Knitwear 101: 3 creatives style up pieces from the Uniqlo merino range

Fashion


Knitwear 101: 3 creatives style up pieces from the Uniqlo merino range

By Amie-Jo Locke

6 months ago

In partnership with Uniqlo

Uniqlo Logo

From crafting beautiful floral bouquets to spinning at a Northern Soul all-nighter, three stylish creatives share their top tips for creating a signature knitwear look…

“Knitwear is the perfect layering piece to add texture and an extra layer to our look, as well as warmth,” says Lucy Reber, Stylist’s fashion director. 

And when it comes to shopping for knitwear, Reber suggests looking to Uniqlo for woollen wonders to elevate every individual look. 

“Miuccia Prada commented in her s/s 2025 show press release: ‘Today is a period of endless information, driven by algorithms where each person sees their own version of the present, their own reality curated for them.’ It is so easy to get blinkered to one style, when of course the beauty is in diversity. The more different creatives you look to, the more inspired you’ll feel,” Reber states.

That’s why we joined forces with three very different women to talk through their own unique style and, how they work pieces from the Uniqlo Extra Fine Merino collection into their a/w wardrobes. 

New style rules incoming…

Joey Yu is a London-based illustrator and artist. With her mixture of hand-drawn styles and digital sketches, she likes to play with perspectives and subvert the way we view the everyday…

“When it comes to my personal style, I like to be fun yet practical. I like baggy trousers and long skirts (so I can sit on the floor and draw), but I also love colour, I love details, I love clothing with a story. It’s fun to play with proportion and textures in both worlds. In the same way that I layer materials on to a page, I have fun putting on all my layers of clothing in the morning.

“I’m also very inspired by watching films and reading books – you can become transfixed by the feeling of the clothes a character wears. For example, the main character in La Chimera wears a beat-up, lived-in suit (which I adored). The decadent outfits in Poor Things are also amazing.

“It’s important for me to be nice and warm in the winter, so I really like to invest in good knitwear pieces. For example, I love the turtleneck jumpers in the Uniqlo merino collection. I think there is something so effortless about a simple roll neck which you can use as a starting point for an outfit. As an artist, I’m so particular about colour and the range has such a variety of beautifully rich tones to choose from.”

Uniqlo EFM

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Uniqlo EFM

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Uniqlo EFM

£34.90

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Levanna, aka Northern Soul Girl, first got into Northern Soul when she was 16. After having danced for the likes of Pharrell Williams and choreographing segments for Strictly Come Dancing and the BBC Proms, she now runs the popular Bristol Northern Soul Club…

“Between running events, DJ-ing and dancing (sometimes for four to five hours at Northern Soul events), the most important thing for me when it comes to everyday style is comfort. 

“Being into soul music, my influences come heavily from the 60s and 70s but there are so many incredible eras, subcultures and people who inspire my style. Brigitte Bardot has been a huge influence on my feminine style, especially when it comes to hair, make-up and more dressed-up looks. Whereas the 70 and 80s breakdancing culture has influenced my more masculine/sporty side, for example, an iconic jeans and track top vibe.

“When styling knitwear, I think bold colours always pop and pairing a classic Uniqlo merino knit with a long pleated skirt (with the perfect flare) really taps into the classic Northern Soul look. Also, having a good-quality, warm turtleneck is essential for someone who travels as much as I do, in the unpredictable UK weather!”

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Uniqlo EFM

£29.90

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Uniqlo EFM

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Romy co-founded SAGE in 2018. Driven by a commitment to champion female entrepreneurship and diversity within the floral industry, her work celebrates the interplay of individuality, form, texture and seasonality…

“I love the fall season, there’s nothing like sitting in low autumnal sun with a cosy knit on. Plus, layering dresses, trousers and knitwear is so much fun. The long chequered dress and Uniqlo crew neck merino jumper combo is great for keeping warm but being playful at the same time.

“My personal style varies depending on my mood and what I’m up to that day. If I’m headed into work or spending the day with my son, it’ll be functional – sweats, army surplus, knits and trainers. If it’s a day out, I’ll dress up some cargo or ski pants with something elevated like a structured long sleeve shirt. I also have a tendency to wear colours that reflect the flowers I’m buying.

“Having quite a physical job means it’s important to move while also keeping warm. That’s why Uniqlo is an absolute go-to. I love the variation of cuts and fits, especially the collared pieces and merino knitwear. The price points mean you can invest in options for the messy days and the smart days.”

Uniqlo EFM

£34.90

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Uniqlo dress

£39.90

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Uniqlo EFM

£29.90

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For more knitwear inspo and to shop the Extra Fine Merino collection, visit Uniqlo.com

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