Is there anything more satisfying than spring-cleaning your closet? While at times it can be hard to part with some of your cherished fashion items (especially those designer pieces you spent a small fortune on), the rewarding part of purging is that is you can always make a little pocket money on your unused items (because let’s face it, they're certainly not being used gathering dust at the back of your closet) by consigning on fashion resell sites. Buying and selling pre-owned wares is not only sustainable, but you can often score some incredible gems at a fraction of their retail price.
Curious to see what I should be selling (and buying) before I head into my spring-cleaning frenzy, I tapped into market expert Sasha Skoda, head of women's at luxury consignment retailer The RealReal. Below, she shares her tips on the designer items we should be consigning and the items we should scoop up with that extra change before spring arrives.
What to Consign
1. Trench Coats
"Trench coats are among the most-searched items on our site during spring, and Burberry’s timeless trenches are some of the most popular right now. With Ricardo Tisci at the helm, resale value for Burberry items is high."
2. Shoulder Bags
"The shoulder bag had a major comeback last season, and it’s not going anywhere. With many design houses like Gucci bringing back designs from the archives, now is the time to consign the vintage styles that inspired today’s like this Gucci shoulder bag."
3. Oversize Sunglasses
"Demand for sunglasses rises during the warmer months. From '90s micro mini lenses to oversized '60s shades, this year almost every decade is desirable."
4. Spring/Summer Sandals
"Spring break and summer vacations are right around the corner, and we've seen that our customers are shopping for comfortable and casual shoes they can explore new cities in and easily kick off at the beach."
5. Zimmermann Dresses
"Zimmermann is a contemporary brand that is always in demand once spring rolls around. Now is the perfect time to consign last season's dresses so you can invest in current styles!"
What to Buy
1. Floral Dresses
"I'm looking to invest in a floral dress for spring weddings, bridal showers, and dressier events. Floral gowns have been trending during award season (and also on our site). We’ve seen that demand for floral gowns has increased over 100% year over year (nearly 70% in the past few months)."
2. Platforms
"Stay on trend this season with '60s-inspired platforms that you can dress up or down all through the season."
3. Leather Shorts
"Leather shorts are an elevated alternative to the warm-weather miniskirt. Colored leather is a personal favorite of mine for the season."
4. Top-Handle Handbags
"Top-handle bags are great to pair with shorts and a tank for an alfresco brunch or a feminine dress and heels for a bridal shower. Brands like Gucci and Miu Miu featured bamboo styles in their S/S 20 runway collections, but you don't have to wait for new-season products to be released to shop them on our site."
5. Oversize Blazers
"An oversized, lightweight blazer is a perfect item for transitioning your winter looks to spring. I love updating the suiting trend with fresh colors. It's the easiest way to add a pop of color to a T-shirt and jeans."
Shop more trending spring items on The RealReal:
A cult favorite among the street style set.
You'll be wholly on trend this spring/summer with a '70s-inspired suede crossbody bag.
We saw chain-embellished shoes all over the spring 2020 runways.
The perfect day-to-night purse.
Heeled loafers are one of spring 2020's biggest shoe trends.
Layer under your blazer to create the trending three-piece-suit layered effect.
It's all about chunky chain-link necklaces right now.
The smartest warm-weather investment.
Clogs are back for spring. Take on the trend with this chic Gucci pair.
Oversize totes are dominating right now.
Pistachio hues will be all over our feeds come March. Wear these with jeans and breezy dresses alike.
Get your hands on this '70s-inspired, under-$100 pair of designer shades.
Okay, obsessed is an understatement.
So versatile. This will last you a lifetime.
Up next, these will be the most important designer bags of 2020.
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