I love a good Black Friday deal, but I’m long past the days of treating it like a competitive sport. I’d rather skip the chaos, keep my sanity, and buy things I won’t side-eye in February.
QUINCE SWEATER / STRAIGHT JEANS / TOTE BAG / BOOTIES / PEARL EARRINGS / BROOCH / SIMILAR SCARF
Over the years, I’ve learned that the best Black Friday shopping isn’t about scooping up everything that’s marked down. It’s about picking up the pieces that genuinely support your style. The things you feel confident in. The things you’ve been thinking about long before the sale banners started flashing.
So that’s what I’m sharing today: the retailers I trust, the sales that are actually worth your time, and a few pieces that tend to disappear fast. No pressure, no “run, don’t walk,” just a straightforward guide to help you shop with intention.
PS – If you’re looking for gift ideas, be sure to check out these posts because most of the items in them are on sale this week:
A Few Tips to Shop Smarter This Week
Black Friday Week is overwhelming if you treat it like a race. I prefer to treat it like a walk. If I don’t need it, I skip it. If I’ve been thinking about it for weeks, I take a closer look. And if a sale requires math, I close the tab.
The best plan is simple. Make a short list of what you genuinely need. Check the retailers you trust. If something you love is finally on sale, wonderful. If not, there will always be another promotion.
The Best Black Friday Week Sales at My Go-To Retailers
NORDSTROM tends to take Black Friday Week seriously. Their deals are usually strong, and many include brands that rarely go on sale any other time of year. If you have had your eye on quality basics or beauty exclusives, this is a good place to start
TALBOTS almost always offers an early Black Friday promotion that rolls right into a bigger one later in the week. Their sweaters, outerwear, and festive tops tend to sell out quickly. You can find my latest try on here with pieces that are all on sale!
- This darling turtleneck sweater dress features a gray fair isle pattern in shades of charcoal, pale gray, and ivory. The placement of the fair isle sits high enough that it doesn’t widen the torso…something I always look for in patterned knits. I paired it with this jean jacket.
- I’m a big fan of this cozy and fun sherpa coat with toggle closures. It feels luxuriously soft and hits just below the hip, so it’s petite-friendly even in regular length.
- Black Friday is a great time to grab luxurious staples on sale, like this 100% cashmere v-neck sweater.
RING CONCIERGE is currently 30% off. I’ve added several items to my Holiday wishlist, like one of these Stackable Gold Cloud Bangle Bracelets, and these Echo Silver Hoops….I’m a big fan of sterling. I know just who would love this Mini Diamond Tennis Bracelet for Christmas, and if she’s very lucky, it will be this one.
AWAY is curently 25% off sitewide through December 1 with an extra 10 percent off when you spend $750 or more. I’ve traveled with my Bigger Carry-On Flex for years and still reach for it first. For an upcoming trip, I finally ordered the Medium Flex in Cherry Red so I can actually spot it on the carousel without climbing over strangers.
LOFT is currently 50% off almost everything and great when you want something fun that does not require a big commitment. I tend to look for simple pieces I can wear now through early spring, especially sweaters that are soft but not too bulky.
- The Palmer wide-leg ponte pants feel as comfortable as loungewear but look sharp and put-together. Pair them with loafers and a silk blouse for work, or sneakers and a chunky sweater for travel days.
- The wide-sleeve sweater jacket instantly reminded me of the Jenni Kayne version that was everywhere last year. It’s relaxed but still refined, the sort of layer you can wear with jeans and loafers for brunch or over slim black pants and boots for dinner.
- Modern Faux Fur Pocket Vest
ISDIN is one of the few sunscreens that doesn’t sting my face or leave a chalky film behind. It’s mineral-only, fragrance-free, and loaded with “DNA Repairsomes” (fancy science speak for helping your skin undo past sun damage). Yes, it’s pricey but now’s the time to buy while it’s 30% off. But it’s one of the few I trust on my face daily.
J.Crew Factory is going big this week with 50 to 70 percent off everything in stores from November 26 through December 2. Online, the same discounts apply with an extra 60 percent off clearance, which is where some of the best surprises usually show up. Free shipping runs from November 28 through December 2.
