A fashion editor on how to build a capsule wardrobe that’s entirely pre-loved

When creating a capsule wardrobe, there’s no need to buy brand new.

In recent years, capsule wardrobes have exploded in popularity. We have our collective growing interest in sustainable, slow fashion to thank for this, but also the decision fatigue many of us feel when it comes to getting dressed in the morning. We live in an age in which everything we could possibly want fashion-wise is available at the tap of a phone screen, and it feels like a new ‘must-have’ label or trend is emerging every week. In this environment, it can be challenging to figure out what you actually want to be wearing, and what genuinely aligns with what you already have in your wardrobe. 

Unfortunately, as a fashion editor who often writes about slow fashion, I know that many of us are buying way too much, way too often. Capsule wardrobes are obviously an excellent concept, but if the push to create one results in many of us going out and buying an almost entirely brand-new wardrobe, is it really achieving what we wanted it to? Personally, I created my capsule wardrobe by assessing what I own, selling what wasn’t being put to good use and, when I did notice a gap in my wardrobe, opting to fill it pre-loved. 

As a long-time eBay advocate, I’ve had a ‘one in, one out’ policy for many years. Our wardrobes, no matter how out of love we’ve fallen with them, are packed full of value. To create the streamlined, capsule wardrobe you’ve been desiring, you simply need to sell what you’re no longer wearing, and then find the other building blocks of that wardrobe pre-loved. eBay is the original marketplace for pre-loved fashion in Australia, so when you list your items you can rest assured that you’re reaching more Australian buyers than any other platform (we love anything that increases our chances of making a sale!). So how can you create your very own capsule wardrobe entirely out of pre-loved clothing? 

Take stock of your wardrobe

The first step is to review what you currently have in your wardrobe. Do you have too many pants that don’t fit quite right or lots of statement pieces that just no longer feel like you? On the flip side, what are the hardest working pieces in your wardrobe? It’s these pieces that will form the backbone of your capsule wardrobe. I built my capsule wardrobe around a quality cashmere coat, tailored pants, chunky knitwear and well-fitting denim.

When evaluating what I already owned, I realised I had lots of ‘fun’ tops, but not enough practical button-up shirts. I love button-ups because they can be worn to the office, dressed up for nights out and chucked over a singlet or T-shirt on the weekends. I sold some of my going-out tops that weren’t getting much wear on eBay – both luxury and cheaper, high-street pieces are in demand on there, so where possible I’ll always try list items to give them a new home – and used the money I made to invest in some quality button-ups. I found one from Maggie Marilyn and another from Ganni on eBay at a great price, and they’ve become two key pieces in my capsule, layering well with my chunky Acne Studios knit (another key player in my capsule wardrobe).

Know what you’re missing, then search hard to find it

Another key piece I was searching for was an oversized blazer, as I knew it would come in handy for fashion weeks, work events and important meetings. I also like that, much like the shirts, I can dress a blazer down with a faded vintage tee underneath and a trusty pair of barrel jeans. 

eBay again provided the goods. After reviewing just some of the many options on there (at the time of writing, there are hundreds of listings for ‘oversized blazer’), I got specific with my search terms and filters. I added my size, played around with fabric options and colours, then did a few specific searches for designers I know do suiting well. I set some alerts so I’d be notified of any new additions in the coming days and slept on it. With most of the pieces listed on eBay past season and now one-off, it can be tempting to impulse buy. I was grateful I didn’t and ultimately landed on a Scanlan Theodore number. 

Seek out quality

When adding to your capsule wardrobe, it’s a good idea to invest in high-quality pieces that will last the distance. Over the years, I’ve found items on eBay that have become essential pieces in my capsule wardrobe like cashmere knits, well-fitting vintage denim and designer dresses, just to name a few. I’ve also found it’s the best platform to sell my high-end pieces, particularly my pricier designer ones. 

Working in fashion, I know that price doesn’t always equate to quality (often it’s about branding) and have learned ways to discern high-quality items from those that are overpriced. I’ll often include natural fabrics in my searches (wool, cashmere, cotton) or seek out brands that I know have a quality approach to manufacture like the now-closed Melbourne label, Arnsdorf. 

Cull, cull, cull

Ultimately, you’re trying to create a wardrobe that is streamlined and highly wearable. It’s not enough to add pieces, you need to cull too. 

With such a large and engaged audience of buyers, as well as unbeatable seller protections, I’ve relied heavily on eBay in building my capsule wardrobe and culling my existing one. Selling on the platform is incredibly hassle-free. With millions of buyers on eBay, items are snapped up quickly (one dress is sold every two minutes!*), and with easy shipping options like printer-free pick-up and delivery through Sendle, making money out of your unwanted items couldn’t be quicker and easier. 

Finally, I always opt to review my wardrobe on a Saturday and then list my items on a Sunday. This ensures I make the most of my downtime and gives me a day to mull over what I’m listing and what I’m searching for. 

I’m also incredibly strict with my ‘one in, one out’ policy – I don’t allow myself to be tempted by all the gorgeous designer and high street pieces I spot on eBay until an item I’ve listed sells. It prevents me from spending money I don’t have, minimises overconsumption and ensures that I really love a piece (and know I’ll get a lot of wear out of it) before I add it to my capsule wardrobe. 

*eBay Australia data 2023.

eBay is not endorsed by or affiliated with any of the brands referenced in this article.

If you’re ready to start working on your capsule wardrobe, head to eBay.