We're buying these items this weekend including UGG dupes and £13 viral leggings
As the workweek winds down there’s a certain buzz in the air in knowing that Friday marks not only the start of a weekend of recharging, but also the opportunity to indulge in a little retail therapy. Naturally, the thought of battling the bustling aisles and navigating the snaking Saturday queues of shoppers is not our idea of a relaxing weekend. But that doesn’t mean you can’t snap up the latest viral midi dress or skincare dupe.
Enter Friday Favourites - a carefully curated edit of The Mirror fashion and beauty team’s top picks from the high street this week. At the end of every week, we’ll be seeking out the viral sensations, soon to be sell outs, and uncovering the gems that deserve a spot in your shopping bag (and ours), from the likes of River Island, M&S, New Look and more.
Online shopping can often feel overwhelming when time is precious and choices are endless. As such we understand the need to make every *add to basket* moment count. Amidst the chaos of TikTok beauty trends and ever-turning wheel of fast fashion, we're bringing you pieces that aren't just fleeting fads, curating a finely tuned selection of fashion, beauty and home must-haves that you’ll love for seasons to come.
Whether you're seeking a wardrobe refresh, eye-catching accessories, or simply a touch of inspiration, we've got you covered. And in a nod to the evolving conversation around sustainable choices and overconsumption, we won’t be recommending any old rubbish - these are pieces and products we either genuinely rate, have bought ourselves, or simply have a hunch you will love as much as we do.
If you’re a seasoned trendsetter, beauty buff or simply need a helping hand when it comes to finding what’s hot and worth your hard earned cash, consider Friday Favourites your guide to navigating the high street’s never ending scroll of shopping picks.
Kate Middleton swears by £19.99 rosehip oil that helps 'reduce wrinkles & scars'Here's what we're loving this week:
Journalist and broadcaster Louise Roe has collaborated with - a 32-item strong collection of transitional pieces.
But there’s one item that’s caught the eye of shoppers across the country, and we’re of course talking about the gorgeous, Satin Halter Neck Midi Slip Dress. Hundreds of people have liked the picture and left comments saying how ‘gorgeous’, ‘stunning’ and ‘wonderful’ Louise looks - and those people aren’t wrong!
Available in sizes 6-18, the , but we also found this chocolate coloured slip dress on if you’re looking for something a little cheaper. Oh, and if you throw a jumper over either of them, it’s basically a skirt too, so girl maths means you can half the price immediately, right?
Many shoppers have been updating their wardrobes for the new autumn season, and high street favourite New Look has delivered a capsule closet must-have that’s perfect for every occasion.
The fashion retailer has released a satin midaxi skirt in seven stunning shades with a dreamy fall colour palette of rich burgundys, forest greens and gorgeous golds. It also comes in grey, khaki, navy and red, with some customers having already bagged it in multiple colours.
Over on the New Look website, the skirt has been praised by wearers who describe the skirt as ‘flattering’, adding that it ‘looks more expensive’ than its suggests. And when I had to agree. It looked so glossy in real life, with a beautiful texture to the fabric, and even on the hanger, the bias cut gave it a gorgeous fluidity. The quality is much more premium than has come to be expected with high street style in recent years, feeling soft against the skin and not at all rough or rigid.
H&M viral £13 leggings
H&M's flared leggings have been going viral on TikTok, praised for their affordability, comfort and the fact they 'look good on everyone'. TikTok user @elegantstyleofficial shared H&M's flared leggings with her 190k followers in a post captioned "They are so comfy", while text over the video read: "The viral pants from H&M that look good on everyone." The reel racked up more than 1.9m views and many comments from excited shoppers.
The leggings are made with jersey material and feature a high waist with concealed elastication and flared legs. At £12.99, they're incredibly well priced and are available in sixes XS to XXL. They come in black, beige, burgundy and a black dogtooth pattern to suit a range of styles.
Wear them with a bomber jacket and trainers for a cool autumn look, or elevate them with a blazer and heels - they'll certainly wind up being one of your most worn pieces this season and beyond.
Boots annual 70% off sale is returning with some deals already availableMarks and Spencer Wide-Leg Jeans
Wide leg jeans are one of the cooler styles at the moment, typically fitting slim at the hips and loose through the leg for an on-trend silhouette that’s not quite as dramatic as flares or bootcut jeans, but offer a more interesting look than straight leg or slim fit designs. And after trying on five pairs in various high street retailers, I've crowned Marks and Spencer's the best.
Marks and Spencer’s , cheaper than , and more than or Primark, but still very affordable and most importantly, good value. They have struck the perfect balance between fit, quality and price with their wide leg jeans. Available in seven colours, they have the most inclusive size range, coming in petite, regular and tall, in sizes 6-24.
They've racked up a 4/5 star rating from shoppers based on more than 1,400 reviews, praised for their flattering design, affordability and 'better than designer' quality. Try them out for yourself here.
Mango ballet flats that look like Miu Miu
Mango is selling an incredible dupe of Miu Miu's £700 satin ballerina flats. If you don't fancy splashing out for a pair of luxurious-looking shoes, then you'll want to checkout the high-street brand's affordable alternatives - as they can save you a whopping £664.
