Consignment and resale have exploded with fantastic options over the last decade — and it’s not just for the younger, trend-chasing crowd.
Recycling your cash is fun, and there really is clothing and accessories for people of all shapes, sizes, ages and genders. If you love the boutique experience or prefer an online approach you, too, can build a great wardrobe that you love!
As a local wardrobe stylist, I have been in closets all over Cleveland. Below are my favorite tips to build an affordable wardrobe that makes you look and feel your best seven days a week.
Steps to Style
#1 Do an Inventory
What do you have now that you love, fits well and want to build on? List every category. You will see patterns of your dressing habits. Too many tops and not enough bottoms or too much dark, or no prints? Take note of what you want to elevate.
#2 Recognize Your Power Palette
Why invest in colors that don’t flatter you when worn next to your face? It is harder to create great color combos if you have multiple undertones in your closet.
#3 Know your Measurements & Proportions
Go beyond size. Learn your body shape. Sizes vary by brand. Don’t get hung up on a number. Proportions are the most common way to look fabulous or frumpy. Getting to understand your sweet spot of where jackets, coats, dresses and skirts hit you can make or break great style.
Knowing your measurements is especially important when ordering online. Use the vendor sizing charts to minimize returns.
These are the measurements you need:
- Current height (we are shrinking)
- Shoulder
- Armhole
- Arm Length
- Bust
- Natural waist
- Hips
- Thigh
- Calf circumference and height (to determine how tall boots will fit)w
- #4 Photograph Items in Your Closet
This is especially helpful to avoid buying more of the same which is a common habit. This trick will keep you on track to focus on what you are building upon.
#5 Create a Shopping List
Do you need more polished casual pieces for activities with the grandkids? Did you buy an RV and find you need clothing for camping? Perhaps you feel as though you are too casual when attending luncheons or game night with friends. It is easier to focus on one or two areas of your wardrobe that are lacking alignment with your current lifestyle. Where are you spending time each day? Perhaps you have remnants of your work-life wardrobe but are now retired. The blazer from a power suit you loved wearing can now be worn with a casual pant or great fitting dark wash jeans. As our lifestyle evolves our wardrobe needs to keep up.
#6 Pay Attention to Return and Exchange Policies and Shipping Costs
#7 Don’t Buy Something Just Because It’s a Great Deal
Those items usually become ‘garment orphans.” Instead, consider how many ways you can wear each item with what you already own. Get more looks with fewer garments.
#8 How’s the Fit & Fabric?
Consider tailoring to tweak for a great fit. Avoid maintenance monsters by reading fabric content
Resources Around Town & What Locals Have to Say About Them
Clothes Mentor: North Olmsted & Strongsville
Melissa Rice says, “They organize by item, size and … color which makes it easy to shop quickly. I mostly buy vacation clothes and special occasion dresses which typically don’t get worn much.”
It’s So You Boutique – Willoughby
Cathy Warren shares, “I love their Curvy Diva selections, large beautiful dressing rooms and all the wonderful jewelry and scarf options.”
The Style Loop – Rocky River
Allison Carey says; “Owners have great taste for mid-to-upscale women’s fashion. I’ve been lucky there buying boutique chic pieces by great brands.”
River Trading Co. Rocky River – Men & Women
Therese Andjeski says “This is a mother/daughter owned shop with a wide generation of clothes. So friendly and helpful.”
Traditional Design Resale – Broadview Heights
Jennifer Klingbeil said, “Beautifully curated boutique that is ever-changing.”
Curvy Consignments – Parma Heights – all plus-size clothing for men and women
Passion for Fashion – Chesterland
Piece Unique – Bainbridge
Lakewood Luxury Consignment
Classic Additions – Hudson
Goodwill – Cleveland to Akron and many suburbs
Closets Consignment Boutique – Rocky River
Buy & Sell Online
- Do your research on vendors for the best fit for you. How much time do you want to invest? Are you prepared to manage shipping and comments?
- Great photos from every angle are the key if you decide to list an item yourself.
- Provide measurements of each garment to avoid questions once you list it.
- Quick responses built loyalty and secure good reviews.
- Understand shipping costs and who pays for it.
- Make note of return policies before you buy.
Click It
eBay- The original online seller of everything. New, new with tags, gently used – the choice is yours.
Esty – Leans more handmade or vintage
Poshmark – Think of it as social media selling from a virtual closet that you set-up.
thredUP: They do all the work for pictures, listing and shipping.
The Real Real – Buy or sell high-end luxury items.
Traci McBride is a Northeast Ohio image consultant, author and volunteer. You can find her at teemcbee.com.
