Weekend Wishlist: 9 high street buys to kick off the festive season from M&S, Boots and more

Now that Halloween is behind us, the fashion and beauty team here at The are very much getting into the festive spirit. And with payday having recently replenished our bank accounts, our shopping experts have been eyeing up the best purchases to splurge on ahead of the holiday season.

As we do every Friday, our writers have scoured your favourite high street retailers and celebrity accounts to find the latest must-haves when it comes to your makeup bag, wardrobe and gift list.

This week’s edit is one perfect for anyone looking for their party season outfit, with celeb-approved picks from and , and a glitzy . Perhaps it’s a on your list to add some sparkle to your wardrobe, or maybe you’re looking for a or to see you through the winter months.

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We’ve even managed to for one of this year’s most sought out beauty advent calendars - consider it an early Christmas gift from us We’ve no doubt that our delivery drivers will be sick of the sight of us this time next week, so we’ve even popped open a tub of Celebrations for the posties who have to lug our payday haul to the door, just to sweeten the deal and spread some holiday cheer.

Whether you’re planning your festive glam or ticking off some present shopping, there’s a little something here for everyone on your holiday wish list. Here’s what’s on ours.

Mary Berry’s Karen Millen blouse - £99

In a recent photoshoot, Mary Berry looked ‘positively regal’ in a wearing the from celebrity-loved retailer, Karen Millen. I’ve been eyeing it up for the party season, thinking of teaming it with a metallic or sequin skirt - or you can copy the 89-year-old’s look with her exact for a monochrome look.

The offers a relaxed fit with playful balloon sleeves and a statement bow accent. It plays up to both the pop of red and bow trends we’ve seen dominate in 2024, bringing them together to create the ultimate festive party number.

The and is currently in stock in all sizes. But if red is a little bold for you, it also comes in ivory, rose, navy and champagne, all of which are equally as elegant.

No7 Beauty Advent Calendar - £45 (worth £236.65)

The No7 beauty advent calendars have been out for a couple of weeks now, but because we love to spoil you, we’ve blagged a code that will get you 25% off. It means customers can get the worth £236.65, for £45 instead of £60.

Inside the , which you can now pick up for £45, there are 11 of which are full sized. And for the first time ever, the calendar features products from the coveted Future Renew anti-ageing skincare line.

To get the deal, customers will need to add the calendar to their basket and type in the code at the checkout. However, you will need to be quick, because the offer only runs until November 2. The same code can also be used on the meaning you can get it for £131.25 instead of £175, despite it being worth more than £500.

Cat Deeley’s M&S dress - £45

If you’re after a new LBD for your festive invites, look no further than the , from Marks and Spencer. The dress was worn by This Morning’s Cat Deeley while appearing as a guest on the final of ITV's Dress the Nation, and it’s under £50.

The £45 mini dress boasts a deep V-neckline and a sleeveless design, making it an ideal choice for the upcoming holiday period.

The glitzy high-street number is giving us serious 60s vibes with its classic mini length, perfect for dressing up or down. To really glam up the look, we’d add a bold red lip, a clutch and some diamanté earrings. But, it could work just as well over the top of a roll-neck top with a pair of leather loafers for a more relaxed look, too.

River Island Santa Baby jumper - £45

A Christmas jumper is as much a festive fundamental as mince pies and tinsel, so if like me you’ve been after a new knit for 2024, I’ve got you covered. River Island has teamed up with for a collection of playful slogan jumpers perfect for sporting throughout the holidays. But my personal favourite has to be the , and I recommend picking it up early to avoid disappointment if it sells out.

Coming in at comes in a dreamy sky blue shade. Across the front in cursive are the words ‘Santa baby’, with diamantes adding sparkle to the front of the knit. The red lettering leans into the pop of red trend, ticking yet another style box.

Ribbed cuffs make this sweater so cosy, giving the sleeves some volume, while the hem makes it easy to wear out, or tucked up for a baggier look. But my favourite feature by far has to be the that adorn the sleeves. It’s no secret that bows have been a major hit in 2024, and this is such a great way to carry it through to the end of the year.

YSL Black Opium Over Red perfume - £68

Fragrance is always a popular Christmas gift, and one I think is going to be hugely popular this season is the The 2024 reimagination of the 2014 fragrance generally stays quite true to the OG gourmet coffee and vanilla signature scent, but introduces a juicy red cherry accord. The result is a that feels perfect for winter.

It’s a luxurious, high-end fragrance that delivers exactly what you’d expect from a brand like Yves Saint Laurent. It’s sweet, seductive, and sophisticated, with a trendy cherry twist that feels indulgent and a little bit festive.

And it couldn’t be a better time to shine a light on this spritz, as cherry-inspired fragrances are set to be one of the biggest trends this season. This particular one is sweet without being overpowering, ideal for anyone looking to elevate their scent game this season. If cherry is indeed the note of the year, for everyone else.

Boux Avenue polar bear pyjamas - £38

Christmas pyjamas are a tradition in many families, and my household is no exception. I've got my eyes on these adorable that Boux Avenue is selling for £38.

Available in sizes six to 18, the pale blue long sleeve pyjamas bag, making them the perfect gift for yourself or someone special. The trousers have an elasticated waist and tie for comfort, while the top features a handy patch pocket.

The pyjamas have tiny polar bears wearing jumpers and scarves all over them. Complete your festive night-time look with a pair of , priced at £5.

Dorothy Perkins Velvet Sequin Dress - £27

Debenhams is currently offering a fabulous 40% discount on a stunning that's perfect for Christmas parties. The Velvet Sequin Mini Dress usually retails for £45, but you can now add it to your festive wardrobe for £27.

The is available in sizes eight to 18 and comes in two stunning colours - black and turquoise. The long-sleeve dress has a flattering silhouette that accentuates your curves and is covered in tiny sequins that catch the light.

Whether your Christmas do is going to involve a delicious meal at a swanky restaurant or hitting the dance floor, the dress is sure to make you . We'd pair it with a matching glitzy black clutch bag, heels, and a festive red lippie.

MAC Retro Matte Ruby Woo lipstick - £22

Spekaing of red lippie, some people wear it all-year-round, and others will only bring it out during the festive period. I am very much the latter, and has been my go-to Christmas shade for over a decade, and I'm now due to replenish my stock.

Boots is selling the and it's the perfect shade for my fair skintone. I find it doesn't bleed into the skin around my lips like other red lipsticks can, and it stays put without the need to reapply, even after I've demolished my Christmas dinner.

Despite being a matte formula, the product doesn't dry out my lips - it truly feels like I'm wearing nothing at all. I haven't decided on my Christmas day outfit yet, but will certainly be on my lips.

Debenhams crystal handbag - £38.36

Everybody needs a glitzy handbag to see them through the festive season, and Debenhams is selling the perfect one that looks similar to Jimmy Choo's iconic bon bon crystal-embellished bucket bag. The usually retails for £99.95, but for a limited time, Debenhams is offering it for £38.36, saving you a fabulous £61.

The glitzy handbag is , including black, silver, gold and bright pink, so you're bound to find one that perfectly matches your Christmas party outfit. Not only is the bag simply stunning to look at, it's practical too, as it has two handles providing multiple ways to wear it.

This includes a crossbody chain for a hands-free option, and a round metal crystalised handle for holding the bag by your side. The while you're out and about over the festive season.