Pre-Black Friday: All you need to know…
- Mimi Piqua
- Nov 26
- 5 min read
Black Friday is basically the Olympics of shopping - except we win discounted knitwear and an unnecessary amount of mini dresses. It is so chaotic, especially if you go in without a strategy. I’ve had too many years of panic-scrolling at 2am, buying things I “might wear on holiday” (I did not wear them on holiday) or convincing myself I needed a fifth variation of a white tank top.
This year, I’m trying to be organised, intentional, and not letting capitalism & overconsumption trick me.
Black Friday 2025 lands on Friday 28th November, meaning you’ve now got two full days of planning if you are reading this on Wednesday 26th (hi, organised queen), here’s your strategic, and slightly unhinged guide to navigating the biggest shopping weekend of the year without having a nervous breakdown in the Zara queue.
The Real-Time Predictions You Didn’t Ask For (But Need)
Let’s be honest: Black Friday “predictions” are basically astrology for shoppers. But I swear I’m getting frighteningly good at them. Based on last year’s chaos, early discount patterns, and my own unhealthy level of online browsing, here’s what will most likely go down:
High-Street Girlies
Zara will pretend they’re not participating (as usual), then randomly drop 30–70% off on selected pieces at like 8pm on Thursday, and the app will crash. Start browsing now.
H&M will hit us with 20–30% off site-wide but only if you’re a member, which… we all are.
Mango will quietly offer 30% off everything and suddenly half the internet will be wearing the same coat - don’t be that basic.
Premium / Elevated Basics
Arket, COS, & Other Stories will all do that annoying “20% off ~selected styles~” thing that somehow excludes the exact item you want. But COS coats? They will GO.
Skims will discount things that aren’t the things we actually want, no one wants a 50% off bush, but thanks Kimmy! As for the Fits Everybody line? Expect 25% off and a stampede - grab what you can.
Beauty
LookFantastic will basically act like money is fake again and throw 25–35% off almost everything, including their amazing £40 Black Friday Box which is insanely well curated this year!
Cult Beauty will give us a discount code that mysteriously doesn’t apply to literally any product you click on. I’m onto you.
Sephora UK will go strong with bundles that make you feel like you’re saving £200 when you’re actually spending £400, but as long as you feel it queen.
This is my Roman Empire.
My Top 5 for Black Friday 2025:
Selfridges & the Luxury Lot - The Treat Yourself Edit
Selfridges is fully leaning into Black Friday this year. Expect curated designer edits, beauty steals, accessories you’ve been praying would dip below full price, and those one-time markdowns on luxury pieces that make you gasp.
Black Friday is actually the best time to buy investment fashion - the items that don’t follow trends, don’t date, don’t fall apart, and definitely don’t end up on Vinted six months later.
The RealReal is another luxury goldspot and always has insane vintage steals during Black Friday - like actual dream-piece-level finds, but the shipping to the UK is so astronomical it low-key feels like they’re charging me for the flight the bag took.
My advice?
Browse online, shortlist what you want, then go in-store to secure the purchase! Because nothing beats the serotonin of holding a Selfridges bag.
Shop Here: Selfridges - https://www.selfridges.com/GB/en/
The Real Real - https://www.therealreal.com/
Anthropologie - The Homeware Haven
Anthropologie is the dark horse of Black Friday. Everyone runs to the fashion section, but the real treasure is in homeware: rugs, furniture, candles, kitchen bits, even a sofa, the whole cosy-life aesthetic. Expect site-wide reductions and their classic “extra off sale” drama, plus early access for their members.
If you’re nesting, gifting, or planning to reinvent your entire room for reasons unknown - this is where you should shop.
Tip: Join AnthroPerks for early access and prioritise home items (often better value than fashion pieces).
Shop here: https://www.anthropologie.com/en-gb/
Free People - Boho-chic done right
Free People never screams about Black Friday, but when they do discount, the knitwear, fleeces, and denim are always the smartest buys. Trendy pieces sell out quicker, but the relaxed fits and staples are usually well-stocked online - and won’t be out of fashion by January!
This is also a brand where in-person try-ons can make or break a purchase, especially with the more slouchy silhouettes.
Shop here: https://www.freepeople.com/uk/
LookFantastic: The Beauty Bargain Queen
If you buy only one thing this Black Friday: a Look Fantastic beauty box.
LookFantastic has already dropped early offers and curated boxes that are genuinely incredible value - we’re talking £40 boxes worth triple that inside. Beauty bundles sell out fast every year, so this is the time to be decisive.
Great for Christmas gifting, restocking your skincare, or if you’ve been saying “I deserve something nice” for far too long - TREAT YOURSELF!
Shop here: https://www.lookfantastic.com/
Waterstones: book bundles & in-store calm
In a world of flashing sale banners and price drops, Waterstones is the soft, gentle exhale you didn’t know you needed.
Instead of elbowing someone in the Zara queue, browse book bundles, box sets, special editions and holiday releases. It’s the gift that keeps on giving truly because being educated never goes out of style - and it’s going to be far less drama than whatever is happening in Westfield this Friday.
Shop here: https://www.waterstones.com/
What I'm Searching For This Year
I’ve recently undergone some major life changes and have a rather exciting year ahead. Therefore it’s only right I completely reinvent myself and my wardrobe is included - but we are moving in a curated, timeless manner so we don’t fall into the dark pitt of overconsumption!
Last year I treated myself to a £500 pair of Reformation boots that were marked down to £275! And a Skims bodysuit that takes 45 minutes to put on - and therefore I’ve never worn!
Mimis Black Friday 2025 Wishlist:
My Non-Negotiables (so I don’t impulse-buy rubbish)
If I wouldn’t buy it full price, I’m not buying it
If I can’t style it three ways, it’s a no
If it screams “trend that dies by March,” it’s gone.
Final Thoughts Before You Click “Add to Basket”
Black Friday isn't about buying everything. It’s about buying smart. Pick a few of your favourite retailers, save your favourites, and move with intention - not panic.
Do NOT overbuy, overconsumption is not cute sweetie.
And if you do end up getting overwhelmed and all else fails? Head to Waterstones, buy a book, and call it a day. Your bank account will thank you. Your wardrobe probably won’t.
See you Friday… goodbye money.
With love,
Mimi x
Comments