Not only could I comfortably wear this look into the office but it would stretch far beyond that to a casual drinks or dinner out to a hole-in-the-wall restaurant.
The accessories were certainly not anything to ignore either, with $9.90 coloured socks and an Acne-style chunky scarf for $29.90.
While the collaboration is split into a men’s and womenswear grouping, many of the pieces are multipurpose and unisex.
I can’t overstate just how price conscious and fashionable Uniqlo continues to be, whether you’re looking for simple T-shirts or activewear, stockings, underwear, chinos or even waterproof rain jackets.
This JW Anderson collaboration won’t be around forever, so if you’re looking to explore the products visit the website here.