My family and friends often use me as their personal (and free) stylist, particularly at this time of year when party season is approaching and cold-weather dressing is typically harder to nail. They’ll always ask me what I think they should invest in, as well as those staple pieces that are worth splurging vs saving on. Regardless of who’s asking, I’ll always send them to the same place: Uniqlo’s knitwear section. 

Uniqlo’s knitwear selection is, without a doubt, one of the best on the high street. To begin with, its cashmere is incredibly affordable (particularly when bearing in mind that other places charge three times the amount for the same fabric), so it’s no shock that Uniqlo has become the go-to destination. Another material Uniqlo has pinned down is its merino wool offerings – and that brings me onto my latest find, its 100% Merino V-Neck Jumper, £34.90.

Proving that simplicity never goes out of fashion, Uniqlo’s V-Neck Jumper has been updated for 2025 with a higher neckline and slightly baggier fit. It’s also made from 100% merino wool and is available in an entire spectrum of colours – anywhere from bright orange to off-white. 

To style, the grey and black iterations make for a reliable base layer, whether you choose to do a French-tuck into a pair of straight-leg jeans or layer it over a white t-shirt. Saying that, the real fun starts with colour. The orange jumper brings warmth underneath a trench coat or chocolate blazer, while the blue works best against denim or grey. 

So, when my phone inevitably lights up with the ‘what shall I wear?’ text, I’ll be sending the same link as always. And, while the search for the perfect winter knit can feel endless, Uniqlo’s 100% Merino V-Neck Jumper will quietly end it. How do I know that? Because it’s a knit that works for everyone in my contacts list, myself, and now you, too. 

Gemma Lavers is a fashion commerce writer at Grazia, where she tracks down viral pieces and is as comfortable navigating the M&S new-in page as she is dissecting the latest celebrity look. When not writing, shopping or at Reformer Pilates (a cliché but she’s hooked), Gemma will likely be planning her next holiday (and what she’s going to wear). For a glimpse into said travels, outfit inspo and life as a journalist, follow her on Instagram or TikTok.