Here's What I Really Think of Supermarket Fashion
There's no denying the internet has completely changed the way we shop. If you're time-poor, you can now stock up on everything from party dresses to new jeans from the comfort of your sofa, seat on the train or gym mat (and let's face it—sometimes we spend more time scrolling than crunching). However, this is both a blessing and a curse. Convenient it may be, but at the same time, we often miss the rush of making a real-life purchase.
Call us old-school, but the mere thought of picking up all the essentials (and then some incredible wardrobe options to boot) in one fell swoop from a supermarket is frightful. It's enough to make a stylist come out in hives. That is until we started noticing friends and colleagues wearing great knitwear and smart outerwear from Tu at Sainsbury's or George at Asda that we didn't know what we were missing.
So over the course of the last few weeks, we've visited our local supermarkets to stock up on food (read: cheese) and drinks (read: wine), as well as household items, but something else has steadily started to catch our eye on a more regular basis: the fashion. From classic camel coats and checked separates that work for the office to silky tops and party-ready heels, a few choice destinations across the supermarket spectrum have actually impressed us. So much so that we felt compelled to share our secret with you.
In this instance (as with all the comprehensive high street and affordable content we offer you), it's about a carefully curated edit. One cannot simply walk into a local supermarket, grab anything off the rails and pray for success. You need to know what kind of fabrics, cuts, colours and trends to favour and which to avoid. Oh, and think about what it is you really need and what will have the longest lifespan in your closet. Keep scrolling to see our edit of the best supermarket fashion brands…
No jumper is more timeless than a cream cable knit. We'll be wearing this in a bigger size for a cooler, roomier fit. Remember that many affordable jumpers do not have a high wool content, which means they won't last quite as long. In addition, cheaper options might not be as sustainable or warm as a quality jumper.
There's still time to get in on the corduroy trend. Marks and Spencer's cut is flattering and the sizing is sensible (unlike, say, Zara, where you're suddenly 10 sizes bigger).
This will look so chic worn with burgundy boots. It's so hard to tell the difference between expensive- and cheap-looking animal prints that you can often get away with affordable versions.
These cute heart earrings look way more expensive than they actually are.
These strides will work just as well for the office as they will for drinks with the girls. With many brands within this realm, there are often lots of sizing options. For example, these go from a 6 up to a 24.
Corduroy is a fabric that often looks more luxe and expensive than it is. Wear this skirt with a white cotton blouse, sheer black tights and heeled boots.
Look for the brand's higher price-point collections, such as Tu's Premium offering. The difference in price is really reflected in the design and quality. For example, this seemingly classic trench has had a cute overhaul with the addition of floral embroidery.
Related: The Affordable Fashion Label Our Editor Wants to Keep a Secret
M&S is a great place to stock up on modest, affordable dresses. We've seen this sunny style on countless influencers.
Affordable, good-looking faux fur has really jumped up a notch this year, which means high-street brands are able to create pretty authentically fluffy items like this. Wear this cropped faux-fur jacket with your favourite straight-leg jeans and loafers.
I'd say it's better to buy the kind of bags you don't use every day from the high street and put your money toward a decent leather bag for everyday wear (aka something that you won't come across in every supermarket store). So for the moment, this cylindrical bag is a great one to wear to parties.
These will look the office part worn with a grey long-sleeved top. I often find that cheaper brands cut culottes shorter than you'd ideally want, so it may be a good idea to try a size up and belt them tighter.
Give this skirt an after dark overhaul with a black camisole and platform heels.
This will look chic paired with woollen wide-leg trousers.
Related: The 5 Perfect Pillars of Carrie Bradshaw's Winter Capsule Wardrobe
A checked coat is an easy way to give every look a bright overhaul, and the trend comes back every single winter.
Just add your favourite little black dress.
Off-duty, relaxed staples make up a big part of many a supermarket fashion retailer's offering. This hooded cardigan is a prime example of something that still feels elevated.
The belted waist will help add definition to your frame, and we know girls who really rate the denim in Sainsbury's.
See? We told you supermarket fashion brands had upped the ante. Now let's take a look at the best ankle boots for every budget…
Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over thirteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content specifically for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, leads the editorial team in their SEO strategy and keyword planning, works closely with the beauty team on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media, including her own Who What Wear UK TikTok franchise, French Style Fridays. Previously, Maxine appeared on ITV's This Morning in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o.
Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship at Look magazine, she was offered a position on the brand's fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. Her passion and natural talent for writing and styling meant she swiftly rose through the ranks to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion and beauty writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief, overseeing both print and digital, before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others.
Maxine is based remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh where she spends her downtime renovating her house, walking her dogs, hosting friends and trying to master the art of making Old Fashioned cocktails.
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