By now, you’re probably well aware it’s Black Friday weekend. Discount signs and sale notices will be taking over your inbox, and every website from beauty to homeware has been rearranged to share the good news. If you’re anything like me, it can feel a little overwhelming, especially if you’re easily enticed by a deal (who could blame you?). So, I’m here to break through the noise and share the black friday investment pieces that are actually worth your while.
Sarah wears the Frankie Shop Bea blazer.
What makes an item truly worth it? Well, I’ve considered plenty of factors. Of course, you want to get a great deal, because there’s nothing better than exclaiming “I got it on sale” when someone asks where your clothes are from. But at a time when we’re all looking to shop more considerately, for the planet and for our pockets, there’s a few things to keep in mind.
Firstly, does it have longevity? You might be eyeing up a great pair of bright blue sunglasses that are so cool and trending, but is it a style you’d want forever, or do you just love the savings more? There’s plenty of reliable investments, such as a classic camel coat, that will work hard in your wardrobe for years to come. Secondly, is the quality worth the original price? Taking time to look at fabrics will ensure its worth the price, markdown or not. For example, I love a bargain as much as the next person, but if I’m investing my hard earned cash in a pair of new boots, I’m looking for a durable leather that will see me through plenty of winters to come, and if I do end up damaging them, can be repaired instead of thrown away. (And yes, I’ve found a great pair that come in at only £102!). Finally, what will be my cost per wear? You may have seen a gorgeous embellished dress that would make you feel like a princess any day, but if you don’t have occasion to wear it, is it really worth the splurge? Perhaps a great pair of blue jeans that you’ll wear every day and night will let your money go further.
As always, it’s completely up to you, and if your heart is set on a particular piece just because you want it, that’s totally your choice. However, if you’re stuck on what to invest in this Black Friday Weekend, keep scrolling for my concise edit.
Regardless of moving trends from year to year, the camel coat returns each autumn and winter to add a classic feel to modern wardrobes. Over decades, this beige hue has become synonymous with polished looks, and adds an elegance to any outfit. Camel coats come in plenty of variation, but if you want one you’ll be happy to wear this winter, and every winter to come, I’d suggest a wrap style. Theory’s Wrap Coat is cinched with a belt, and the relaxed shape still brings a polished feel but can be worn more casually with jeans, or elevated with tailored trousers too. And at 30% now is the time to take the sartorial plunge. Everyone from Kate Middleton to Hailey Bieber has sported a camel coat this season, proving regardless of your personal style, this coat will work in your wardrobe.
Reformation may gain a lot of attention for its beautifully crafted dresses, but there’s much more to this brand than their frocks. Notably, sustainability sits at the forefront of their creations, using recycled materials, deadstock and repurposed vintage to achieve this. Beyond sustainable practises, the most-loved pieces are issued in extended sizes ranging from an 18 to 28. And finally, and most notably now during Black Friday, the best-selling Mason Pants (and everything on their website) are 25% off. The slouchy silhouette embodies the wide-leg style that has reigned supreme this year, and is showing now sign of going away. These trousers come in a variety of colours, with the classics (black, khaki, mushroom, oyster) all coming in extended sizes. And they’ll look great with the Saint Laurent loafers above.
If you’re investing in leather this sale weekend, Wandler is a great place to start. The Dutch accessories brand broke onto the fashion scene with its clean shapes and high quality leather. Entering at a mid price point, this recognisable arm candy is more purse friendly than others, especially this weekend. You don’t have to be a handbag enthusiast to know that this is a great investment. A mid-size bag is an essential in every wardrobe, big enough to carry your essentials, plus a brolly if needed (which it usually is). The sleek shape will fit neatly under your shoulder thanks to the triangular profile. Though black may feel more classic, this beige hue adds a point of difference whilst maintaining the timeless appeal. The Wandler Penelope has quickly become a firm favourite amongst handbag lovers, thanks to its minimalist yet modern looking form, and at 30% off I’m sure it’s following will only increase.
