If you've seen a photograph of a woman in the public eye in the past week, chances are she was wearing ME+EM. The British label, founded by Clare Hornby in 2009, is a favourite of several members of the Royal family and, in the past week, has been (almost) the only brand chosen by some of the Labour Party's most prominent women, Angela Rayner and Lady Victoria Starmer. Add to that a Hollywood fan base including Katie Holmes, Lupita Nyong'o and Annabel Wallis and it's clear that the brand's appeal is strong indeed. Happy news, then, that it has just launched a major sale.
Straddling that border between high street and luxury, ME+EM's USP has always been that it provides flattering, functional clothes for women which stand the test of time and are of an incredibly high quality, without stretching budgets to an eye-watering level. Some of the more everyday dresses, therefore, are around £150, while the more formal styles can be up to £595. On average, trousers – for which the brand has become famous, thanks to a multitude of extremely flattering styles – are around £200-£250 and the knitwear is similarly priced.
The biggest sales period of the year, Black Friday, might not be here yet (this year it falls on Friday 29 November), but ME+EM isn't waiting around for the big day. The London-based brand has already dropped its early sales, offering up to 60% off. Suddenly makes these pieces really accessible, with some tops starting at £35. Even some of the celebrity-approved pieces have great discounts, like this excellent summer dress seen on actor Annabelle Wallis, which is now £70. The knitted dress worn by Lupita Nyong'o recently is half price and the pleated-front style seen on Angela Rayner has 50% off.
Celebrity approval aside, this sale offers the perfect opportunity to stock your wardrobe with clothes which do all the hard work for you. These pieces are the very definition of timeless, they're comfortable and they're polished enough to work for smarter settings, as well as your down time. If you have to adhere to a stricter dress code for work, too, there are chic co-ords and separates which will make your life easier – and more stylish.
Don't dally, though. The secret of ME+EM's brilliance is well and truly out, so you may want to add your favourite pieces to basket before they sell out. Which, with up to 60% off, they're sure to do.
When does the ME+EM Black Friday early sale start?
Wondering when ME+EM's Black Friday sale kicks off? It's already here and it's a serious treat. ME+EM already have tons of items with up to 60% off, and it's the perfect chance to bag those endlessly wearable staples before the frenzy begins. From statement coats to floaty dresses, these pieces will bring polish to any wardrobe - and now at prices too good to miss out on.
How long is Black Friday?
Black Friday originally started as a one-day thing. Now, it seems to have turned into a full-on season. Black Friday now stretches way beyond the 24 hour mark, with many brands (like ME+EM) kicking things off weeks in advance, and keeping the deals rolling right into Cyber Monday (this year it falls on Monday 2 December).
How to find the best ME+EM Black Friday deals?
If you're on the hunt for the best of the ME+EM's Black Friday deals, the best way to start is by noting down or bookmarking the pieces you're most interested in. Signature pieces like tailored trousers and cosy knitwear rarely go on sale, so Black Friday is the best time to score these high-quality staples for a lot less. You can also keep an eye on this page, as it will regularly be updated during the sales period with all the best deals.
Another pro tip is to sign up to the brand's newsletter. Not only do you get 15% off your first full price order, but it's also a good way of getting insider access to early drops and flash discounts. Remember, the best deals are a savvy mix of must-have classics and on-trend pieces that give your wardrobe a freshen up.
Shop: The Best Dresses In The ME+EM Sale
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As spotted on Annabelle Wallis in Italy, this is the perfect dress for summer days in the city. Add flat sandals and a chic tote – that's all you need.
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Lupita Nyong'o chose this while promoting her new film. Wear on its own during the summer and then layer over long sleeves, tights and boots in the winter.
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Angela Rayner wore this for one of her first cabinet meetings as the UK's Deputy Prime Minister but it could just as easily be dressed up for weddings and summer events.
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This green maxi is selling quickly, which may have something to do with the very generous 50% discount. Add to basket while you still can.
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Wear loose as the ultimate night-time holiday dress or use a waist belt to make it more office-appropriate. Either way, it's made from pure silk and currently has 50% off.
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Another very versatile style, you'll find this dress is lightweight enough for hot days spent as a tourist but, equally, makes for a chic twist on the classic workwear dress.
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White dresses are bigger news than ever for summer. This is an easy way to do it, with a comfortable, stylish shirt dress that you'll want to wear every day. Just add ballet pumps.
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A dress perfect for office days, this one features a crossover V-neckline, fringe detailing that's very on-trend with the boho renaissance, and a thin optional belt.
Shop: The Best Trousers In The ME+EM Sale
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If you were wondering how to tap into the cargo trouser trend in a way that feels slightly more grown-up, here's your answer. Wear with white tees and flat sandals now and then add layers when it gets cold.
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If you want an alternative to jeans, these trousers will prove just as useful in your wardrobe and go with absolutely everything.
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ME+EM's jeans are so good, they tend to sell out incredibly quickly, especially during a sale. There are some sizes left in this style, however, which have a contrast split seam and will fit well, even if you're petite.
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Like your smartest trousers but better, tuck in tops and wear these to work, weddings and anywhere else you please.
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White trousers are another big trend this summer and this wide leg pair of cargo jeans is a very stylish way to do it. Try a knitted vest in a similar hue for a truly luxe vibe.
Shop: The Other Best Pieces In The ME+EM Sale
14.
70s Clog Sandals
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Boho is back, in case you didn't know, and will be huge for autumn/winter. Get ahead with these clog sandals, which pay homage to the Chloe pair already spotted on Sienna Miller.
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Another excellent piece for autumn/winter, you can also wear this skirt now with a white tee and flats. Let's be honest, we're hardly having a glorious summer, so you may as well treat yourself to a great leather skirt outfit.
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It's sometimes hard to find something that's suitable for autumn/winter in the sales, when the overwhelming majority seems to be items from the warmer months gone by. However, we've spotted this pair of Chelsea boots that are crafted from full-grain leather in an off-white.
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Fur coats are absolutely everywhere this autumn/winter - from high street iterations like the viral one from M&S, to more luxe choices from The Kooples. This one from ME+EM has a unique patchwork design you're unlikely to find anywhere else.
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Peplum's might be something that makes any millennial shiver, but this top is one that might make you reconsider. With its one-shoulder cut and bodycon shape, all that's missing is a pair of tailored trousers and kitten heels.
Hannah Banks-Walker is Grazia's head of fashion commerce. She has previously written for the likes of Harper's Bazaar, The Financial Times, Glamour, Stylist, The Telegraph, Red, i-D and The Pool on everything from fashion to curly hair (hi!) to the patriarchy. Not necessarily in that order. Find her on Instagram and Twitter. But please don't look for her MySpace profile, which until now was the last time she wrote about herself in the third person.