Many people have a pipe dream to be able to live the glamorous life by purchasing all the finest designer clothes at the top of the pricing range. However when reality sets in, the realisation of this being unachievable in the near future dawns.
With the cost of living crisis in the UK providing the squeeze for many families, splashing the cash on new wardrobe additions is often the last thing on people’s minds. That doesn’t mean you should settle for the disposable fast-fashion option though, and there are cheat codes to get around this financial stumbling block to still impress your friends and family with your fashion choices.
The key to this is knowing where to look. Supermarkets and their clothing ranges are a great sanctuary for hidden gems that wouldn’t look out of place at some of the high street’s finest retail outlets.
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George at Asda, Tesco’s F&F, Tu at Sainsbury's, Aldi and Lidl all offer a variety of high quality items of clothing that tend to prove popular with consumers while not putting them out of pocket. Far from limiting themselves to groceries, they have all identified the potential of the fashion market to branch out accordingly.
Fashion editor Harriet Walker identified some of their offerings for The Times that she recommends to keen shoppers.
To begin with, Walker states that Sainsbury’s £6 Birkenstock-esque pool sandals “bear more than a passing resemblance to a designer version on sale for £200.” Coming in varieties of bright colours, ranging from red, yellow and green, these sandals are a great choice for summer footwear at a fraction of the price of those seen in more specialist stores.
The fashion expert was also drawn to a £14 pair of stretchy-waist and thigh-covering tailored boxer-ish shorts. These can be bought in either black or khaki.
One issue that people often identify when it comes to buying cheap alternatives is the lack of longevity. Harriet recommends going versatile and generic, as opposed to potentially recognisable, as this will set you up for a lengthier period of time.
Her Sainsbury’s puffer jacket, at just £16, remains in rotation four years on from the year of purchase. Additionally, she also recommends Tu’s non-wired bras from £12.
As for Tesco, their F&F cotton pyjamas represent a great nightwear choice, priced from £12.50. The cheapest of these are a pretty blue floral design, while there is also a Disney 101 Dalmatians offering as well as one entitled “White Happy Place Gardening Pyjamas”.
If you’re in need of baby clothes, Lidl is the place to go, providing cheap European baby clothes in natural fabrics, although this comes with a warning that they sell out quickly so you better get a move on! Away from clothing, both Asda and Aldi often sell “surprisingly tasteful wooden toys”, as Harriet states.
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