As a shopping writer, no time of year fills me with more excitement than sale season, and if you're spending today with a pang of regret for the sale that got away, fear not. Yes, there were all eyes on one brand's Black Friday sale in particular - Marks & Spencer - but the silver lining is that many of its standout pieces are still available and trust me the items are worth every penny, even at full price.
With a laundry list of collaborations such as M&S x Sienna Miller and M&S x Bella Freud, it's safe to say the high street hero is having a moment. 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 show-stopping outfit for the fast approaching party season.
As the clamour of sale season fades, there's something refreshing about stepping back from the frenzy and shopping with intention instead. Shopping post-sale doesn’t have to feel like you’ve missed out - quite the opposite in fact. It’s an opportunity to carefully curate your wardrobe with pieces you’ll actually wear, not just because they were discounted but because they’re exactly what you’ve been looking for.
When was the M&S Black Friday sale?
Although M&S doesn't advertise its sale as 'Black Friday' or 'Cyber Monday' it does hold a sale around the same time as Black Friday and the Christmas Period. This year the website offered up to 30% off deals on its brands like Nobody's Child, Finery London and Sweaty Betty.
Shop: The Best Of M&S
www.marksandspencer.com
This cable knit jumper in a classic ivory hue looks almost identical to the Celine iteration that's been seen on the likes of Molly Mae. The M&S Cable Roll Neck Jumper is one of my favourite things in my wardrobe and feels just as relevant for 2024 than the knit ever was.
www.marksandspencer.com
A cardigan with contrasting seams is perhaps the easiest way to elevate a classic cardigan silhouette to something more, well, chic. This one from M&S will do just that to any outfit, whether it be a pair of jeans and a simple white tee.
www.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.
www.marksandspencer.com
This coat looks almost identical to the Toteme Scarf Jacket, which retails for over £800. This one is much more affordable, with a price tag that's almost a tenth of that - under £80.
www.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.
www.marksandspencer.com
Available in over 10 colours and crafted from 100% cashmere, this jumper is about to become your winter go-to. It's cut to a flattering slim fit, but if you want it to be more oversized you can always size up. Style the jumper with a leather jacket, jeans and chunky winter boots.
www.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.
www.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.
www.marksandspencer.com
Festive dressing doesn't always have to mean covering yourself in head-to-toe sequins. This dress proves that sometimes simple is really better - with its simple cream front and statement bow on the back.
www.marksandspencer.com
Part of the iconic M&S x Sienna Miller collaboration, we're so surprised to see this faux-fur jacket is still in stock (for now). A piece that's ever-so likely to sell out, this jacket features a shawl collar and fluffy black faux-fur.
www.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.
www.marksandspencer.com
Made from a smooth ponte jersey fabric, these trousers from Finery London are so wearable that we're sure they'll go with most things you already have in your wardrobe. Cut with a wide-leg silhouette and pleat detail, the Matilda trousers are also available in a shorter length for us petite girls.
Shop: The Best Of M&S Beauty
www.marksandspencer.com
This particular Elizabeth Arden cream has an almost cult-like following, including skin and make-up experts and us. Award winning for a reason, the Eight Hour Cream is deeply moisturising and can basically be used on any part of the body.
www.marksandspencer.com
This wonder tonic will give you an actual glow-up, thanks to its AHAs and BHAs. This REN product helps with a whole host of skin problems, including exfoliating, removing dead skin cells and decongesting pores.
www.marksandspencer.com
Coming up to Christmas and still have no clue what to buy those people in your life who just have everything? A Neom candle of course. You really can't go wrong with buying someone you love a candle as a gift - especially not when it smells this good - which I can vouch for as I already own this scent.
www.marksandspencer.com
Another cult beauty product is this Emma Hardie Cleansing Balm, a 5-in-1 cleanser that can be used on all skin types. Even the toughest of eye make-up won't survive this one - it cleanses pores, balances, hydrates and moisturises, all while smelling divine.
www.marksandspencer.com
The original Weleda Skin Food is used by celebrities like Hailey Bieber, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Victoria Beckham. This body lotion also provides the same long-lasting moisture and nourishment as the original moisturiser, and it's quick absorbing.
www.marksandspencer.com
This best-selling pillow spray has evidence to show it helps aid sleep at night. All you need to do is simply spray your pillow before you go to bed and let yourself relax to the scent of lavender, camomile and vetiver.
www.marksandspencer.com
This lightweight, oil-free gel cream gets deep into your skin, lasting a whopping 100 hours. Containing Aloe Bioferment and a HA Complex to get right into the pores in your skin, its own internal water source continually rehydrates itself - and your skin - it's so good it's almost like magic.
Do M&S have a Black Friday sale?
While Marks & Spencer's doesn't have an 'official' Black Friday sale, it hosts a variety of sales alongside Black Friday and in the run up to Christmas.
How do you get 20% off at M&S?
You can get 20% off at M&S by becoming a Sparks member - new members enjoy 20% off clothing and homeware - or by waiting for the brand's annual promotions such as spring sales, festive sales and January sales.
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).