These Post-Holiday Sales Are Worth the Wait
It’s been a marathon month (or more) for shopping. We’ve picked apart the Internet for big deals, set alarms for Cyber Monday flash sales, and even arranged for some big box curbside pickup — all to gather the best gifts. After such an effort, we understand why shopping fatigue and shrinking bank accounts may have you thinking twice before making any more purchases this year. But if smart shopping (and saving more) is on your list of resolutions for 2021, you may want to rethink the strategy. That’s because according to money experts like Andrea Woroch, the biggest savings come to those who plan carefully and shop ahead, like way ahead.
Take seasonal holiday items, like Christmas cards and home decor: Markdowns at stores like Kohl's, Lowe's, and Walmart are expected to be taken practically as soon as your family has finished opening their holiday gifts. (Some retailers, like West Elm, have already cut prices of holiday decor items by half.) If you plan to send out holiday cards next year, or will need a refresh on tree lights, why not buy ahead for major savings?
Of course, deals aren’t limited to holiday swag. Those who have been saving all year for a big vehicular purchase will be rewarded with the steepest discounts if they shop now: Research from Edmunds shows that December sales events offer the highest discount off of the suggested retail price of a vehicle (at 6.1% on average), along with the highest incentives and rebates.
And that’s just the start: The best end-of-year sales include luxury goods, apparel, beauty finds, and more. Keep reading for our favorite finds.
With model and celebrity fans, throwback fashion brand Fiorucci couldn't be more on-trend. Starting December 17, select styles will be marked down by 50%; then, by December 24, prices of select styles will be slashed by 70% for a can’t-miss sale that runs through the new year. The start of the year is also a great time to score from Happy Socks — the company will reduce prices on select styles of socks, underwear, swimwear and shoes by 40% from December 25 through January 14 and by 60% from January 14 through February 9, 2021
If your add-to-cart trigger finger can’t wait for those kinds of savings, then check out every fashion fiend’s favorite online destination, Net-A-Porter; its annual sale is on now with prices slashed by 60%.
Finally, one of our favorite sportswear retailers, Finish Line, is offering up to 50% off select styles during its end of season sale, starting December 25. Stock up on new sneakers, beanies, and socks, so you can tackle those outdoor 2021 exercises in warmth.
Our Favorite Finds
Re/Done takes vintage cuts (think: a ‘50s cardigan or ‘80s sweatpants) and reimagines them in modern and luxe fabrics. This pair of sneakers, modeled after ‘70s athletic wear, is rendered in the softest suede for a cool-girl sneaker that will never go out of style.
SHOP: Re/Done 70s Tennis Leather-Trimmed Suede Sneakers, Was $400; Now $160, available at Net-A-Porter
If cottagecore has you fantasizing about prairie vibes (hold the prairie lifestyle), nail the aesthetic with this dress, which can be snapped up at 60% off.
SHOP: Ulla Johnson Verona Tiered Floral-Print Cotton-Blend Voile Midi Dress, Was $575; Now $230, available at Net-A-Porter
Whether you're walking down to the street or on a treadmill, a bold, colorful sneaker will get you motivated to move. Also, very motivating? This price reduction.
SHOP: Women's Puma RS-X3 Unity Casual Shoes, Was $110; Now $70, available at Finish Line
Finish Line isn't just leggings, hoodies, and sneakers. Everyday essentials, like select hats and socks, are also on sale. In fact, these super comfortable masks are already in our cart.
SHOP: Sof Sol 3-Pack Printed Face Mask, Was $12.99; Now $8, available at Finish Line
No matter where you like to shop, holiday decor is bound to go on sale in the weeks after Christmas. But home styling hack alert: just because winter-y items are labeled as festive decor doesn’t mean they can’t be used to modernize your home year round. Below, find some of our best picks for so-called winter decor that brighten bedrooms, patios and tabletops year rounds.
Our Favorite Finds
These illuminated spheres are the things of teen (okay...and adult) bedroom dreams.
SHOP: West Elm LED String Lights - Spheres & Loops, Was $150; Now $120, available at West Elm
Edison lights are a no-fail way to deck patio trellises and illuminate summer barbecues that go into the night.
SHOP: West Elm Edison String Lights in Brown, Was $100; Now $80, available at West Elm
Mercury glass votives look just as fitting as part of a Valentine’s Day tablescape as they do warming up a mantle in the living room.
SHOP: West Elm Mercury Glass Fluted Candles Small, Was $20; Now $9.99, available at West Elm
This year, beauty destination Sephora kicked off its first-ever Sephorathon, a month-long sale that stretches into the New Year. From December 20-January 1, Beauty Insider members can score an extra 20% off of sale items, using code MAJORSALE, making this the best time to stock up on the below well-loved products for use in 2021.
Our Favorite Finds
Don’t be fooled: This tiny bullet packs major color payoff — and at less than $10 a pop, we can afford to stock up on more than a few of our favorite shades.
SHOP: Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Mattemoiselle Plush Matte Lipstick, Was $18, Now $9, available at Sephora
The brunt of winter is still ahead. Come prepared with this dry skin fighting duo comprising a facial moisturizer, body lotion, and face mask, each rich in moisturizing ceramides.
SHOP: Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Moisture from Head to Toe Set, Was $48; $33.50, available at Sephora
The hair stylist responsible for A-list hair also raves about this unisex haircare line, which taps a reparative keratin that binds to and fill hair shafts for healthier hair. The science doesn’t come cheap, but thanks to the savings found in this holiday bundle, you can try four products for far less than retail.
SHOP: Virtue Healthy Hair Recovery Collection, Was $59; Now $47, available at Sephora