I started drafting this post before giving birth (hence the baby bump here) and got a little sidetracked with newborn life! I often get requests for affordable finds from Uniqlo, and wanted to share a few simple but slightly elevated basics that I like from there. Pre-pregnancy I was usually a consistent size XS in Uniqlo, but for pieces that look more oversized or long in design, it would be worth trying XXS (an online-only size) if you’re very petite.
1. Petite-Friendly Airism Leggings (more colors)
The fabric on these are wonderfully soft and lighter in weight, perfect for both lounging and exercising. The high rise hits at a flattering point on me, and the 25″ inseam of a size XS worked surprisingly well on me without hemming needed! See other colors in their Airism soft leggings – note, I ordered my printed leggings from the exact link above, and am not certain how the other colors run in length.
Sizing wise I have XS from pre-pregnancy (fits a 24-25″ waist, comparable to an xxs in some other brands), and squeezed into them here just to show the length.
2. Slouchy Crew Neck Sweatshirt
Just enough slouch in the fit throughout the sleeves and torso, with a wider banded waist and slightly cropped length.
3. Waffle tunic tee (on sale for under $15!)
My mom (pictured below) and I have both been wearing this layering basic on regular rotation! It’s an oversized, boxier fit that works for petite ladies to wear with leggings. I’m a fan of the thicker waffle texture, curve hem bottom, and mid-length sleeves with banded arm openings so that you can push them up on your elbows for a slouchier look. It’s been machine washed & dried many times now and seems to hold up well.
Here’s the same top on me during pregnancy (below left) and postpartum (below right), knotted up with a hair tie:
2. Drape Crew Neck Tee
Great basic in a fluid material that feels light as air. The draped cut helps elevate it from a simple tee shirt, and it also knots easily over leggings or maternity dresses / bottoms.
4. Boatneck knit top
Very lightweight knit top in an easy silhouette, similar in cut to the drape crew neck tee above. I wouldn’t exactly call it a “sweater” like they do since it’s so light. Looks great half tucked in the front with jeans, or knotted as shown in the first photo in this blog post! Since the material is perforated, it’s semi sheer so I’d recommend wearing a cami like their bra top camis underneath.
Other Uniqlo pieces to check out
- 3D knit cotton sweater in boat neck vs crewneck – didn’t get a chance to try this on, but saw this in store and the material felt nice quality (tighter weave that seemed less snag-prone, medium weight thickness). The cut of the boatneck version is very similar to the slouchy chic sweatshirt in my second photo above!
- Fluffy yarn fleece zip up – Soo soft, warm and comfortable. I have xs.
- Shape wear shorts (also comes in a Heattech thermal version): A longtime staple of mine. Comfortable, lightweight and not too restricting. Check out my IGTV for a tip on how I wear this to help tuck in tops smoothly!
- Hooded ultra light down puffer coat – I’ve tried on the prior year versions of this coat and it’s good for mild winters. Size xxs is online only.
- Seamless down short coat – keeping an eye on this to go on sale to try on! Shorter more petite-friendly length than many of their oversized outerwear styles, and functional features such as water resistant outer. Size xxs is online only.
Hi Jean! Love your Uniqlo posts, they have pointed me towards so many great basics! Off-topic question: where did you get your dress form? It’s so pretty!
Thank you Elle! Unfortunately it was a vintage store find a few years ago.
Hi Jean! Love Uniqlo and this post. What color is the crew neck sweatshirt you have on in the photo?
Thank you Megan! I have the beige crew neck
One word of caution on Uniqlo airism leggings to let fellow readers, the fabric composition varies between printed vs. solids. Check before you buy! I bought an S in both, which was so perfect for printed but the solid black pair was far less stretchy and constricting on the waist and bum.
That’s good to know, thank you!
your mom looks so young! i love the styles on both of you, thanks for this very helpful post.
Great post, Jean, and your mom is so cute! (I’m closer to her age and about her size so I love it when she turns up in your blog). I also recommend the Smart Pant, f/k/a Easy Pant, which is as comfy as a sweat pant but much more polished. It comes in a lot of colors, including a brushed cotton for cold days. Plus for $5 you can have it shortened to your inseam length.
THanks, Margaret, for the kind comment and your rec! I do love how they offer hemming for several items online … very handy for those who know their ideal inseam.
I love your bedding. I know, I know, very random comment not about your post at all. Do you have a link or remover where you got it? I am in the market for neutral whistle duvet cover and this looks perfect.
Hi Margaret! All of my bedroom and bedding details are linked under the first photo in this post.
Hi Jean! Do you have the ivory or oatmeal Uniqlo tunic top? Thanks!!
Hi Ann, its the oatmeal beige one!
Your Mother looks great in these jeans. Attractive outfit. She has a BEAUTIFUL smile. I like seeing her smile in her pictures. 🙂 So pretty.
So sweet of you, Susan! I may be a little biased but I have to agree : )
Can I say that I’m closer to your mom’s age and I LOVE when she appears in your posts to show that us older ladies can still be stylish.
Hi Barbara, thanks so much for your kind comment! I know my mom would just love hearing that.
Where did you mom get her handbag in the pictures above?
Hi Debbie, the bag my mom is using is a Goyard St. Louis tote