Getting to Know Uniqlo

A burnt-orange, double-breasted corduroy jacket from Ines de la Fressange’s fall/winter 2023 collection for Uniqlo and a turtleneck sweater and color-block, knife-pleated skirt from Uniqlo: C–the retailer’s latest line–with Clare Waight Keller.

By Janet Kelly

UNIQLO began partnering with high-fashion designers for special labels way back in 2005. The concept took off with its popular +J collection with Jil Sander in 2010, which returned for two more rounds in 2020 and 2021. In between were lines with the likes of Marni, Lemaire and J. W. Anderson. Fashion icon Ines de la Fressange began showing her designs for Uniqlo in 2013. The collaboration is still going strong today.

The chain’s latest coup is a collab with Clare Waight Keller of Chloe and Givenchy fame (and designer of Megan Markle’s wedding dress), due to debut in its 1,500 stores worldwide and on its e-commerce site September 15. Dubbed Uniqlo: C, the new line will feature 34 pieces: puff jackets, pleated skirts, corduroy pants and accessories, including loafers and boots. The trick, according to Waight Keller, was combining comfort with style, quality and price for everyday dressing. By the looks of the pieces below, we think she’s nailed it. Psst: If the reaction to Uniqlo: C is anything like the Jil Sander blockbuster, expect the offerings to go quickly. Forewarned is forearmed.

One of the standout looks of her fall collaboration with Uniqlo is Clare Waight Keller’s classic trench coat in a water-resistant gabardine twill with contrast check lining that she pairs with a quilted jacket, a pink cashmere sleeveless sweater, peachy pink wide-wale cords, brown loafers and a spiffy baseball cap.

This jaunty plaid oversize coat, as with all padded coats and jackets in the Uniqlo: C collection, comes with a drawstring waist to give it shape. It’s perfectly coordinated with wide corduroy pants the same color as the coat’s lining and a gray half-zip wool sweater that nods to one of the colors in the coat. Everything goes with everything, says Waight Keller.

In this sunny look, Waight Keller debunks the notion that winter colors must be dark. She masterfully coordinates a double-face wrap coat with a wrinkle-proof maxi pleated skirt, light down jacket, faux leather round shoulder bag and lug-soled Chelsea lace-up boots.

Inès de la Fressange’s 2023 fall/winter collection for Uniqlo offers plenty of plaid and Fair Isle patterns in its signature relaxed cuts. And there are suits for work/weekends—such as this tweed jacket ($129.90) with matching pleated wide pants ($79.90), paired with a pin tuck blouse ($49.90), ribbed crewneck sweater ($49.90) and studded belt ($39.90).

Ease into fall with de la Fressange’s navy wool-blend, unlined tweed jacket ($129.90), off-white pointelle sweater vest, which also comes in dark gray and navy for $39.90; and corduroy tapered ankle pants (also available in navy and brown) for $59.90.

Should you want to update your denim wardrobe this fall, don’t discount these low-waist, boyfriend (slightly baggy) jeans. In addition to the blue shown above, they’re also available in navy, beige and dark gray for a wallet-friendly $49.90.

MyLittleBird often includes links to products we write about. Our editorial choices are made independently; nonetheless, a purchase made through such a link can sometimes result in MyLittleBird receiving a commission on the sale. We are also an  Amazon Associate.