The questions to ask yourself when clearing out your wardrobe, according to a stylist

“If it’s taking up mental or physical space you don’t have, consider parting with the piece.”

I like to undertake a spring clean of sorts each year, as Melbourne’s gloomy days give way to sunny skies. Not only is this a practical use of my time, freeing up valuable wardrobe space for future purchases, but it’s also a cathartic exercise that helps me gain a deeper understanding of my own personal style.

As the old adage goes, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure and in the world of pre-loved fashion, this sentiment rings especially true. I’ve found many of my wardrobe treasures among other people’s items on pre-loved platforms like eBay and I like to think the pieces I’ve sold or donated have been equally well-loved. 

However, it’s not always so straightforward. As a self-professed empath with a penchant for attaching meaning to literally everything I own, knowing where to begin on a wardrobe clearout can be both confusing and intimidating. 

In a bid to understand how I can better streamline my wardrobe refresh, I looked to Melbourne-based stylist Lauren Di Bartolo for guidance. 

The tell-tale signs

One of the hardest parts of beginning a wardrobe clearout is knowing when to let go. How do I know the pink Ganni dress I’ve never worn won’t serve me in a few months? What if I really do need four types of black, open-toe sandals? What if those Zimmermann bathers will fit me come summer? What if an invitation suddenly arrives that is the perfect occasion for that black tie Michael Lo Sordo gown?  These are the questions that plague my mind every time I contemplate a clearout. 

Airing my concerns to Lauren, she explains there are some clear, tell-tale signs that we’re ready to part with a piece. Asking ourselves how we feel when getting dressed is a great starting point. “When dressing becomes time-consuming or frustrating because things aren’t ‘working’, it could be a sign that it’s your wardrobe that needs some attention. This usually comes down to fit, function and form.”

As a woman in my late twenties, I really resonate with this. As I’ve gotten older and my body has changed, so too has my taste. “It’s normal to find yourself feeling as though your wardrobe no longer suits you,” Lauren tells me. 

She adds that “size is one of the biggest culprits for items purchased but never worn”, which also rings true. I can’t count the number of pieces I’ve held onto over the years that are a little too snug, too short or too baggy. “[It’s] never going to help you create a functional wardrobe, and is usually one of the catalysts for a wardrobe clearout,” she says.  

As Lauren puts it, we often purchase with emotion over logic, so it makes sense that parting ways with our wardrobe pieces would be the same. 

“Getting honest with ourselves is the best way to go,” she explains. “Reasons like ‘I spent a lot on it’ or ‘Maybe one day when I’m not feeling bloated, I‘ll wear it’ clutter our minds and our wardrobes. If it’s taking up mental or physical space you don’t have, consider parting with the piece.”

The art of selling

So, you’ve set aside a pile of all the things you’re parting ways with, but how do you actually go about reselling? It’s important to remember there’s a market for everything when selling. Whether you’re looking to part ways with a beloved vintage jacket or barely-worn workout leggings, you’d be surprised at how many people are looking for exactly what you have.

First things first, determine your selling price – how much are you willing to accept in order to part with the piece? For those of us who form particularly strong bonds with our clothing, this can be a sore point. It’s hard to price an item objectively, even if you know the going rate for similar items.

eBay has built-in tools to help you list accurate pricing or, if you’re looking for a quick sale, a good, general rule of thumb is to list an item at 50 per cent less than what you paid. The platform reaches millions of buyers globally, with a huge range looking to re-love your piece.

Using eBay’s AI tool is also another helpful tip – if you’re stuck on how to describe your item when listing, eBay can help write it for you. “Helpful product descriptions and clear imagery of the garment make [finding buyers] a lot easier,” adds Lauren. Consider including the brand, size and garment type in the title, as all these often form keywords for buyers who are searching on the platform.

Reap the benefits

There are many immediate benefits from a wardrobe clearout, the obvious being wardrobe space and income (on average, pre-loved fashion sellers make between $400 and $500 in their first year selling on eBay). But there’s also a deeper level of understanding that can be gleaned from the experience.

As Lauren puts it, a wardrobe clearout offers a glimpse into our lives, interests and values. “It’s a worthwhile process for both your mental health and your bank account,” she explains. “Our wardrobes are a reflection of our lives. Knowing what you feel good in and what you want your style to communicate can be one of the most empowering, and easiest, tools you can use day to day.” 

Additionally, the value unlocked from a wardrobe clearout can also extend to future purchases. “If you are buying, it’s worth spending time clearing out your wardrobe first to determine what’s missing, then shopping becomes more intentional and fun,” says Lauren. 

“When you know what items you’re looking for to make your ideal wardrobe, sourcing from resale platforms can be a great way to find ‘that’ piece, whether it’s sold out, vintage or saves you some money,” she adds. 

So for those about to embark on a wardrobe clearout, remember: embrace the process, clear the clutter and make space for what truly sparks joy. And in the wise words of Lauren, “Look for the item that helps build out the wardrobe you want, not the one that everyone else has.”

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

To take the next step in your wardrobe reset, head to eBay.