As a shopping writer, no time of year fills me with more excitement than sale season. This year Black Friday falls on Friday 29 November, and as always it promises to bring with it an array of discounts. Savvy buyers are already curating wish-lists as a shortcut to securing phenomenal deals, and this year, there's all eyes on one brand in particular - Marks & Spencer.
I've taken it upon myself to scour the M&S website to unearth the best deals to expect, and trust me - they're worth the hype. From the perennially popular cashmere jumpers to great pieces of outerwear (like that viral fur coat), its fashion section is a must-browse for anyone looking to add some new bits into their autumn/winter wardrobe, or if you're looking for a showstopping outfit for the fast approaching party season.
Sale season can be particularly overwhelming, with so many retailers clamouring for your attention, knowing where to look is half the battle. Luckily, I've done the hard work by searching through all those hidden gems and taking advantage of early sales to compile a selection of pieces that will make sale season a breeze.
When is the M&S Black Friday sale?
Although M&S typically doesn't advertise its sale as 'Black Friday' or 'Cyber Monday' it does usually hold a sale around the same time as Black Friday and the Christmas Period. Currently, the website is offering unmissable brand offers with discounts of up to 30% off on brands including Nobody's Child, Adidas and Sweaty Betty.
How do you find the best Black Friday deals?
Finding the best M&S deals during sale season requires equal parts patience, strategy and a little insider know-how. Start by keeping a close eye on the M&S Instagram - the brand loves to drop teasers and hints on there during the leadup to certain sales.
Signing up for its newsletters is also another good tip to have in your arsenal, as well as the obvious meticulous searching through the website - scouring not just the obvious categories like fashion and home, but also lesser explored gems like beauty and the highly coveted food hampers.
Also, always make a point to take a look at the usual price tag before the sale to ensure it's worth it. Yes, it's somewhat of an art, but when you manage to get a great deal, like a dreamy jumper or best-selling pair of jeans, the satisfaction you'll get is definitely worth it.
M&S Black Friday Sale: Best Brand Deals
Clothing Up to 30% off
Homeware Up to 40% off
Ghost London Up to 25% off
Nobody's Child Up to 25% off
Sweaty Betty Up to 30% off
White Stuff Up to 25% off
Shop: The Best M&S Black Friday Deals
£18 off
M&Swww.marksandspencer.com
A Fair Isle jumper may look like it's been unearthed from the depths of your dad's 80s wardrobe, but the style is very much still on-trend, especially when it's this one from the White Stuff. Made from a lambswool-blend yarn, it's guaranteed to keep you warm this winter.
On sale
M&Swww.marksandspencer.com
A pinafore dress is an easy one to style, particularly in the winter when you can layer it up with a roll neck jumper, thick tights and boots. This one is made in a gorgeous black corduroy.
20% off
M&Swww.marksandspencer.com
A grey longline coat is a capsule wardrobe essential, and one which promises to keep you warm throughout the winter months. This one from RO&ZO is double-breasted and made from a wool-blend, too.
On sale
M&Swww.marksandspencer.com
This is a super cosy jumper from Finery London, and one which has variations in the yarn for a more textured look. Pair this roll neck with leather trousers and chunky boots. Or, for extra warmth, throw over a longline coat.
25% off
M&S www.marksandspencer.com
Another great Fair Isle jumper, except this time it's a cardigan, which features a comfy regular fit, classic rounded neckline and striking button fastenings. Plus, it can be dressed up or down.
25% off
M&Swww.marksandspencer.com
A blouse you can take from the desk to dinner, this Nobody's Child number is cut to a relaxed fit with a scalloped-edged oversized collar. It's very Ganni-esque and it's one of our top picks from the M&S sale.
£27 off
M&Swww.marksandspencer.com
These Sweaty Betty leggings have somewhat reached cult status, with over 2,000 reviews. The 7/8 leggings in particular are made with added stretch for comfort and shaped seams for a more flattering look.
On sale
M&Swww.marksandspencer.com
Wide leg jeans are a design that's always on-trend, but a corduroy pair? An excellent investment for the colder months as the material is slightly thicker than your average denim.
Save £40
M&Swww.marksandspencer.com
Party season is well on its way, and the conundrum as to what to wear for said event is very present. To solve said issues, invest in this dress from Ghost which has a cute polka-dot-print and flattering silhouette.
20% off pyjamas
M&Swww.marksandspencer.com
The pyjamas in a bag collection have been a best-seller for Boux Avenue - with one selling every minute. These pyjamas even feature an adorable dog print.
Save £19
M&Swww.marksandspencer.com
Another great dress for partywear season, this cord number has a mini-length hem and fitted shape. Style this dress with tights and chunky boots, or with barely-there heels and an oversized blazer for an evening affair that's more formal.
30% off
M&Swww.marksandspencer.com
A great hoodie to pop on when you're on your way to and from the gym, this jacket from Sweaty Betty has an adjustable elastic hem that complements its slouchy silhouette. Plus, it also has a cosy funnel neckline that will also keep you warm on a crisp winter walk.
How long is Black Friday?
While officially Black Friday is just a 24-hour affair on Friday 29 November, in the age of the internet, it carries on a whole lot longer. Black Friday has stretched into a week long, or even month long shopping bonanza. Retailers, including M&S, are all for building anticipation, launching its sales days before the actual event, and extending long into December, sometimes even beyond Cyber Monday (which falls on 2 December this year). Ultimately, it just means that you have longer to consider your purchases before investing.
Gemma Lavers is a fashion commerce writer at Grazia. Gemma specialises in all things clothing and enjoys outfit planning (especially for holidays), scrolling social media for the next trend and shopping (probably for a new coat).