Timeless & Travel-Friendly Black Friday Finds
I hope you had a lovely Thanksgiving if you celebrate it, and that you’re easing into a relaxing long weekend (preferably with plenty of delicious leftovers!). This is always the time of year when the temptation to click “add to cart” ramps up, (definitely an occupational hazard when you write about style and shop for clients 😉). And I’ll admit, the Black Friday sales are especially tempting this year. Even so, before anything actually makes it to “checkout,” I take a quick inventory of my wardrobe priorities: what needs replacing, what fills a genuine gap, and which timeless pieces might be worth a considered splurge. Today I’m sharing a short, curated list of the items that made the cut, and why they earned a spot in my wardrobe for the long haul.
My Criteria: Timeless, Practical, Travel-Ready
(Note: you can click on any text in red to go to product page and shop.)
Replacing Tried-and-True Favorites
Top of the list is replacing some well-loved but worn-out pieces. A few years ago I purchased an earlier version of this Compact jacket from Uniqlo and it’s been a travel stalwart! They’ve brought back the same style but with a “Pufftech” filling rather than down, so I’m giving it a try.
The Leopard Boots I’ve Been Missing
For years, I’ve wanted to replace an old favorite pair of leopard print boots, so when I spotted (ha!) these in Aquatalia’s Black Friday sale, into my cart they went. Aquatalia makes fabulous weatherproof shoes and boots, and I’ve always found them comfortable and perfect for travel. They’re offering up to 50% off select styles right now.
Filling a Denim Gap
I’ve also been hunting for a pair of straight-leg, mid-rise jeans in a clean dark wash: comfortable, polished, and travel-friendly. I’ve had good luck with AG’s fit over the years, so I ordered the Brinley straight-leg style to try. (AG also has up to 50% off select styles.)
Indulging a Color Crush
My love affair with brown is still going strong, and these cotton-silk sweaters from Banana Republic continue to be favorites. This one went straight into my cart. (If you’re sensitive to wool, these are a lovely option; the silk in the blend makes them softer and more lightweight than many cotton sweaters.) You can save 40% off your full-price purchase at Banana Republic, including cashmere!
A Thoughtful Splurge
And if I’ve saved room for “dessert,” I allow myself a splurge or two, still sticking to high-quality, timeless pieces. DeMellier bags never disappoint, and I love the shape and size of this one, especially since it can be worn crossbody. (DeMellier has 20% off with code BF20.) And I keep stopping on this Monica Vinader ring every time it shows up in my feed…so I’m taking that as a hint from the universe.
More Black Friday Sales Worth a Look
Madewell – 40% off your purchase with code LETSGO
Ruti – 25% off sitewide + extra 10% off orders over $500
Talbots – 50% off one item (until noon Friday) and 40% off everything else
Tuckernuck – 25% off almost everything, 30% off orders over $1000
J.Crew – 50% off purchase, 30% off cashmere (!!)
Bandolier – 30% off sitewide + 50% off select styles
Black Luxury Accessories – 20% off sitewide plus, just for you, an extra 15% off with code SUSAN15 . Includes my favorite travel essential cashmere-silk scarves!
Tori Burch – up to 50% off select styles
Nordstrom – up to 60% off select styles
BÉIS – 30% off sitewide (luggage, travel gear & accessories)
Jenni Kayne – 25% off almost everything
J.Jill – 40% off your entire purchase with code BF25
Lands’ End – 50% off sitewide + extra 12% off with code FRIDAY50
Athleta – 30% off sitewide
Varley – Winter Sale, 30% off selected styles
Neiman Marcus – Buy More / Save More, up to $500 off with code THANKFUL
Ann Taylor – 50% off everything
I hope this little edit of my own Black Friday purchases is helpful if you’re navigating the sales this weekend. As always, my goal is to share pieces that are timeless, practical, and that I truly believe will earn their keep in a real wardrobe, especially one that needs to work for everyday life and travel. If you do decide to shop, I hope you find something that feels like a smart, satisfying upgrade. And if not, I’m cheering you on for skipping the temptation altogether and enjoying a cozy, restful weekend.
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I purchased a very similar collarless down “Wanderweight” jacket from Lands End last fall, and it quickly became the most useful jacket I own. Simple, lightweight, warm enough for all but the coldest days, and I especially love that it doesn’t have a collar, which can lead to tangles in my medium-length hair. Highly recommend this style!
I have a similar Uniqlo packable jacket that’s at least 10 years old. I bought another one recently and have to say that they have Americanized the the fit on the jacket.