EBY is doing their biggest promotion of the year, and it is worth a look. If you like to refresh your basics once a year, this is the best time to do it. Their Black Friday offer is 30 percent off sitewide from November 26 through November 29. Cyber Monday follows with a buy one get one deal from November 30 through December 3 with no limits and no exclusions.
- The EBY Relief Bra gives extra support without feeling restrictive, the fabric is soft against my skin, and the wider straps stay in place so I’m not tugging at them all day. It has a smoothing effect through the sides and back, which makes it especially nice under thinner tops. This has been my go-to bra since I added it to my lingerie drawer.
- I was gifted the Zen Pain-Free T-Shirt Bra from EBY, and loved it from the first wearing. It has no underwire, yet it manages to stay supportive all day without any digging. Just like the Relief Bra, the fabric is soft and lies smoothly under t-shirts.
- Black Nude & Pearl High Waisted 3-Pack
RUGGABLE is currently up to 30% off for Black Friday. I was shocked when so many of you bought after I recently shared about the new rug I added to my kitchen.
Mine is very flat with a rubber backing, so it doesn’t shift and is not a tripping hazard. If you’re in the market, especially for a machine-washable rug, this is a great chance to pick one up. If, for some reason, you don’t love the one you pick or want a different one, you can return or exchange your order for any reason until January 31, 2026.
Other Retailers Worth Browsing
ZIIP is offering its biggest deal of the year with 20% off devices and 30% off gels. I’ve been impressed by how much lift and glow this little handheld can give when I’m concistant using it. This is an excellent moment to pick up the Halo or stock up on gels.
U BEAUTY is 20% off sitewide for both new and returning customers, which doesn’t happen often. If you’ve read my full review, you know how much I rely on the Resurfacing Compound and the Super Hydrator to keep my skin looking smoother and more even. This is the best time to restock or finally try the formulas everyone talks about.
- I’m not usually one for eye creams because most of them feel like an extra step I can skip…but this one won me over. It smells and feels fabulous, with a thick, cushiony texture that softens fine lines, eases puffiness, and adds a touch of brightness.
- This SUPER Body Hydrator body cream sinks in quickly, leaves my skin silky, and somehow keeps it feeling hydrated well into the next day.
- This Resurfacing Compound is the product that put U Beauty on the map. It combines retinol, vitamin C, gentle acids, and antioxidants into a single step, making it a good choice if you want to simplify your nighttime routine.
ANN TAYLOR is offering 50% off one full price item and 40% off everything else on November 24 and 25.
- I’ve been buying this Ann Cardigan in various colors for years. It’s a classic shape you can wear on its own or open over a blouse, a staple for your closet.
- The Eva ankle pants live up to their reputation — slim, slightly cropped, and they don’t bag out after an hour. Comfortable stretch without the “leggings in disguise” look.
- The textured cardigan is fitted and polished, a step up from a weekend layer. Underneath, you can wear the matching sweater tee with elbow sleeves (my favorite length). Together, they make an easy set you could wear with sneakers or dress up with loafers.
WAYFAIR is having their biggest event of the season with up to 80% off and free shipping. Here are a few things that caught my eye:
KEDS are making a comeback, and they’re having a big Black Friday and Cyber Monday Sale. Pre Black Friday runs through the 25th with 30% off almost everything. Then, be sure to check back for even better deals and doorbusters November 26-December 5.
MISSOMA’S Black Friday event begins today with up to 40% off sitewide and no code needed. It is a great time to pick up everyday jewelry, especially pieces that rarely go on sale.
Black Friday Week can be a great moment to pick up things you already love or genuinely need, but it’s never worth buying something that doesn’t feel right. Trust your instincts. Choose pieces that make you stand a little taller, move a little easier, or feel more aligned with how you want to dress now.
Whether you’re shopping or skipping the whole thing, I hope you find something this week that simply makes your life easier. And if you do add a few things to your wardrobe, I’d love to hear what you chose and why it spoke to you.
What are you hoping to find on sale this year?