Consignment Shopping Tips

By Dana Holler

Fab for Less -  Five Consignment Shopping Tips

With consignment sales throughout fall, and with the colder season upon us, it’s a great time to update your wardrobe. If you’re price-conscious, consignment is the way to go—you can nab some terrific deals on designer clothing while keeping a reasonable budget. The key is to be efficient, and you’ll find the very best items for you. Here are some tips to get the most for your dollar at a consignment sale.

Before the sale, audit your wardrobe. Look through your closet and focus on favorite items and any pieces you don’t currently have that might make those items look even better. For example, you own a classic blouse but you’re missing that black pencil skirt that would make for a chic outfit. Or you have a pretty dress but not a great pair of shoes to go with it. Envision the looks you want to create and make a list of those “missing” items. Try to stick to that list as much as possible. (I know, it’s tough!)

Think about colors before you shop. While you’re auditing your wardrobe, think about what colors look best on you. Make a mental list of about three-five colors that you’ll be able to wear again and again, and look for those colors while you’re browsing the sale racks. On another note, make a separate “Just Say No” list of colors that don’t flatter you, and steer clear of those.

Strive for the perfect fit. Unless you plan on having alterations done (often fine for hemming pants and dresses), you want to get as close to a perfect fit as possible. So as eager as you might be to get back on the sales floor, don’t rush through trying the items on. Look at every angle in the mirror to make sure the fit is right around the shoulders, arms, waist, neckline, hips, etc. Don’t try to mentally “make” the item fit just because the price is low, or it’s normally an expensive brand. 

Look for any imperfections. We’re talking about holes, stains, missing buttons, funny smells, and the like. Most consignment sales crack the whip on this sort of thing before items even hit the sales floor, so chances are you won’t see a lot of this, or at all. But with any second-hand item, be sure to look at it a discriminating eye before buying. 

Look beyond the price. This is a general piece of advice—don’t buy an item just because it’s cheap. I know, it’s difficult to pass up that $40 Ralph Lauren dress that would normally be hundreds of dollars—but if the dress doesn’t fit, you must acquit!

In all seriousness, you don’t want to buy anything that will end up sitting in your closet. So stick to these tips, and get the most for your money!

Dana (a.k.a. Cville Fashion) writes monthly columns for the Charlottesville Woman blog and quarterly columns in Charlottesville Woman magazine. In between you should definitely take the time to explore Cville Fashion for ideas on local fashion finds, fun health tips, beauty advice and so much more.