Whether you like it or not, we're in peak gifting season, people! If you're anything like me, that means countless hours researching for the most thoughtful gift for your boss, mom, sister, dog, and everyone else on your list. While you're checking your list and checking it twice, our favorite brands and retailers are gearing up for the biggest sales of the year: Black Friday and Cyber Monday. In the weeks leading up to Cyber Week, you'll probably notice a lack of buzzy deals across the internet but don't get it wrong. There are plenty of discounted fashion finds to shop right now, and all it takes is a little digging.
As a shopping editor, it's my job to do that digging for you, so I took to my favorite retailers—Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, and Shopbop—to scope out their sale sections. Lo and behold I found some fall hidden gems at a great discount you don't have to wait until Black Friday to shop. Brands both high and low all have killer deals going on right now from a luxe COACH bucket bag to a killer Helmut Lang blazer, plus must-have ankle boots from Sam Edelman and a cozy Free People sweater, just to name a few.
On-Sale Saks Fifth Avenue Finds
I consider blazers to be an anti-trend piece in my wardrobe. I will say, however, that I've noticed the blazers of this season are moving away from an oversized look to one that's more structured and I'm here for it. This nipped-in blazer instantly gives you an hourglass shape for a more flattering look. While you could wear it to the office, I think this blazer deserves to be your hero piece at holiday parties. Just pair it with a sequin skirt or lace pants and you're good to go.
We're quickly approaching winter, people, which means it's time to make sure your sweater collection is up to par. This tailored cardigan is worth adding to your rotation as it's the ideal sweater for the office. With its cotton-cashmere blend, it's soft, warm, and lightweight, but you don't get the bulkiness of an oversized cardigan. Instead, its shape is polished and chic, AKA the perfect top to wear with your wide-legged trousers.
In case you haven't noticed, the micro-mini bags of years past are long gone. Instead, the fashion crowd is favoring big, actually useful silhouettes, such as this Rebecca Minkoff Croissant bag. I am truly obsessed with this shoulder bag's circular shape—it's fun and different than anything else I have in my closet. As someone who carries a lot in their everyday bag, I also appreciate its roominess. While the brown shade has "fall" written all over it, the studded black version is a sight to behold, too.
I'm sure you have multiple leather jackets in your closet at this very moment, but you probably don't have anything like this Elie Tahari pick. If your jackets are all black (guilty!), this creamy shade is going to fill a gap in your wardrobe. It also has a classic structured shape so you can wear it year after year without worrying whether it's on trend. And because it's lightweight, this is a great jacket to turn to during tricky transitional weather.
This Favorite Daughter cardigan is nothing short of adorable. Just take a look at the intricate floral embroidery and you'll know why I consider this a hidden gem. I'd wear it all the way buttoned up as a top or you can unbutton the top few buttons for a sexy off-the-shoulder moment. You can even wear the buttons facing the back, as seen on the model, for a cooler way to style this ribbed cardigan.
Winter is quickly approaching, which means you'll soon be stomping through slush and snow on your morning commute. If you're not prepared yet, I suggest picking up these rain boots that are actually cute. These boots are made of waterproof rubber and feature a classic Chelsea look, so you're sure to stay dry without having to sacrifice style. And if this taupe shade isn't up to your speed, there's also black, which is on sale too.
As I previously mentioned, the bigger the better is the mantra when it comes to handbags this season. Just take a look at this chic COACH bag as an example. The bucket shape allows for an extra roomy interior, so you'll have plenty of space for all of your essentials and then some. Its simple style along with the rich navy shade gives it that quiet luxury feel, too. You can even wear it as a shoulder bag or crossbody depending on your preference.
Helmut Lang on sale is something you should definitely take advantage of, especially when it's a piece you can wear a countless amount of times. This double-breasted blazer has structured shoulders and a slightly oversized fit that always looks cool, no matter what. It also has a subtle sheen to it, so if you're not one to go all out for holiday parties, I suggest grabbing the matching pants (which are also on sale!) for a party look that's elevated without going over the top.
On-Sale Nordstrom Finds
Truth be told, I'm shocked to see a coat this good on sale. For under $200, you can snag a classicly tailored coat that's just as stylish as it is functional. With its built-in lining and 64 percent wool blend, rest assured this will be a hero winter piece in your closet. I can also assure you that this coat will never go out of style no matter how long you keep it. Choose from this camel shade or other neutrals like black, grey, and navy.
Coming in at over 30 percent off, now's your chance to check out why fashion editors are obsessed with Longchamp's Le Pliage bags. Here, the cult-favorite tote is made even more travel-friendly with expanded capacity and a crossbody strap. It even has a water-resistant interior for any accidental spills, and folds flat for easy storage. Dare we say this is one of the best weekender bags out there?
