What to wear on Black Friday

by Brittany Anas · November 13, 2012

By Brittany Anas

Black Friday requires the endurance to shop all night, the strategy to map out the best deals and the flexibility to reach the top shelves. Sounds like a sport, yes? Attention Olympic committee: please add marathon shopping to the Winter Olympics of 2014. After all, you guys did approve speed walking as an official Olympic sport.

Just like every sport, Black Friday shopping requires a proper uniform.

Are you picturing yourself victoriously sprinting into the mall wearing a tracksuit while “Eye of the Tiger” plays? All right, that might be a tad dramatic. But we’ve got some great outfit ideas for you that blend comfort and style without even suggesting pajama jeans.

Outfitting yourself for the greatest shop-a-thon of the year is a bit complex. You’ll be waiting outside in the crisp November air and also hustling around inside crowded stores – ideal conditions for dressing in layers like jackets over cardigans over T-shirts. Let’s also not forget the Thanksgiving feast factor, which makes elastic a great ally.

Commandment No. 1: Thou shall be kind to your feet on the biggest shopping day of the year.

Wear heels and you might be begging for a foot massage at one of those $1 a minute chair massage booths in the mall. If you’re going to be trying on a lot of clothes for yourself, you might want to opt for ballet flats that have a little structure — like these from the Gap — instead of sneakers. That way, you won’t have to waste precious seconds tying laces. If it’s snowing in your area, insulated winter boots are a must. Try Target for fur-laced boots.

Remember to dress in layers.

Try an oversized cowl-neck sweater (it will feel like a cozy blanket) with a pair of leggings or comfortable jeans. H&M has been running some great deals on sweaters, including buy-one-get-one free offers.

Or, layer a zip-up sweatshirt or sweater over a basic tank top so that you can sidestep long fitting room lines to try on shirts.

Instead of necklaces and earrings, accessorize with scarves and knit caps that will look chic while keeping you cozy.

Roomy cross-body purses are a good idea because they can stash your gloves and hat… and a turkey sandwich.

Happy Black Friday shopping!