While as a fashion editor, I’m often surrounded by luxury pieces and one-of-a-kind designer styles, I’ll be honest, when it comes to my own wardrobe, my taste is much more reserved.
Yes, you’ll find a few designer handbags and a mid-range dress or two tucked away for a special occasion; however, on the whole, the majority of pieces I reach for on repeat are those that deliver on style without leaving my bank balance dipping worryingly close to the red. This is a mantra I live by year-round, whether shopping for wardrobe staples or statement party styles, because in my 10+ years working among some of the best-dressed women in fashion, I’ve learnt one key thing: you don’t need to spend a fortune to look expensive.
Of course, it helps to have an arsenal of brands to turn to that deliver on chic, trend-led styles at an affordable price point. That’s where the best supermarket fashion brands come into play. I’ve discovered more than a few gems while doing my weekly shop, including elevated blazers, super-soft loungewear and stylish accessories. Pieces that I’m sure nobody can tell I picked up in the same shop as my pint of milk.
Now, as many supermarkets work to elevate their in-house fashion collections, our perception of supermarket style (and as a result, our demand for it) is changing. In the past few years alone, we’ve seen George at Asda tap high fashion names, like fashion designer Roksanda Ilincic and model Amber Le Bon, to design and front collections respectively, while Tu at Sainsbury’s has spent the last year increasing their real leather and suede offering (and I have it on good authority, more styles are set to drop in the coming months).
It’s this move, towards a more luxurious aesthetic, still at an affordable price point, that has led to an increased appreciation of supermarket fashion among shoppers and fashion insiders, so much so that fashion platform LTK has seen an increase of 225 per cent in searches for “Tu at Sainsburys” in the past 30 days alone with searches for “Tesco Christmas Clothing” up 200 per cent as we move into the festive season.
“Supermarket fashion gets better each season,” explains Laura Puddy, fashion editor, stylist and presenter. “Price points are all really affordable and quality is often better than some of their high street counterparts. Plus, trends are far more prevalent across collections. This season, Tesco have everything from sequins to embellished co-ords and faux fur, whilst party wear from Tu at Sainsbury’s includes trending bubble hem satin tops (up to a size 24) and velvet two-pieces.”
As Laura touched on, nowhere is this commitment to tapping into the latest trends more evident than in many of the supermarket brands’ latest party wear drops. Alongside traditional sequins and sparkles, you’ll also find elegant bow detailing, seen on the AW25 catwalks at Valentino and Acne Studios, as well as velvet and lace fabrics, tapping into TikTok’s growing gothic glamour aesthetic.
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F&F at Tesco have even taken things a step further with an incredible chocolate brown polka dot dress reminiscent of an influencer favourite brand – a style which I predict is going to sell out in no time. Similarly, on LTK, shoppers already can’t get enough of Tu at Sainsbury’s burgundy velvet trousers, proving viral buys aren’t just a designer phenomenon. So, if those invites have started rolling in and you’ve found yourself asking the age-old question, “What am I going to wear?” allow me to share some fashion insider knowledge – the supermarkets are an untapped (yet growing) resource for chic party pieces.
There’s also no getting away from the fact that, in a time when many of us value convenience above all else, being able to update our wardrobe at the same time as doing the weekly shop has ample appeal. It’s this accessibility that I myself find especially alluring over the festive season, when the thought of heading to my local shopping centre and getting caught in the throng of last-minute shoppers fills me with dread. Instead, there’s a part of me that feels undeniably smug about opting for a supermarket trip to get my style fix, especially as brands like George at Asda and Tu at Sainsbury’s offer a click and collect service, so you don’t even need to pursue the aisles if you choose not to – although, let’s be honest, I usually can’t resist.
So, whether you’re planning ahead for a festive event or you’ve had a last-minute invite roll in and, like me, want to avoid the Christmas rush of the shopping centre, these are the best supermarket party wear pieces to shop right now.
12 best supermarket party wear buys
F&F Sequin Velvet Bow Jacket in Cream, £32.50
Looking for an easy way to elevate your favourite jeans? This sequin jacket, layered over a simple vest or bodysuit, will strike the perfect high-low balance at all your festive events. Ensure you wear the bows knotted to allow them to make maximum impact.
Tu Dark Green Sequin Embellished Strappy Midaxi Dress, £28
For a sophisticated interpretation of a sequin dress, I have to direct you to this camisole-style dress from Tu. In a rich forest green tone, it feels understated and elegant, while the 90s-inspired silhouette gives it an effortless finish.
F&F Polka Dot One-Shoulder Dress in Chocolate, £35
If you’re a fan of Rixo’s playful printed dresses, you need to get your hands on this polka dot style from F&F at Tesco. Featuring a sleek silhouette and vintage-inspired necktie, it looks so expensive for the price tag.
George Mocha Faux Fur Oversized Short Coat, £36
Any fashion stylist knows, a great coat can transform an outfit. This fuzzy number from George at Asda is the perfect example. Wear with everything from party dresses to jeans and a nice top to elevate and upgrade your look.
Tu Teal Crinkle Velvet Co-ord Blazer, £17.92
Much like sparkle and sequins, velvet is synonymous with the party season. For a twist on the trend, however, step away from basic black and instead indulge your more colourful side in this teal blazer.
Nutmeg Clothing, Black Pearl Bow Tie Cardigan, £18
At under £20, I’ve got to give it to Nutmeg at Morrisons, this bow detail cardigan is an absolute steal. Made from ribbed fabric, which hugs the body for a snug fit, and featuring the cutest embellished buttons, it’s a Christmas knit for people who don’t like Christmas knits.
George Black Velvet Bow Sleeveless Square Neck Mini Dress, £20.80
No party season wardrobe is complete without a little black dress, and this one ticks off so many trends, from bow detailing to velvet touches. An instant add to basket piece.
Nutmeg Clothing, Animal Satin Skirt, £17
Spotted on the AW25 catwalks at Khaite, Fendi and Saint Laurent, I’m not exaggerating when I say that leopard print is everywhere right now. Yet, while most brands are opting for more classic iterations, in tones of brown and black, I love this fresher take from Nutmeg, which bucks tradition in soft blue and grey tones.
F&F Halterneck Buttoned Waistcoat in Black, £22.50
If you thought tailoring was best left to luxury brands, allow this piece to prove you wrong. Here, F&F have taken the waistcoat to the next level with clever darted seams, to define the waist and create a trending peplum look, while statement buttons add even more refinement.
Tu Black Lace Co-ord Midaxi Full Skirt, £22.40
Ever since the arrival of Jenna Ortega’s Wednesday Addams, we’ve become gothic glam obsessed. To channel her witchy vibes through to the new year, pair this lace midaxi skirt with a black satin shirt and matching black accessories for a tonal look.
George Red Sequin Embellished Flared Full Length Trousers, £14.40
While the high street is undoubtedly awash with sequins this festive season, few styles will have you feeling festive quicker than these red sequin trousers from George. Wear with your favourite festive knit for Christmas jumper day, or a tailored blazer for your next night out and prepare for the compliments to roll in.
Tu Burgundy Single Breasted Velvet Co-ord Blazer, £24
Tu’s burgundy velvet suit has proved a bestseller on fashion platform LTK, with users snapping up the chic wide-leg trousers and blazer combo. While there are still plenty of sizes in stock, if you have missed out, LTK have launched an option where you can now follow your favourite brands (including your favourite supermarket fashion brands) so you can get ahead of viral buys before everyone else.