COS might be the fashion set’s worst kept secret. The high-street brand focuses on essentials that make up the modern wardrobe. Each of their hard-working staples could easily pass for designer, and the quality matches the imagined price tag. But offered at an affordable price, shopping COS is always a good idea, a great one even, if you invest during the 20% off Black Friday Weekend. To stop you from being overwhelmed by discounts, the brand has offered a carefully curated selection of timeless gems in this year’s sale edit. There’s plenty of brilliant pieces to choose from, and I can confirm I’ve already invested in a few of the season-less staples, but this striped knit is a stand out of their sale. Stripes are the go-to print for minimalist wardrobes, to add a contrasting aspect to paired-back styles. This knit is not only a layering piece to rely on, but the relaxed silhouette and interesting half-stripe-half-plain gives it an elevated feel that no one would expect from a £63 jumper.
Investment pieces come in all shapes and sizes, and don’t exclude our favourite high-street brands. This Black Friday, we’ve turned our attention to these Warehouse Knee-High Boots as a solid investment piece that will prove their worth within your wardrobe. The past few years have seen a resurgence in knee-high silhouettes, and this black heeled version are a versatile option. Made from 100% real leather, and featuring a block heel, Warehouse has really considered comfort and longevity when creating this pair. Thicker heels are notoriously more comfortable than stilettos, allowing you to get more use out of this boot than you would were it uncomfortable. The pointed toe adds a modern touch to the classic shoe that will continue to feel fresh for years to come. At 40% off, this one’s a no-brainer.
Frankie Shop has emerged as a cult brand for minimalists. The considered styles take classic shapes, and add a fresh feel by playing with oversized forms. The end result is a collection of staple pieces that form a chic capsule wardrobe with plenty of outfit formulas to be made. The Bea Crepe Blazer features a boxy silhouette and timeless charcoal fabric. Pair with matching trousers, denim jeans, or show off the accentuated shape with leggings. Snap up this treasure for 30% off now at Net-a-porter.
I’m always fascinated by the changing trends in footwear. Some styles move in waves and once they comes back into style, it takes years before we see any movement away from it, and then the cycle repeats. Just think of ballet flats that were ousted for a long time and yet have returned again to be the break-out shoe for this season and the next. Even if the trend peters out, its only a matter of time before the return to sartorial heights. On the other hand, loafers seem to be an eternal style. Regardless of season or trend, loafers have stuck fast within stylish circles. Yes, they may vary from chunky soles to slimmer shapes, but the classic forms remain en vogue nonetheless. That’s why investing in a pair of loafers this Black Friday will repay in kind every year to come. Whether you’re styling them with puddle pants now, or with shorts and a tee for summer, the cost-per-wear will be minute, especially when you consider the savings.
Is there anything more classic than a pair of blue jeans? This versatile denim has been around for well over a century, and will continue to be a staple forevermore. Though cuts and colours can move in and out of fashion, the straight-leg blue jean exists above trending styles. The hard-working piece can work for almost any occasion; the office, dinners out, running errands, and more. As such a hard-working piece in your wardrobe, investing in the perfect pair will always pay it’s way in cost-per-wear. Max Mara’s zena jeans are composed of 100% cotton and are cut to a straight style that suits all figures, and withstand changing trends. Right now, find them at 30% off on Matches.
You’ll always reach for this cosy coat in winter.
Knitted with touches of merino and cashmere.
So many outfit formulas include a classic shirt.
Everyday hoops.
Every winter I’m grateful for investing in a long puffer coat.
The classic shape, and beige tone make this a true forever piece.
This shape will forever be in style.
Black blazers are a true wardrobe hero.
A chic carry-all tote for all your office essentials, or filling with in-flight needs when travelling.
Indulge in this cashmere cardigan every time the temperature drops.
If you don’t have an LBD in your arsenal, now is the time to invest.
White trainers, especially Veja’s, have remained a key part of the fashion set’s uniform.
Ghost’s slip dresses are well-known for their timeless appeal and high quality.
