How to make the most of Black Friday Sale
Black Friday has a bad reputation.
But I think it’s only as bad as we make it.
I actually love a good sale. In fact some of my favourite pieces are bargain sale finds (including my beautiful cashmere jumpers or warm and luxurious alpaca coat).
Sale can be your best friend if you know exactly what you're looking for, you do your research and if you are intentional with your purchases.
It took me many years of experimenting and mindless shopping to understand what I really value in my wardrobe. Now in my late 30’s (very late!) I think I finally have a good feel of what materials and staples make a timeless capsule. And because good quality and natural material garments are not cheap, that’s where sale come in very handy.
What to avoid:
Short-lived trends.
Do your research first. Think if it’s something that will stay with you for a few seasons, will you wear it next year and most of all, does it go with your personal style.Cheaply made one season garments.
Make sure you get the best quality for your budget. If you really like the style or cut of the item but the quality is not there, try to find a higher end equivalent of that item in different stores, preferably sustainably and ethically made.Impulse purchases.
Don’t just browse the entire sale section. This is a trap and nothing good can come out of it. Check your wardrobe first and find what’s missing. Know what you want exactly, the colour, size, length, fit and material. You will be more selective and successful with your shopping if you're looking for a specific thing like: wool black long double breasted coat with a breathable lining, like acetate or viscose as opposed to just a wool coat.High maintenance pieces.
More and more shops use this trick when they can't guarantee their garment will stand the test of washing machine. Please check the care instructions on the website or care label if you are in a physical shop. It will cost you a fortune to keep your beige cotton trousers clean if they are dry clean only. And btw this is often a sign of a questionable quality of clothes. I always pass when I see that dry clean icon on something that I would want to wear on a daily basis.
Based on my experience and many mistakes that I made in the past, there are only three reasons why I check Black Friday deals:
Clothes I already liked or had on my shopping list but couldn't afford or justify buying full price.
Things I need for Christmas gifts or any other occasion I may have.
Practical things like electronics or homeware that I need to upgrade.
Categories that I think are worth looking for in sale:
Winter coats.
If you haven’t invested in a wool coat, this is the time to go shopping. Remember, this is the first thing people see when they look at you (plus bag and shoes of course) so look for good quality, well made and warm pieces. A winter coat that’s gonna keep you warm should be at least 70% wool and have a breathable lining made from viscose, acetate, cotton or cupro. Check the composition, the fabrics that will give your coat extra insulation are: alpaca, mohair, cashmere, virgin wool or if you have unlimited budget, camel. Of course if you are vegan, you would be looking at different options but unfortunately they won't be as warm as wool.Good quality puffer jackets.
Not a quilted jacket with polyester filling. I’m talking either down and feather or synthetic down. More and more shops offer recycled down which means no animal cruelty in the process. I also highly highly recommend ultra light down jackets that you can wear underneath your usual coats for extra insulation.Luxurious fabric knitwear.
Jumpers, cardigans, turtlenecks or even dresses. Many shops offer up to 30% off original price which means a lot when it comes to expensive fabric such as wool, cashmere or silk. My advice is to find the best quality you can afford but check the “what to avoid” section before you buy a wool top. And frankly, I bought some jumpers in their original price and these are some of the items I regret I didn't wait for sale.Winter accessories.
Everything that covers your head, hands and neck from the cold. I can't imagine any Winter without at least one cosy set of wool or cashmere beanie, scarf and a pair of gloves. Black Friday or Christmas sale is a great time to stock up on these.Shoes.
First of all, winter boots and good quality slippers. Timeless style and colour, leather (if you're not vegan) upper and lining. But also check different shoes like sneakers or loafers so when the winter is finished you have your lovely new pair of bargain shoes.Handbags and small leather goods (SLG).
Some shops offer sale across the entire collection, including accessories. More luxurious websites tend to have selected edits where you can find some bags, wallets or belts. This may not apply to luxury brands but it's worth checking.High quality jewellery and watches.
Check brands that specialise in real gold and silver or high quality plated pieces.Kids clothes and winter boots.
Good quality clothes for the little ones can get very expensive, especially leather and shearling boots. And only if you're really lucky your child will wear them more than one season or they’ll pass them on to younger siblings. TIP: Try the women section for beanies and scarves. My girls wear cashmere polo-neck collars as scarves (now 20% off for members) and cashmere beanies from Uniqlo women.Kids bedding.
I know this is not clothing but I have to mention it. And as much as I am not a fan of H&M in general, they are
the only affordable shop that offers duvet covers for kids made out of 100% organic cotton (and nice unisex designs). This year I am also looking to upgrade my daughters’ duvets as I want their bedding to be made from 100% natural and breathable materials, like wool and cotton.
My one rule that I apply to any shopping, if I have doubts and I feel like I have to convince myself, is: WHEN IN DOUBT GO WITHOUT.
What’s the worst that can happen if you miss the sale. It’s not the end of the world. There will be another one, and who knows, maybe even better.
And if you DO decide to buy it to try on at home ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS check the return policy so you have an open window. Look for easy or free returns and be aware of tax and customs when you order from abroad.
