UNIQLO: The New Gap + American Apparel?

When shopping for basics, we invariably have our own go-to stores that always provide the bits and pieces we're looking for, and now in the dead of winter many of you might be looking for some simple and affordable basics to layer up with in the freezing weather. A good store for basics needs to have a wide selection of easy-to-layer, lightweight clothes, in a variety of colors. Basics, like a typical white tank top or a black cardigan, are important because they can make or break an outfit: What if you have a really crazy patterned skirt but nothing simple to tone it down with? Or a dress that plunges uncomfortably low, but nothing to layer under it? At the same time, basics aren't meant to stand out, but to integrate with your wardrobe, so they shouldn't be too expensive - you want to save your money for the exciting stuff, and basics are used a lot so they wear out quickly!

Over the past years, my stand-bys have been along the lines of Gap, Banana Republic, BDG of Urban Outfitters,and American Apparel - but recently I discovered the versatility of Japanese-based UNIQLO. It took me a bit to catch on to the utility of UNIQLO. When I first visited the intimidating two-level store in SoHo last year, I wasn't impressed by the prices or the cuts of the clothes - it just seemed like a boring version of American Apparel with all its colorful stacks. But this year its seems that they've added a lot more variety and the prices have gone down considerably, not to mention they have frequent sales. Pants, jackets, lamb-wool and cashmere blend cardigans, scarves, pajamas - you name it! All in an unending spectrum of brilliant colors and warm-weather materials. A wonderful way to brighten up a winter closet! They have great choices for inner wear meant as padding under your coat, such as fleece jackets in every color for $20 or cashmere blend sweaters for $40. I've found that UNIQLO is relatively easy on your wallet without skimping on materials or wearability.

Credit: UNIQLO.com

My favorite innovation of UNIQLO is their new HeatTech line. This includes lightweight shirts and leggings that are made of a special fiber designed to use natural body moisture to insulate against the cold, just the way wool would. Now that the weather is bad, I throw one on every day no matter what I'm wearing. Unlike typical long underwear designs, HeatTech is wearable, including simple but flattering scoop-neck shirts and turtlenecks. Definitely sure to cure those winter blues this season!

Below are examples of HeatTech pieces incorporated into outfits:

Credit: UNIQLO.com

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