Consign Like a Style Expert: Garance Doré & More Share Their Tips
This holiday season, we collaborated with some of the most stylish bloggers, fashion editors and stylists in the industry. Rachael Wang curated holiday statement pieces, Maria Dueñas Jacobs highlighted her favorite accessories, Laura Brown put a fresh spin on seasonal looks, Mary Alice Stephenson brought the classic glamour and Garance Doré shared travel-ready ensembles. It’s clear these ladies know how to shop. But that’s just part of their secret to having the perfect wardrobe — they also know how to edit and pare down. And who couldn’t use a few expert tips when it comes to that? Whether they resonate with the minimalist message of organizing guru Marie Kondo or the desire to reinvest in new pieces, here they’re sharing what motivates them to consign and tips on doing it the smart way.
Laura Brown
What’s your advice for smart consigning?
I don’t know if I’m smart about it, honestly. But be brutally honest about how much you wear something. If it’s not a go-to for you, you don’t need it. Also, you’re never going to wear those heels that hurt your feet, so let go.
What’s something that has surprised you about consigning?
I love how different people’s taste is — something that doesn’t work for me is perfect for someone else. And vice versa, of course!
How do you know when to let an item go and consign it?
When I’m running low on hangers! Or if I’ve just grown out of a look. Something’s gotta give.
What’s your favorite thing about consigning with The RealReal?
The great taste The RealReal has. Oh, and the shoe money. 😉
Rachael Wang
How do you know when to let an item go and consign it?
When it no longer sparks joy, to paraphrase Japanese organizational guru Marie Kondo.
What’s your favorite thing about consigning with The RealReal?
I love that The RealReal comes straight to your home! Plus the [luxury managers] are a delight to work with.
Garance Doré
What’s your advice for smart consigning?
Don’t hesitate. I’m so, so, so happy I parted with things I’d been holding on to for years for no real reason.
How has consigning changed the way you shop?
It hasn’t so much, because I’ve always been a pretty discerning shopper. It has changed the way I dress, because the less things I have, the better I dress. So I guess it addresses the rotation problem. One new thing in, one old thing out!
How do you know when to let an item go and consign it?
I consider that I can [part] with almost all of them, except for symbolic pieces. I’ve never really regretted more than 10 seconds parting with something. I like to travel light in life.
What’s your favorite thing about consigning with The RealReal?
The simplest of things. It’s EASY.
Mary Alice Stephenson
What’s your advice for smart consigning?
Learn to let go! If you haven’t worn something in over two years, you never will. Don’t try and fool yourself into believing what you already know. If it doesn’t make you feel your best, consign it and your wallet will feel the benefits.
How has consigning changed the way you shop?
I definitely look at everything I buy now as investment pieces. When you consign, you shop without the guilt because you know the pieces you buy will make you feel and look great and in the long run could give you a financial return on your investment too.
What’s something that has surprised you about consigning?
The amount of money you can make from selling the clothing and accessories that have been sitting in your closet for years! What is just taking up space for you will be somebody else’s treasure.
How do you know when to let an item go and consign it?
I love Marie Kondo’s decluttering techniques and apply them to moments I am going through my closet to decide what to consign. I look at the piece of clothing and ask myself: does this bring me joy? If I feel that a piece of clothing or an accessory no longer empowers me I will consign it and move on so it can make someone else feel great too.
What’s your favorite thing about consigning with The RealReal?
The RealReal makes consignment easy, worth it and fun. From beginning to end, working with The RealReal team has been rewarding. They give you the information, assistance and follow-up you need to feel excited about consignment, and so you know won’t be taken advantage of and will ultimately get the prices your pieces deserve.
Maria Dueñas Jacobs
What’s something that has surprised you about consigning?
Making space in my closet for new things is probably my biggest motivator. Every time I consign I have a bit of an inner struggle (do I really want to get rid of this?) but once it’s out the door, I don’t miss it anymore and like the idea of it finding a new chic home!
How do you know when to let an item go and consign it?
I generally ask myself if I’ve worn this piece in the last 1-2 years. If the answer is no, then I consign.
What’s your favorite thing about consigning with The RealReal?
It’s so easy!
Inspired to consign? Get started right here!
