Make sure you're not left on the shelves

THERE is nothing more satisfying than seeing the look on someone's face when you state that the outfit they have just complemented you on came straight off the rails at a supermarket.

Our big three - Tesco, Asda and Sainsbury's - are really upping the ante when it comes to fashion, bringing out collections that would have the world's most confident designers cowering in the corner.

Gone are the days of basic jeans and simple t-shirts, and in their place structured dresses, quirky footwear and killer coats fill the fixtures, begging for your attention as you browse the biscuit aisle.

The biggest surprise when it comes to supermarket chic is the fact that the looks are all part of cohesive collections which stay focused on a certain theme. This is something we are more used to seeing on our high street rather than in our food stores.

Tesco is trying out new up-and-coming designers such as the East London label Liquorish, giving the rest of the country a chance to sample its stock.

Tesco's own collection, F&F, has had a fierce facelift with the arrival of the couture range, which is available exclusively online. They have dipped their toes into high fashion and trend-based looks, giving us playsuits and tie dye maxis to purr over.

Asda has always been a crowd pleaser with its George collections. The store's pieces are so versatile - making one dress fit two different looks has always been a doddle. The feminine floral print dress would look great dolled up for a formal affair, with the layered skirt making it look double its price tag.

It works even better with a studded belt around the waist and some ballet pumps to make the look much more day time.

Sainsbury's TU range has fun with fashion, taking the trends and making them wearable, but most importantly doing it in a way that won't leave you feeling like you've just spent a fortune keeping en vogue.

The best bit about supermarket chic is that you can go top to toe supermarket without compromising on the style stakes.

1. Tribal jumpsuit, 22, F&F at Tesco; Suede sandals, 15, Tesco; Studded belt, stylist's own

2. Cream trench coat, 30, Tesco; Leopard print scarf, 4.00, Sainsbury's; Black shoes, 18, Tesco

3. Floral dress, 18, George at Asda; Pink pumps, 5, Tesco; Studded belt, stylist's own

4. Zebra jumper, 8, TU at Sainsbury's; Leggings, 5, TU at Sainsbury's; Red trainers, 8, Sainsbury's

5. Tribal dress, 16, Tesco; Trilby, 16, M&S; Snakeskin sandals, 10, Sainsbury's

6. Blue dress, 16, F&F at Tesco; Bangles, various prices, Sainsbury's