Hear that sound? In the distance, a Mariah Carey song is playing, which only means one thing: the holiday season is approaching. For some, there’s no shortage of things to be excited about this time of year—from the prospect of traveling to new places to being able to host loved ones in our homes. But for fashion people, the most thrilling thing about this small window of time is, well, the Black Friday sales, if we’re being honest. Sure, being excited about sales may seem a little superficial on the surface, but that’s only if you’re not an intentional shopper. If you’re a picky shopper, you don’t see sale season solely as an opportunity to score deals on gifts for everyone on your list—e.g., your girlfriend, boyfriend, mother, sister, etc—but for yourself too. However, the savviest shoppers know that the best way to capitalize off-sale season isn’t by buying into every single trend but by investing in a few staples.
There’s no better time to begin to access what foundational pieces your wardrobe (or beauty arsenal) is missing so you can shop them while they’re marked down. Of course, knowing what to buy is the first part of the challenge; the second half is knowing where to score the best deals. While many noteworthy markdowns are happening during this period, there’s one particular event that the fashion set can’t stop talking about: Nordstrom’s Black Friday Sale. Every year, without fail, you can’t scroll through social media without hearing about this sale (for a good reason). They offer a chic curation of rising labels and designer brands in the womenswear and beauty categories that are unmatched. As if that weren’t enough, ahead of Cyber Week, Nordstrom launched an Early Black Friday Sale this year, offering up to 60% off.
It’s the perfect chance to stock up on some seriously stylish staples before the official start of the holiday season. But if you’re the type of shopper who struggles to choose what to buy during a massive sale, keep scrolling. As a highly picky shopper, I’ve decided to share my skills by curating a list of the 50 best fashion and beauty finds from Nordstrom’s Early Black Friday Sale that make great long-term investments. Whether you need a few new basics or are searching for a gift idea, these finds will pass any potential criteria you have with flying colors.
Best Apparel Basics
Topshop
Funnel Neck Rib Sweater
Honestly, no one will ever guess you got this turtleneck on sale—it’s truly that elegant.
PAIGE
Alexis High Waist Ankle Barrel Jeans
Barrel-leg denim will remain a big trend throughout the rest of the year.
Rails
Carolina Midi Skirt
Pencil skirts are a year-round staple, but this particular one is made from a wool-blend making it even more winter-friendly.
Best Outerwear on Sale
Bernardo
Double Breasted Belted Coat
While I’m impartial to the oatmeal-hued version of this coat, it does happen to come in black, taupe, red, and dark brown too.
Donna Karan New York
Double Breasted Wool Blend Blazer
It’s the buttons that sold me on this blazer.
1.STATE
Cotton Twill Barn Jacket
Consider this your sign that you should adopt the barn jacket trend.
Open Edit
Belted Oversize Croc Embossed Faux Leather Moto Jacket
The croc-embossement on this vegan leather moto jacket makes it even cooler.
Best Shoes on Sale
Vince Camuto
Melise Knee High Boot
You may not be able to afford a pony, but you can get these equally posh riding boots.
Nordstrom
Arazio Kitten Heel Bootie
You can’t go wrong with investing in a pair of black ankle booties (especially when if they’re on sale).
Katy Perry
The Wandering Knee High Boot
The crinkled leather texture on these knee-high boots makes them look far more expensive.
Best Accessories on Sale
Loewe
Curvy 54mm Cat Eye Sunglasses
No you’re not hallucinating…Loewe’s signature shades are in fact on sale at Nordstrom right now.
Argento Vivo Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver Tubular Hoop Earrings
Make your staples stand out this season by styling them with large hoops (like the pair above).
FERRAGAMO
Fiamma Small Leather Crossbody Bag
Santa, if you’re reading this feel free to slip this under the tree for me.
Burberry
Thin Leather Shield Belt
Designer belts can always add a dash of luxury to everyday ensembles.
Tory Burch
Robinson Crosshatched Leather Convertible Crescent Bag
Humor me: Picture this crescent bag would look with an all-black outfit. Perfection, amrite?
Monica Vinader
Nura Reef Triple Freshwater Pearl Drop Earrings
These pearl earrings are the perfect gift (for yourself or others).
Best Beauty Basics on Sale
Anastasia Beverly Hills
Natural & Polished Deluxe Eyebrow Kit
Personally, I don’t ever leave the house without applying Anastasia Beverly Hills’ brow gel.
Tom Ford
Eau De Parfum Discover Set
If you’re not sure which new fragrance you want to commit to yet, consider investing in a discovery set.