Black Friday tips 2023: how fashion editors actually shop in the sales

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A Black Friday shopping list ensures every purchase is considered. Use our fashion team’s tips and wish list to help you on your way.

Krissy Turner

25 November 2022

Hands up if you’ve lost your head in the midst of Black Friday deals, spontaneously buying something you didn’t actually need (or want) but that you felt you had to buy as the discount was just that good? Only to never wear it and end up throwing it on your Vinted 18 months later. We’ve all been there.

But we’re all about considered purchases now. Remember: It’s not a true bargain if you didn’t need it.

We’d like to say that as the Eliza fashion team, we have smart shopping down pat, but of course, we all make shopping mistakes. It’s for that reason, that after a lot of trial and error, we have our go-to categories that we know will be smart buys for our lifestyles and wardrobes.

Here’s what fashion editors really buy from the Black Friday deals, and why – then check out our Black Friday bargains and the best of Black Friday beauty next to plan your own shopping list…

Krissy shops for: Coats

Good coats are hard to come by at affordable price points, and it makes sense why. A great one will have attention to detail: think a nipped-in waist, internal pockets, a proper lining and a good thick belt. At a low price point, details aren’t always nailed. It’s for that reason I go for the best one I can afford come Black Friday deals: if a brand knocks 20-30% off, it brings a £100+ coat into my budget.

Since they cover your whole outfit for basically the whole season, you need to look and feel great in a coat, too, as well as the boring keeping-you-warm functional aspect. Look for a great one in the sales and you’ll never regret it.

Lottie shops for: Knitwear

Now is the perfect time to invest in great knitwear that’ll slot seamlessly into your winter wardrobe for months to come, but the best on the high street is still pricey. I’m happy to spend more for a neutral knit made from really soft wool or a cashmere mix that I’ll turn to all the time, but Black Friday deals are very welcome and will give my workwear the update it needs sooner.

Krissy shops for: Jewellery

You can take one look at me on any given day and my gold jewellery obsession is clear, so naturally it’s the first category I seek out over any sale period. Some of my favourite jewellery brands like Astrid & Miyu, Mejuri and Monica Vinader are taking part this year, and I plan to treat myself to a new ring and real gold hoops, since they’re now in my gold-plated budget.

Lottie shops for: Jeans

It’s not every week you’re looking to buy a pair of jeans, but as the foundation to so many of my outfits, I like to treat myself to a new pair or two every year that I’ll add to the rotation. Instead of spontaneously shopping new trends on Black Friday, it’s savvier to snap up something classic you’ll still be wearing next year.

Krissy shops for: Thermals

OK I didn’t say my list was glamorous, but if we’re really about smart shopping, clever layers (that mean you can keep the heating off a little longer or have a more pleasant commute) are the wisest buy as we head into properly cold weather. Since they’re a basic staple, thermals aren’t really on everyone’s radar when the glitz and excitement of Black Friday kicks in, so they’re always in stock. Snap them up at bargain prices while you can.

Lottie shops for: a NYE party dress

Save yourself from last minute outfit panic (and draining your bank account even more) at Christmas and New Year’s Eve with a new season dress you’ve snapped up in the Black Friday sales. If you’ve got events in the diary already and want to treat yourself to something new – now we can properly celebrate – it just makes sense to make the most of the discounts and some of our favourite brands are promising big things, with Omnes, Sister Jane and Kitri all offering 30% off their collections.

*Eliza may earn commission on sales from these product links

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