Every Chic Item From Zara, COS and H&M I’m Adding to My Basket Ahead of Black Friday

As a shopping editor, Black Friday is my Super Bowl. The countdown begins weeks in advance: tabs open, wish lists organised, hopes quietly pinned on whether my favourite wool coat will finally plummet in price. After years of covering the chaos, I’ve learned that success comes down to preparation. Knowing which brands to monitor (and which items to prioritise) will make navigating the chaos infinitely smoother.

For me, the holy trinity of Black Friday shopping is Zara, H&M and COS. Between them, they cover every corner of my wardrobe: timeless staples, elevated basics and the occasional trend-led piece that still feels grown-up. Through my daily scrolls, I’ve learned to spot the unicorns—the perfectly cut trousers, the premium-feel knits, the coats that could easily pass for designer. From COS’s beautifully structured wool coats and cashmere knits to H&M and Zara’s consistently strong denim and outerwear, my winter wishlist has been quietly building over the past few months, waiting for this exact moment.

As for the pieces I’m crossing my fingers for? H&M’s expensive-looking mohair jumper is at the top of the list, closely followed by Zara’s sell-out reversible jacket and COS’s dreamy pure cashmere knit. But that’s just the beginning.