The renowned fashion retailer's Elastic Satin Ballerinas, £35.99 here, look noticeably similar to Miu Miu’s Satin Ballerinas - which cost hundreds of pounds more.
Both pairs of shoes are designed with a satin upper, rounded toe, removeable footbed and decorative bow. Mango's offering also features the same black elastic strap that keeps your flats securely in place. They come in UK sizes two to nine, but already seem to be flying off the shelves, so you'll need to get in there quick. Find out more about them here.
Michelle Keegan has launched a new clothing collection with online retailer Very, just in time for chilly days, and it includes the perfect knitted piece. The £35 Cable Oversized Knitted Jumper features a wrap-style front with an asymmetric hem, a flattering high neck and chunky ribbed trim.
Available in sizes six to 18, the former Coronation Street star's cream jumper is a lovely choice for autumn and winter. It's made from soft-handle cable knit fabric and has full-length sleeves. You can shop the full Michelle Keegan x Very collection here.
Holly Willloughby is helping us get our wardrobes ready for autumn with her latest M&S look. The ITV star, 42, looked incredible in a leather-look mini skirt from the high-street favourite as she posed for a photo on Instragram earlier this month.
The This Morning presenter can be seen wearing Marks and Spencer's Leather Look Seam Detail Mini A-Line Skirt which costs £25. With an A-line fit and delicate stitching, it's a timeless piece that can be worn over and over again during the cold season, no matter what the occasion. The fitted item comes in UK sizes six to 20.
Holly's autumnal look also featured a cream roll-neck jumper, £29.50 here, which is sure to keep you cosy on cooler days. The affordable knit boasts a textured design and comes in a regular fit. A tweed blazer, £75 here, completed the mum-of-three's outfit. The effortless piece features a relaxed fit, double-button fastenings and added stretch - perfect for wearing with skirts or trousers.
Dunelm's must-have duvet set
I love to switch up my bedding theme with the changing of the seasons, and as the crisp leaves begin to fall, what better than some crisp white sheets? Dunelm shoppers have been heaping praise on this Billie White duvet cover and pillowcase sets, which is a beautiful semi-plain that has been crafted with a gorgeous textured design.
Prices start from £32 for a single and range from £40 for a double to £46 for kingsize and £52 for super kingsize. The sets each include standard pillowcases, though you can also buy matching Oxfords. They are also fully machine-washable and are described by Dunelm as "perfect to lay under".
According to shoppers, it "washes well and minimal ironing required", with others saying it gave their bedroom a "hotel feel". Find out more about it here.
Sofia Richie's wedding fragrance
It’s been five months since Sofia Richie walked down the aisle but we’re still not quite over her luxurious South of France wedding, not to mention the fact the model continues to be one of our go-to sources of beauty inspo. After revealing that she wore a combination of Jo Malone fragrances for her wedding day, the brand’s perfumes have reached new heights of popularity, particularly Sofia’s two nuptial scents; Peony Blush Suede and English Pear & Freesia.
Sofia also revealed that the Jo Malone English Pear & Freesia has become one of her all time favourite perfumes, and now fellow fans of the fragrance can get their hands on a limited edition version. The Special-Edition English Pear & Freesia Cologne comes in a special edition fluted bottle but has the same scent you’ve come to know and love.
The perfume comes in three different sizes, with the 30ml bottle costing , 50ml for and the 100ml bottle for , so you can pick a size that works for you and is within your budget. Read more about it here.
Boohoo Ugg 'dupes'
For the last few years, Ugg has been cornering the market on cosy autumn slippers, with its Ugg Tasman Slippers being one of the must-have pairs for keeping your feet warm and toasty when the temperature drops. However, their £100 price tag is definitely a stretch for most people’s budgets, and although they should last you years, it can still be quite a splurge.
Thankfully, budget-friendly brand Boohoo has just released its very own version that’s easier on your bank balance whilst still keeping your feet warm and snuggly. The Embroidered Detailing Platform Slip On Cosy Mules, £22.40, have an almost identical look to the Ugg version, for almost £80 less.
Although you don’t get quite the same choice of colours – Boohoo’s are only available in grey and chestnut – you still get the same chic and cosy look of the more expensive version. Check them out here.
FatFace's autumn dress
FatFace shoppers have unearthed the perfect floaty autumn dress, calling the £56 printed mini ‘flattering’ and ‘very pretty’ – oh, and did we mention it has pockets? FatFace’s Krishan Floral Jersey Dress boasts long sleeves and high neck make it ideal for wearing in the cooler climate and keeping the chill at bay.
While it may have a shorter hemline, by simply pairing it with a pair of thick tights or a pair of long boots you can help stay wrapped up against the elements. Although its fit and flare silhouette is timeless, it also has plenty of trending details like a cinched waist, frill collar and puff sleeves which help make it look current and chic without it looking dated in a couple of months' time.
And of course, how could we forget our favourite design detail – pockets! The mini dress has two side pockets that are perfect for storing essentials like your lip balm and phone, or simple for keeping your hands warm. Read more about the dress here.