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.
Gobi Cashmere
V-Neck Sweater
Hold up! You can find cashmere on sale at Nordstrom? I’m obsessed.
Open Edit
Wide Leg Pants
These trousers are sure to become a tried-and-true staple in your wardrobe.
Nocturne
Padded Shoulder Long Sleeve Minidress
The structure of this minidress is so stunning.
Treasure & Bond
Crop Cardigan
Who doesn’t love a little cardigan?
Nordstrom
Rib Trim Tank Top
Take your tank top to another level.
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.
WAYF
One-Shoulder Bodysuit
Not your typical bodysuit.
AGOLDE
Dame High Waist Wide Leg Jeans
Quick, these wide-leg jeans are sure to sell out fast!
Best Outerwear on Sale
SANDRO
Oversized Wool Coat
I’d like to live in this coat for the rest of the winter.
Avec Les Filles
Hourglass Blazer Coat
The nipped-waist on this blazer will make you look snatched.
ELOQUII
Sweater Coat With Attached Scarf
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.
Favorite Daughter
The Charles Trench Coat
Navy trench coats never cease to amaze.
Lauren Ralph Lauren
Faux Leather & Faux Shearling Bomber Jacket
Love, love, love.
Michael Kors
Belted Wool Blend Coat
Michael Kors’ merlot wool coat ticks off all the boxes.
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
Marc Fisher LTD
Rosa Mules
It doesn’t get much chicer than chocolate brown mules.
Sam Edelman
Marley Ballet Flat
You’ll wear these ballet flats for years to come.
Steve Madden
Legaci Kitten Heel Pointed Toe Pumps
Slingbacks never go out of style.
Vince Camuto
Melise Knee High Boot
You may not be able to afford a pony, but you can get these equally posh riding boots.
Nike
Killshot 2 Sneaker
Who said being a sneakerhead had to be an expensive hobby? Thanks Nordstrom!
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).
Naturalizer
Amber Ankle Strap Pointed Toe Pumps
These navy pumps are so elegant.
Kenneth Cole New York
Fatima Lug Sole Penny Loafers
Suede loafers? Say no more.
Katy Perry
The Wandering Knee High Boot
The crinkled leather texture on these knee-high boots makes them look far more expensive.
Stuart Weitzman
Lina Flat
Nothing is more polished than pointed toe flats.
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.
Nordstrom
Cashmere Scarf
Two words: cashmere scarf.
Tory Burch
Robinson Crosshatched Leather Convertible Crescent Bag
Humor me: Picture this crescent bag would look with an all-black outfit. Perfection, amrite?
Nordstrom
Cashmere Gloves
Cold winter days have nothing on these cashmere gloves.
Celine
Triomphe 52mm Oval Sunglasses
These sunglasses are sure to become a staple in your wardrobe.
Monica Vinader
Nura Reef Triple Freshwater Pearl Drop Earrings
These pearl earrings are the perfect gift (for yourself or others).
STAUD
Mini Moon Split Leather Bag
Sublime. No notes.
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.
Armani Beauty
Lip Maestro Matte Liquid Lipstick
Red lipstick is the backbone of every beauty cabinet.
La Mer
Radiant Renewal Collection Set
Frankly, I’m surprised this skincare set hasn’t sold out yet.
Seree
Guasha Stone
Start building your skincare routine with this guasha stone.
MAC Cosmetics
Macstack Mascara Set (nordstrom Exclusive) $56 Value
Mascara is a must-have.
Yves Saint Laurent
Satin Crush Mono Eyeshadow
Treat yourself!
Westman Atelier
The Summer Bronze Set
It may not be summer, but you can still shine.
T3
Featherweight Stylemax Dryer
Your haircare routine is about to get a massive upgrade.
NUME
Pentacle 2-In-1 Curling Wand and Deep Waver
Every hair care cabinet needs a few great tools!
