The 'buy one sell one' challenge

For those of us for whom fashion is a need, not a want, here are three easy steps for squeezing your budget (and yourself into that outfit).

Love everything in your closet: Make this your goal. Start your clothing-budgety-adventure by culling your wardrobe. Don’t keep anything you don’t wear, don’t like or that doesn’t fit properly. Even if you have beautiful, adorbs, hardly-worn clothes … but you don’t wear them … cull!

Sell, sell, sell: If it’s in good condition, reasonably fashionable, vintage or is a good clothing label, there will be people who want your stuff! By far the easiest place to sell clothes in New Zealand is on Trade Me.

Sell one, buy one: This is where it gets fun. For every item you sell online, put the proceeds into your budget for clothing. If you sell a piece of clothing for $10, you are allowed to buy something for $10.

Tips for selling online: Do some research before you put your clothes online—look at what comparative items sell for. Don’t over price, or your items won’t sell. What is the cheapest you would be willing to sell it for? Start your pricing there.

Take good photos and create a good description, but don’t overuse flowery language. Provide the facts,and mention any special features of the item—whether it is a sought-after label, vintage, boho or on-trend. Be honest about any imperfections.

Tips for buying online: Your money will go further if you also buy second-hand. Online sites can be a treasure trove if you watch out for the pitfalls: always ask for measurements and stick to styles that you know suit you. Try and make every item you buy a unique addition to your wardrobe —but something that will also work with your other clothes.

Most of all, be patient and wait for the perfect item—remember, your goal is to love everything in your wardrobe. And if disaster strikes and that ’70s polyester psychedelic cape turns out to be a mistake, just stick it back online and do it all again!