Photo: Photo-Illustration: Strategist; Photos: Retailers
Now that I’ve covered the Black Friday shopping holiday for several years, I can confidently say: Whether you’re shopping for gifts or just for yourself, fashion deals can be hit or miss during the post-Thanksgiving shopping season. It’s tempting to see every offer as the best deal, but not all coupon codes are created equal. I should know—as a writer tasked with helping out with many of Strategist’s fashion stories—including writing about the best button-downs, high-waisted jeans, and shapewear—I’m pretty savvy about what’s ticking during Cyber Weekend.
At most retailers, especially the big ones, anything less than 20 percent isn’t worth your time. (Although when possible, we consider pricing history and trends and evaluate recent offers accordingly.) For 30 percent or more discounts or bargains are rare, or you Really Love something, don’t love boldly.
For this list of the best Black Friday fashion deals, I made a point to feature items from retailers we’ve written about in the past and items with our expert-recommended Strategist seal—like Otessa Moshfegh’s favorite pajamas and the ever-popular Levi’s. “Gold Jeans” Personally, I do most of my shopping at Olympia Guyot J.Crew – I bought this crystal-necked crop top, but I plan to continue browsing the site in my spare time.
If you are shopping in other product categories, such as mattress or beauty, Be sure to check out our guide to the best Black Friday sales, and sign up for our newsletter for more deals coverage.
It only happens once a year: get 30 percent off (almost) full-price items. Plus, get an extra 50 percent off sale items.
This classic ribbed pullover comes in the most on-trend Schiaparelli shocking pink shade.
Baggu is a big hit with strategists — and if you haven’t made the switch yet, now’s your chance to get 20 percent off during Cyber Weekend.
Strategist senior writer Lisa Corcillo considers the laptop sleeve the best thing she bought last year. “Ultrapadded” design protects your computer while sliding, so it “glides.”[s] Quickly and easily into a bag or purse. (And the “neon pink” version is a favorite of Strategist senior editor Jane Trollio.)
On Black Friday, the Brooklyn-based fine jewelry maker has 15 percent off almost everything. So it’s big news that for the first time this year, most of the site is 20 percent off. Catbird’s jewelry department is full of (literal and figurative) gems, but check out their (admittedly smaller selection) home and beauty picks for smart wares (like this chocolate caviar tin).
This is the cheapest of the company’s signature rings (which won’t leave my finger).
The underwear maker is offering up to 60 percent off a selection of their best bras.
Amanda McMillan, the general manager of a restaurant in Brooklyn, supports the “French-girl-within-a-structured-box-menswear” bra.
Like Baggu, Dagne Dover is a big name in the bag space. Whether you need one for domestic or international travel, get 25 percent off the site with code BFRIYAY25.
Strategist writer Ariel Aviva said, “You’ve never been a big bag person” until you tried this. She easily holds her laptop as well as a notebook and pen in the inner sleeve, with several other pockets for everything else.
Strategist editor Maxine Builder likes the brand’s fanny pack, which has “relatively small print” with a small logo on the back.
Everlane is taking up to 50 percent off their most popular styles. (You can also always read our roundup of everything we recommend buying from the brand.)
Strategist kitchen and dining writer Emma Wartsman says this Eliko hugs you without being “Uniqlo high-tech tight.”
Rarely does this super popular athletic brand go on sale everywhere – but now is one of those rare times. Get 40 percent off, up to 70 percent off select (read: already marked down before Black Friday) styles. (You should see our full sales guide.)
The Paloma bra has earned a coveted spot in our best bra guide. Bala co-founder Natalee Holloway wears hers for intense workouts, while Strategist contributor Brody Lancaster counts them among her most-worn WFH bras.
These leggings are Girlfriend Collective’s top seller, built with four-way stretch for high-impact workouts — and we’re told they’re “crazy comfortable.”
During J.Crew’s Black Friday Event, you can get 50 percent off your total purchase and an additional 10 percent off (shown at checkout) with a Friday code.
This is our pick for the best overall oxford shirt. “They don’t feel throwaway, but they don’t feel expensive,” says Michael Kennedy, who wore one on his wedding day.
Author Otessa Moshfegh’s favorite pajamas are also now half off. Former Strategist writer Hilary Reid (who owns an earlier version of the collection) says: “They have a bit of a formal air to them – it’s like pajamas I think I’m wearing when I’m trying to finish the last half. Swan Road Or while reading the newspaper in bed.
