Uniqlo Staples for work and casual chic

Before leaving for my Europe vacation, I visited my local Uniqlo store to try my luck and hoped to nab a winter puffer jacket on sale. Now that spring time has hit Sydney, I was hoping that winter stock would be discounted. A fellow petite on Instagram also recommended their midi denim skirt that was petite-friendly so I was also keen to check that out. Alas, both of these items were not available in store; there was not a single puffer jacket in sight! However, the trip was not in vain as I spotted other pieces that looked like they would make perfect work wear staples and affordable prices around AUD $50 or so. If you're interested in checking out the items from Uniqlo, I've linked the items in this post in pink. Scroll down to end of post to see how you can score additional discounts off your purchase. 

Rayon skipper collar 3/4 sleeve blouse (XS) $49.90, Pleated wide pants (XS) $59.90

My favourite find would be this outfit: a 3/4 sleeve shirt in dove grey and pleated wide leg pants in camel (beige on website). I think the look is very polished and tailored, yet with the Uniqlo material would be so easy to chuck into the washing machine for no-fuss laundry. The shirt is a soft drapey rayon material. It actually doesn't have any buttons but has a little fixed stitch to create an open V neck. I like the shorter 3/4 sleeve length, which means I never have to worry about rolling up the sleeves when I want to wash my hands (surely I'm not the only person who hates getting their sleeves wet at the sink?). It looks like the grey might not be available online at the moment, but currently comes in white, navy and dark green. You can always try the stock at your local store if interested in the grey. 

The wide pleated pants also come in a variety of colours but I think the camel is probably the most classic, second to black. They are a classic pleated wide leg trousers and just the right type of wide. The length is too long on me, but it's good to know that Uniqlo offers free hemming service, something I didn't know before!

You could wear these pants with heels, flats or even sneakers for a more casual look. The pants are pretty standard in terms of work pants go - front zipper closure, belt loops and side pockets. I like that the material is not thin and no see through underwear lines. 

Rayon long sleeve blouse (XXS) $49.90 and Pleated wide pants (XS) $59.90

This is a similar look with the same pants but switching the top for a buttoned long sleeve top. Black paired with camel is another classic colour combination. The black shirt I tried on is a XXS while the grey shirt and camel pants were both XS. I would say if you are an AU 6, then you could fit into either XXS or XS. I'm wider at the hips than my bust, so I stick to XS for trousers. XXS is generally not available in store but can be ordered online. 

Crew neck short sleeve t-shirt (XS) $19.90

  

I had heard great reviews about the Uniqlo 100% cotton tee. From my try on, I thought the material was great, a medium thick sturdy material that was non-see through, which is so hard to find in a women's tee! However, there was something not quite right about the cut that didn't suit me. I think I prefer a boxier style (like James Dean with his rolled up t-shirt sleeves) whereas this was more slim fitting. Perhaps the round edge of the neckline is too thick to my liking, and a thinner edge might suit better. However, if you are in a pinch for a great quality cotton t shirt that will pair well with multiple outfits (as seen on @tinaabeysekara) then this is great buy for $19.90. Or check out this clay pink version on sale at $14.90, left in the XXS size.

3D knit 100% cashmere crew neck sweater off white (XS) now on sale $129.90

And now, onto some Winter staples - the main event I had come in store for! You can always trust to find great quality staples at Uniqlo, like the 100% cashmere cream coloured wool knit I tried on above and the black 100% merino wool knit down below. My only gripe was the incredibly long sleeves. Again, both sweaters were made of the nicest soft wool material, and it's convenient Uniqlo stock a variety of colours for you to pick from. Super handy if you're planning a holiday to a colder destination in the northern hemisphere this Christmas season. 

Extra fine merino long sleeve crew neck sweater (100% wool) $49.90 XS. 
Why are the sleeves so long? 

I loved this look on the mannequin so thought I'd do a bit of 'How it looks on the model versus How it looks on 5 ft petite me". The pants are plisse pleats and is a refreshing summer look. It looked like it was ankle length on the model but too long on me (again, you could probably asked for the hem to be taken up in store as part of their complimentary service). 

Ribbed tank top $14.90, Premium linen long sleeve shirt $49.90, Pleated straight pants $49.90

And on me (down to imitating the asymmetric off shoulder styling):

... I think she wore it better 😂 

And lastly, I spotted this outfit combination. The purple top reminds me a lot of a similar coloured top I own, which I always enjoy wearing in Autumn, so I might take some inspiration from how they've styled it with the necklace and neutral coloured pants. 

See how I wore my version in this post here

How to get a discount on Uniqlo:

• $5 off your first purchase when you sign up to the free Uniqlo App (minimum order $50). 
• Shopback do upsized cash back promotions for Uniqlo, sometimes up to 20% cash back on your online purchase (the current rate is 1.8%). It's free to sign up and when you use my referral code 8RWIDn you can get extra $20 cash back on your first eligible purchase. If you're new to Shopback, you can sign up with this link here. 

Hope you guys enjoyed this review of a few staple pieces for your wardrobe from Uniqlo. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment or DM me on my Instagram @choco_petitestyle! And as always, happy to take suggestions and let me know what you're on the hunt for! 

Thanks for reading and have a great week!

Choco

All photos in this post are my own and are not be used without permission.