Clothing Swap Shenanigans
Jessica hosted a Clothing Swap Party last night and it was a major success – I’ve never seen so many cute dresses and skirts – eek!
We added a new step to the beginning of the process, each person shows the group every piece they brought and tells a bit about its history, origin and/or size. This is very helpful to really know what is in the pile, we’ve found that fewer items get left behind for donation this way and plus is extends the swapping fun.
How to Choose Items
1. Before you go the swap, (just like before you go shopping, thrifting, online hunting) evaluate where the holes are in your wardrobe and where there is already too much excess. I for one need dress pants, jeans, cute blouses and shoes. I do not need a-line skirts, purses, hoodies or any other casual clothes.
2. Hopefully when everyone was showing off their items you’ve been making mental notes of the pieces that would be really helpful for your wardrobe. Start by trying on the items that you really need. First thing I did was try on all the pants close to my size, then the blouses and shoes.
3. Now you’ve chosen a couple cute items that will really add to you growing wardrobe, congrats. Why not try a couple pieces you normally would not. These are free clothes, live a little, you may be surprised that the light wash denim mini skirt suits your curves or the 90’s velvet jumper is so 2010.
4. By this time the craziness and the picking at the pile has slowed down. Now really go for it, no one is counting anymore. Cute cotton t-shirts in mint condition, something your best friend would love, your favorites that you’ve been neglecting because you already have too much, heck even items that would be good for reselling online (I haven’t done that yet but I don’t see why not).
5. This is the last and most important step, retry on EVERYTHING you chose. And ask yourself; Does it fit properly? Will I wear it? Do I love it? Did it look better on another girl or did another girl want it more?
Hope this thoughts help you achieve successful swapping.
The Loot
So I did go a bit overboard as there was so much good stuff at this swap! Anything that doesn’t work out for me can easily brought to the next get together. Crochet Sweater Vest with Floral Appliqué, Simple Baby Blue Tee, glittery and lace cute top (first choice), jean skirt and REVERSIBLE purple a-line skirt.
Polka dot cotton sundress, black with grey and cream scarf, silk party dress, brown super soft dress pants, floral purse.
We took another set of pictures with our favorite items. 
For more on Clothing Swaps – read What To Wear, How To Host and How To Be a Guest.
January 25th, 2010 4:11 pm
Everyone looks SO happy! I love clothing swaps. Great guide here, everyone needs to see this! (-:
January 25th, 2010 6:11 pm
Clothing swaps are such a great idea. And I’m a strong advocate of your advice to “live a little.” I reckon swaps are more fun when you pick up something quirky that you wouldn’t otherwise choose.
January 25th, 2010 7:11 pm
Good post – might have been just the inspiration I needed to plan that long-overdue clothing swap I’ve been thinking about. You got some great scores. Even when you don’t need another aline skirt, a reversible purple one is pretty hard to pass up!
January 25th, 2010 7:56 pm
This post is awesome! I was thinking of trying to organize a clothing swap in Nashville…thanks for the tips!
Thank you so much for the music suggestions. I am going to take some time this week and preview everything I am not familiar with!
January 25th, 2010 8:35 pm
You got some great items, and I love the skirt. I’ve never been to a clothes swap party, but they sound really fun!
January 26th, 2010 12:29 am
Great tips for a clothing swap! How do you ladies decide who gets dibs on what if two or more people want the same thing?
January 26th, 2010 5:55 am
I love the girl on the far left who is wearing two different shoes!
January 26th, 2010 8:36 am
I love clothing swaps. They’re so much fun!
January 26th, 2010 9:25 am
Thanks all.
To answer your question Jenny; What we do in that case (also outlined in the how to host post) is “If two or more people want the same item, they have to each model the item and other guests vote on who should keep it.”
Believe it or not, it doesn’t happen often as the only way it would is if two people grab something at the same time or if someone is ballsy enough to say ‘I want that item you’re holding’.
January 26th, 2010 2:27 pm
I need me some clothing swap parties!
Love the reversible skirt and the floral purse!
January 26th, 2010 3:22 pm
Oh, cool post Eyeliah, thanks!
January 29th, 2010 7:17 am
I love that reversible a-line skirt! what a super score.
February 1st, 2010 5:13 pm
Now if only someone I know would have a Clothing Swap Party – I’d obviously end up with the best swag after reading these tips!!
February 2nd, 2010 7:50 am
You ladies might want to check out thredUP! It’s an online swap community that matches user preferences and facilitates online clothing swaps. Think: Netflix meets consignment shopping. http://www.thredUP.com.
October 5th, 2010 3:22 pm
Great little post,
I love going to swap meets in Melbourne,
Find vintage clothing is brillant.
Some real gems to be found.
Beaut xxxx
October 9th, 2010 7:09 am
Oh, cool post Eyeliah, thanks!
November 22nd, 2010 2:16 am
They’re simply marvelous!nice post Eyeliah,thanks.
August 16th, 2011 4:16 am
[...] Style Symmetry – How to Choose Items at a Clothing Swap Party [...]
March 14th, 2012 10:16 am
All lovely
April 16th, 2012 7:32 pm
You’re a circle of friends who have a taste in fashion.
It’s fun to dressed with your girl friends around right? You can be more creative and fashionable.