Fashion / Partnership

Master the art of colour blocking with Uniqlo’s linen staples

By Clare McInerney

Photo: Ellen Nykvist

This summer, Uniqlo and Vogue Scandinavia join forces to reimagine colour blocking through the lens of breathable, beautiful linen. From bold brights to earthy tones, discover how to master the art of intentional dressing with timeless staples crafted for everyday ease

In the ever-swirling cycle of fashion trends, few returns feel as satisfying – and as wearable – as the resurgence of colour blocking. This summer, bold hues are back with purpose, cutting through the beige of Scandi minimalism with considered contrasts and a whisper of playfulness. But this isn’t your early-2010s revival. This is colour blocking grown up. And at the heart of it all? Linen.

Photo: Ellen Nykvist

Enter Uniqlo’s spring/summer '25 Linen Collection: a masterclass in marrying chromatic confidence with breezy natural fibres. In partnership with Vogue Scandinavia, the Japanese retailer – known for its pioneering LifeWear philosophy – has crafted a capsule that proves that vibrant can still be refined, and that linen doesn’t have to come in 50 shades of oatmeal.

Here, quality meets colour theory. Think dopamine brights grounded in earthy neutrals, sorbet pastels layered like gelato on a Copenhagen stoop, and deep indigos and ochres paired with sun-bleached flax tones. The hero pieces? Uniqlo’s premium linen shirts, crafted from 100% natural linen grown in Western Europe: timeless, tactile and tailored for repeat wear.

Photo: Ellen Nykvist

Photo: Ellen Nykvist

For women, the standout styles include the linen blend skort and the easy pants – both of which combine the breezy coolness of linen with the softness of cotton –with elasticated construction for a summer spent sitting in café chairs. There’s also the new sleeveless blouse and narrow skirt pairing: the perfect outfit for lounging artfully.

Photo: Ellen Nykvist

Men aren’t left behind in the colour revolution. The premium linen shirt – crisp, breathable, endlessly layerable – returns in new hues, while relaxed cotton-linen shorts and shirt jackets make a strong case for tonal dressing, whether you’re navigating a coastal weekend or just your local deli queue.

The real magic, though, lies in the versatility. These are not statement pieces that shout. They’re the kind that whisper, quietly powerful in their palette, intentional in their design. Colour blocking here doesn’t mean chaos. It means clarity. A tomato red shirt worn with dusty pink trousers. A lemon blouse tucked into olive green shorts. Cobalt on navy. And linen, always, as the grounding force.

Photo: Ellen Nykvist

Photo: Ellen Nykvist

Photo: Ellen Nykvist

Caring for linen, of course, is part of the ritual. Uniqlo’s pieces are made to last, with fibres that grow softer with every wear, provided you give them a little love (and maybe a quick steam). It’s slow fashion, with a statement streak. So whether you're stepping into colour blocking for the first time or simply seeking to freshen up your summer staples, Uniqlo’s take offers a wearable way forward: breezy and brilliant.

New to colour blocking in your wardrobe? Follow the four simple rules below to maintain a balanced look.

Photo: Ellen Nykvist

1

Start with a statement base

Begin your look with a bold foundation - think a red linen shirt or cobalt blue wide-leg trousers. Uniqlo's 100% premium linen shirts offer both naturally breathable, lightweight comfort as well as a pop of colour thanks to a wide range of 30 hues to choose from.

2

Use the colour wheel wisely

Time to get theoretical! Combine similar shades like brown and beige for a nuanced palette, or stronger contrasting tones like teal with bright white for an impactful choice that feels intentional and stylish. Anchor your looks with neutral tones and add a dash of colour for a daring touch of character.

3

Play with textures

Linen, linen blends, cotton, and more - mixing textures is a subtle but powerful way to elevate your colour-blocked ensemble. The crisp, detailed texture of linen with its gentle wrinkles has made it a time-tested perennial summer favourite for a reason.

4

Keep accessories minimal

Let the colours lead. Choose understated trainers and a mini bag to keep the focus on your expertly curated Uniqlo linen shades.

Shop Vogue Scandinavia's curated edit of Uniqlo linen pieces to colour-block below:


100% premium linen shirt

Uniqlo

SHOP NOWEUR 50
Sleeveless linen blend mini dress

Uniqlo

SHOP NOWEUR 40
Sleeveless linen blend blouse

Uniqlo

SHOP NOWEUR 30
Linen blend skort

Uniqlo

SHOP NOWEUR 30
Linen blend easy trousers

Uniqlo

SHOP NOWEUR 25
Linen blend open collar shirt

Uniqlo

SHOP NOWEUR 35
100% premium linen shirt

Uniqlo

SHOP NOWEUR 50
Linen cotton shorts

Uniqlo

SHOP NOWEUR 30

Photographer: Ellen Nykvist
Stylist: Robert Rydberg
Makeup Artist & Hair Stylist: Caroline Ljusterdal
Models: Emma S, Ishi O
Photographer Assistant: Hinke Tovle
Stylist Assistants: Amelie Langenskiöld, Charlie Moss, Anna Fahlström
Makeup Artist & Hair Stylist Assistant: Valentin di Luca
Production: Rebecka Thorén