As a fashion journalist who shops for a living, I spend my days hunting for the best style finds on the British high street. During Black Friday week, the deals are particularly plentiful, and one major retailer has just launched its event. River Island's Black Friday sale is now officially live, offering savvy shoppers substantial savings of up to 40% on a wide array of selected items.
It's not the only high street name with tempting offers. Over at Boden, fashion lovers can secure a solid 40% off a curated edit or 20% off the entire collection. Meanwhile, Nobody's Child is offering a generous 25% off everything with the code BF25, plus an additional 20% off on selected styles.
Party Season Essentials
Back at River Island, the sale is a treasure trove of seasonal must-haves. The selection includes everything from festive knits and staple coats to denim and Olivia Attwood's stylish edit. To help you navigate the offers, here is my curated list of favourite items from the retailer's Black Friday offering, with options to suit every budget.
Brown Belted Jumper Dress - £32 (was £46)
This stylish jumper dress features a cinched waist for a universally flattering fit. It's the perfect solution for smart-casual occasions and can be easily elevated with boots and a jacket. One minor drawback is that it's only available in a mini length, which might not suit taller shoppers.
Black Long Sleeve Sequin Bow Fluffy Cardigan - £36 (was £49)
This festive fluffy cardigan is an ideal choice for Christmas Day, perfectly paired with a mini skirt or trousers. Available in sizes XS to L, its black colour means it isn't overtly festive, allowing you to wear it well into the new year. Be aware that it requires a gentle 30°C wash, which may be impractical for some.
White Sequin Velvet Bow Back Mini Dress - £39 (was £49)
For those seeking a show-stopping Christmas party outfit, this stunning white sequin dress is a fantastic and affordable alternative to pricier options. The bow back detail might pose a challenge for certain bras, but the slightly flared cut, which I loved when I tried it on in-store, makes it a comfortable and versatile piece for special occasions.
Winter Warmers & Everyday Staples
Beige Wool Blend Mid Length Scarf Coat - £66 (was £99)
I am a huge advocate of the effortlessly chic scarf coat trend. I would style this one with a mini skirt, sheer tights, and knee-high boots for a comfortable yet impactful look. The chic beige hue is dressy enough for the office but also ideal for evenings out. A red version is also available for £78. A word of caution for makeup lovers: the lighter shade might be prone to foundation marks.
Black Twist Side Faux Leather Midi Skirt - £32 (was £39)
The clever twist detail on this faux leather midi skirt creates a flattering finish that drapes elegantly over the tummy. While I find that midi lengths can sometimes be awkward, this is a stunning buy that would pair beautifully with a contrasting cosy knit.
Olivia Attwood Cream Faux Fur Belted Coat - £69 (was £89)
This ultra-stylish faux fur coat from TV star Olivia Attwood's collection is a perfect party season cover-up. It's a classic design that could be brought out year after year. The main considerations are its slightly impractical colour and its dry-clean-only care instructions.
Brown Knitted Long Sleeve Cardigan - £34 (was £46)
I prefer to invest my Black Friday budget in items I'll wear repeatedly, and this everyday cardigan is a true staple. I love the chunky knit and on-trend wide cuffs, which make it look more premium than its £34 price tag. It does require careful washing and flat drying.
Cosy Comfort & Versatile Layers
Grey Knitted Bow Detail Loungewear Set - £44 (was £59)
This gorgeous grey knitted loungewear set, complete with cute bows, is already selling fast, making it an ideal cosy outfit for Christmas Day. It's a slight shame the top and bottoms can't be purchased separately for size flexibility, but the set appears stretchy enough to accommodate.
Beige Long Sleeve Cardigan - £32 (was £52)
A beige long-sleeved cardigan is a wardrobe must-have in my opinion. Ideal for layering, this option features chic buttons that help it stand out. I'd style it with denim and a long coat for a classic, cosy look. Some may find the length slightly short, but this can be balanced with high-waisted bottoms.
Brown Knitted Belted Peplum Top - £24 (was £36)
Peplum shapes are famously flattering for those conscious of their tummy area. This knitted top comes in the season's key colour, chocolate brown, and the cinched waist offers an elevated look with extra coverage. It's worth noting that some might find the belt detail less comfortable when sitting, but the statement shape means it requires very little accessorising.
