Fall Fashion 2020: The 5 Pieces To Sell To Earn The Most
Fall fashion in 2020 is different. Back to work and back to school may not involve going ‘back’ anywhere and the fashion calendar and industry as a whole have been upended (even more than before). But fall is still an opportunity for a seasonal reset, especially if the state of things has had you cleaning out your closet.
If you’re ready to retool your wardrobe for the new normal, selling the pieces that are most in-demand now can earn you enough for a style refresh. Our team has exclusive access to just this kind of intel, so we asked for a guide from someone who knows: TRR Women’s Editorial Lead Noelle Sciacca. Her tips? It may seem paradoxical at first, but sell the same things that are on your ‘to buy’ list. It makes sense though — the coats and sweaters you’ve had for several seasons might be just the update someone else is looking for. Sell them, and use your earnings for a similar cozy piece that’s new to you. And even though the trends on the fall runways came to us from the beforetimes, some still prove relevant and desirable in the current moment (we’re looking at you Celine, Stella McCartney and Jil Sander). Read on for more tips and a breakdown of the top five trends to sell now.
Luxe Totes: Trade In & Trade Up
If you regularly ring in a new season with a new bag, consider funding your next investment by swapping out a classic tote. Shoppers will be looking to the runways for inspiration, where the bags seen on the catwalk happened to have a prescient take on the need for utility. “Oversized tote bags were spotted on a handful of FW’20 runways like Stella McCartney, Jil Sander and Bottega Veneta,” says Sciacca. “No one could predict how practical their versatility would be once fall actually arrived. Whether we’re going into the office or classroom on a rotating schedule or just transporting our laptop from one end of the house to another, elevated totes, like the Goyard Artois and Bottega Veneta Cabat, are the in-demand bags to consign this fall.”
Goyard totes resell for just under retail at 98% resale value, but the St. Louis style in particular will get you 4% over the retail price. Another top earner is the LV Neverfull — always valuable. The classic version holds 95% of its retail value on average and the newer “Onthego” style is so in demand — search is up 186% to last summer — that it sells for 1.4X retail! Ensure your totes are in tip top shape by keeping them clean (No crumbs! No pens!) and storing them in their dust bags. Bags in very good condition sell for 28% more than bags in good condition.
Comfy Sweaters: Cozy Up To Extra Shopping Cash
According to our recent 2020 resale report, a Covid-era desire for warm, fuzzy pieces meant sweaters were in demand even when they were out of season earlier this spring. With the weather actually starting to turn and many people still finding themselves at home, the demand is only likely to increase. “As the temperatures begin to dip, we expect to see sweater interest increase even more, especially for luxe, oversized styles as seen on Jil Sander’s FW’20 Runway, supple cardigans like in Fendi’s Fall collection and statement sleeves as seen at Isabel Marant,” notes Sciacca.
Have Gucci, Burberry or Jacquemus sweaters hiding in your closet from last season? These are a few resale value stars. Gucci sweaters can sell for up to 105% of retail, Burberry up to 95% and Jacquemus up to 90%. As with coats, understated luxury brands are seeing a rise in popularity too, with search up 95% for knits by Loro Piana and 110% for knits by The Row. Keep your sweaters cozy and clean to earn the most: knitwear in pristine & excellent condition sells 35% faster than that in very good or good condition and is priced 95% higher.
Vintage Clothing & Bags: High Demand = High Earnings
So much current fashion is instantly available to view or purchase thanks to social media and e-commerce. In reaction, there is a strong desire for one-of-a-kind pieces that can’t be found just anywhere. “In a time when personal style reigns supreme, our vintage category continues to grow,” says Sciacca. “At The RealReal we define vintage as items that are ten years old or older. This means you can consign a vintage blouse from Phoebe Philo’s early days at Céline or go way back in the archives and consign an iconic Emilio Pucci printed dress from the 1960s. One-of-a-kind items like a Saint Laurent Rive Gauche cape, Prada leather blazer and a Gucci handle bag are in high demand.”
Search is up 50% this year for vintage ready-to-wear, and the best way to cash in on this uptick is to sell some of the brands that command the highest resale prices. Chanel, Gucci, Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, Burberry & Fendi will earn you the most in resale value and sell quickly. Sales of vintage Gucci have seen a major spike, up 200% this year, and vintage Dior sales are up 40%. Vintage It pieces that are on the rise include dresses, with search up 25%, and blazers, up 45%.
When it comes to the vintage bags with the highest resale value, think logos and recognizable house signatures. These include the Gucci GG canvas logo, Chanel flap bags or anything with CC hardware, Bottega Veneta intrecciato and the iconic Hermès Kelly. “Many designers go into their brand’s archives for inspiration, and your vintage handbags can rise significantly in resale value if they become relevant to a current designer collection. For example, take Gucci’s reintroduction of the Jackie bag for Fall 2020. Search for the Jackie bag is up 232% while resale value is already up almost 30% to last year, and we expect it to continue to rise. It’s a great time to sell!“
Tall Boots: High Profile & High Earning
Dressing for transitional weather can often be a conundrum. According to Sciacca, “Knee high boots are a secret weapon to help shoppers take their summer wardrobes into a new season. They’re among our most searched boot styles. The Hermès jumping boot is a classic luxe style that is always in demand. On average they hold up to 60% of their retail value. Celine & Saint Laurent knee-high boots also resell for up to 45% of retail on average. ”
If your boots are ready for walking, they’re ready to get you the biggest payout. “Condition plays a large role in resale value for footwear, and luxury products have a long life if you take care of them. Boots in very good condition resell for 20% more than those in good condition. Consider getting your boots professionally resoled to extend their life and improve their condition.”
Investment Coats: It’s Time To Get That ROI
“When it comes to best consignment practices, a good rule of thumb is to consign the same types of items you’re also looking to buy,” says Sciacca. “If you’re searching for the perfect fall coat in the beginning of September, chances are you’re not the only one. The peacoat that hangs tucked away at the back of your closet, unworn since 2003 could be just the style another shopper is after; especially if they’re inspired by the timeless topper seen at Celine’s Fall 2020 show.”
Have classics in your closet that you’re ready to swap out for something new this season? Mainstay brands in the cold weather outerwear game can garner you the highest payouts. Coats by Canada Goose and Moncler can retain up to 100% of their resale value. But shoppers are also on the lookout for trending styles. “This fall we expect wrap coats, capes, shearling and quilted outerwear to be among the top sought-after styles,” says Sciacca. Already this year search is up 30% for shearling coats and 45% for capes. But trendy isn’t everything. Brands known for timeless or stealth-luxe outerwear are also on shoppers’ radar. Cases in point: search for Burberry trench coats is up 90% this year, coats by The Row are seeing a 70% bump, and the resale value for Loro Piana’s luxe outerwear has increased 25%.
As you bring your cold weather pieces to the front of your closet to decide what to sell, keep condition in mind. On The RealReal, coats in pristine or excellent condition sell 40% faster than coats in very good or good condition and are priced 70% higher.
Ready to start selling? It’s easy. Just start here.