I have been looking high and low for an affordable red sweater—it's the color of the season, after all. It looks like I finally found one hiding in Nordstrom's sale section. It has just the right amount of bagginess to be cozy, yet still looks polished, plus reviews say it's soft and warm. And boy, look at the color! It's the perfect bright red shade and I plan on wearing it all winter long.
A great pair of knee-high boots is hard to come by, which is why I promptly freaked out when I found these in-store. After trying them on, I can say with certainty that these are the near-perfect knee-high boots. They are easy to take on and off, super comfortable with a low heel, and stay up on the calf all day. The pointed-toe and suede finish make these even more of a chic option.
My jaw dropped when I saw this gorgeous bag on sale. Gult Gaia is known for their unique sculptural accessories and this bag is no different. It's a totally sleek leather shoulder bag in the dreamiest cream shade, but the hardware is really what takes it up a notch. The textural gold detail makes this bag stand out from a mile away. I would wear this with just about everything I own, to be honest.
This jacket looks like it could be designer with a price tag to match. Instead, you can score it for just $100. The high collar is what makes this jacket a winner as it'll keep you warm and is undeniably chic. Reviews say it's cozy and just roomy enough to layer over sweaters. In my opinion, this is the ideal jacket to keep around for tricky fall weather.
I can always count on FARM Rio for something fun, yet wearable, no matter the season. For fall and winter, the brand's sweaters are just as memorable as their colorful summer dresses. Case in point: this cardigan. Look closely at the gold statement buttons and you'll see why this sweater is obsession-worthy. The balloon sleeves and wide ribbed waistband are great details, too.
Once the weather is wet and cold on a near-daily basis, your go-to ankle boots aren't going to cut it anymore. I suggest you grab this waterproof pair while it's on sale to prepare for winter. As I mentioned, they are completely waterproof, but they're also lined in shearling and have a thick lug sole, which are necessary features for tromping through the snow.
On-Sale Shopbop Finds
This jacket is screaming "cool girl" to me. Maybe it's the chocolatey brown suede or the leather trim detail that makes this jacket a standout. All in all, I'm obsessed with this jacket for its edgy vibe. It's also made from a heavyweight suede and lined in sherpa, so it's a great topper for chilly fall days. Throw on some dark-wash jeans and your go-to ankle boots, and you've got a low-lift cute fall outfit.
Sure, my sweater collection may be full of crewnecks and cardigans but every now and then I like to switch it up with something a little less basic. Enter MINKPINK's Amina Bobble Sweater. This pick has the cutest details like the small pom-poms and voluminous sleeves. This is the kind of sweater that deserves to be dressed up. Personally, I'm thinking of pairing it with a long denim skirt (my eye is on the one below) and brown knee-high boots for Thanksgiving dinner.
Whenever I have my eye on a cute long denim skirt, it seems to sell out in my size the second I go to add it to my cart. Don't let that happen to you with this skirt—it's too cute and versatile to let it slip through your fingers. Wear this with all of your sweaters this season for a bit of a trendier look than go-to jeans. The dark wash and cool patch detailing will make you stand apart from your fashion-forward friends, too.
Once winter comes around, I put away my heels and prioritize lug-soled boots. They're warmer and so much easier to walk in, especially when the ground is covered in snow as it often is here in New York. These Voile Blanche boots are just what I had for the new season with an extra-chunky, rubber lug sole in a classic Chelsea style. The tiniest of heels adds some extra style points, too.
I can always count on STAUD for chic minimalist handbags, but the brand doesn't often go on sale. The fact that this bag is 40 percent off is a real shock to me. Not only is it practically made for fall with its brown suede exterior, but I can guarantee it's just the right size to fit all of your essentials. Get this on sale now while you can, then wear it year after year as your everyday fall ball.
Is there anything more chic than a striped sweater? I don't think so. The pattern never goes out of style and is right on par with that French girl look we all know and love. This sweater fits the French aesthetic perfectly with its elevated polo neckline and black and white colorway (the most polished color combo, in my opinion). While it may feel like a heavy-knit sweater, it's made of 100 percent cotton so it's still totally breathable.
These might just be the coolest black booties I've ever laid my eyes on. They feature a sculptural heel that nears the middle of the footbed, giving these booties a near-optical illusion effect. They're also crafted of leather and luxe suede with a cool exaggerated pointed toe. Honestly, these black booties are worthy of being placed in an art gallery.
I know this bag is on the pricier side of things even at a discount, but hear me out. Mansur Gavriel's M-Frame bags are everywhere right now, from the arms of your favorite influencers and celebrities. Taylor Swift, Priyanka Chopra, and Gigi Hadid are all fans of the brand, so why not try the celeb-loved style while it's on sale? This of-the-moment shoulder bag will be just as wearable next year and beyond, I promise.