In honor of what it cheekily calls “Indigo Friday,” the denim house is offering its best deal of the year with 40 percent off. There are special “Door Saver Deals” on top selling items. And discount prices are listed on the site in a reasonable manner, so you don’t need to check out.
We call these Ribcage jeans the “Goldilocks of Jeans” and the developer describes them as “high rise”.
Strategist style columnist Chris Black calls the 501s “perfect for any occasion.”
The irreverent indie label Lisa Says Gah is offering 30 percent off the entire site when you use the code GAH30 — so stock up on Horsewoman tees and ready-to-wear knitwear.
This slip dress – printed with roses, bows and strawberries – is still available in all sizes.
If your undies drawer needs an update, Knickey is offering 25 percent off on the site.
Madewell is home to tons of Strategist-approved tees and tees, and they’re all 50 percent off with code TGIF, as part of the brand’s sitewide sale.
Fashion designer Sabrina Fabi praises this high elasticity. “It hugs your body really well, so you can show off your curves and still be really comfortable,” she says.
Former Strategist writer Hilary Reed approves of bodysuits to ensure “your stuffed animal doesn’t move.”
And ex-Strategist employee (and celebrity lover) Chloe Anello likes that these have “the perfect amount of brutality.”
The company’s cashmere is usually fluffy, but now it’s a little less so. Take 40 percent off with code BLACKFRIDAY20.
Sabine Le Gayder, founder of Lady Gray Jewelry, and Tory Tilley, founder of jewelry brand Common Era, often steal their husband’s Nadam sweaters, like this unique turtleneck.
If your taste is designer, Net-a-Porter is a gold mine. Its Black Friday sales include up to 50 percent off labels like Mara Hoffman and Missoni.
The French sneaker label is a favorite of current and past strategists. And now at under $100, these campers are too good to pass up.
Select Nike styles — including sneakers and sweat shorts — are 20 percent off with code BLACKFRIDAY.
Hidden in the sale room, you’ll find a platform version of the cult-classic Air Force 1s, which we’ve dubbed the best white sneaker.
The Nordstrom Holiday Deals event continues through November 29th. The retailer boasts that there are more than 15,000 deals available, mostly from 25 to 40 percent off—don’t miss our full guide, but I’ve included a few longtime strategist favorites. Same here.
These hokas were top mounted items on our site. We made them the best crown Men’s Slippers and Canoe Club founder Timothy Grindle describes wearing them as “walking on a cloud.”
The athletic apparel company is offering 30 percent off everything (up to 70 percent off the OV Extra — aka Last Chance Items — section).
“It helps without being clingy or tight, which is a great way to say I don’t need to breastfeed with it,” says the developer of this little sporty number.
Great Johns founder (and former Grub Street senior editor) Sierra Tishgart wrote an ode to these sweats. “If, like me, you’ve only ever worn college pants with ketchup stains, they’re a revelation,” she promises.
Yes, Princess Diana’s iconic (and famous) lamb’s wool sweater is on sale — but you’ll find all kinds of sweaters up to 75 percent off. (The company’s recent collaboration with British artist Luke Edward Hall has been shockingly low-key.)
This Tudor-rose-patterned pullover is really fun without crossing into ugly Christmas sweater territory.
Shopbop is offering one of the best deals of the year: 25 percent off the place with HOLIDAY. (Plus, if you’re an Amazon Prime member, you’ll get free two-day shipping if you link your account.)
The cropped cut of this coat makes it look fresh rather than frumpy.
The luxury retailer recently opened its annual sale to the public (it was previously private to subscribers), with up to 50 percent off the likes of Isabel Marant and Bottega Veneta. It’s a really do-it-yourself situation – the site is hypocrite heaven – so buy this one soon.
These are the same ones from Ganis (a.k.a. “Danish Mansur Gavriel”) featured in our best ankle boots guide.
From now until November 27, the popular Japanese basics maker is hosting an “Arigato Event” with tons of deals on sweaters, flannel shirts, and more. Quantities go fast, so you know what to do.
Content creator Cary Carollo calls the brand’s HeatTech line “the gold standard” — and this t-shirt is begging to be layered.
Strategist It’s designed to showcase the most useful and expert advice for shopping across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our recent wins include the best Acne treatments, A rolling suitcase, Pillows for side sleepers, Natural stress remediesAnd Bath towels. We will update links when possible, but note that deals may expire and all prices are subject to change.
