Need a Christmas party outfit but short on time? How about picking one up next time you do your weekly shop?
We asked four big supermarket names to show us the best they have to offer and feature writer Grace Macaskill tried them off for size.
GEORGE @ ASDA
The best outfit: White grid check high neck blouse (£16 ), black jersey silver sequin skirt (£14)
The little skirt was stretchy, stylish and short. Great if you’ve got the legs, but also looks good with boots if you’re a bit older. The blouse looks quite classy so it’s a shame the fabric feels cheap and as slippery as an eel. But, for £30 quid whose complaining?
The worst outfit: Black leather look trousers (£18) floral top (£16)
I felt like a missing member of Boyzone in these plastic-feel trousers, which would leave me fearful to stand too close to my kids at a Christingle service.
The floral blouse would be quite cute if you were a size 8 with a washboard stomach as opposed to a mum of two. A bit of a turkey.
Marks for style: 5/10
Marks for comfort: 6/10
Marks for value: 6/10
Overall mark: 17/30
F&F at Tesco
The best outfit: sequin frill sleeve dress (£20)
This is a cracker. The pale sequins shimmer and shine in the light without being over-the-top. It is lined which makes it a real bargain, but its edges are a little itchy.
The worst outfit: Gold twist sequin dress (£40)
Not my favourite but not the 'worst'. F&F's party dresses are good this year. This is a nice shape for bust women but, with a top attached, was a faff. Its frill sleeve competitor is far better value.
Marks for style: 8/10
Marks for comfort: 7/10
Marks for value: 9/10
Overall mark: 24/30
Tu at Sainsburys
The best outfit: Black skirt with metallic rainbow stripes (£16.50). Sparkly jumper (£18.75).
A great family party day or Christmas Day outfit. The rainbow skirt light and floaty. The jumper is a bit heavy for my liking.
The worst outfit: Black jumper with silver sparkles (£15) Crushed velvet trousers (£18)
Trousers brought back memories of bad 80s outfits. The jumper is just too drab, but still nice quality.
Marks for style: 6/10
Marks for comfort: 8/10
Marks for value: 8/10
Overall mark: 22/30
Marks& Spencer
The best outfit: Gold sparkle dress (£69)
A proper show-stopper. This dress is sequinned but comfy, lined beautifully and drapes over every curve. Feels luxurious.
Worth the extra cash, unless you change your festive outfit every year.
The worst outfit: Jumpsuit (£49.50)
I’ve never liked jumpsuits and this one had me channelling my inner Andy Pandy. It’s the wrong shape for my figure. If jumpsuits are your thing, the side stripes give it a subtle nod to Xmas, for those who shy away from full-on sparkle.
Marks for style: 7/10 (for the sequinned dress alone!)
Marks for comfort: 9/10
Marks for value: 7/10
Overall mark: 23/30
VERDICT
It has to be sequins and sparkles all the way this year. But you don't need to go with traditional shimmer to look fabulous.
The golden rule is to keep your outfit simple, unless you want to risk looking like a gaudy bauble.
F&F just pipped Marks&Spencer which shows you don’t always need to spend big to look good, although Marks’s gold dress is also great value if you wear it to a few parties.
Asda’s clothes can look nice if you pick the right thing but it’s gone a bit too retro this year in my opinion.
Of all those to choose from, my personal favourite single piece must be the pretty rainbow skirt by Tu.
