Each week the Filter newsletter cuts through the noise to bring you smart, practical recommendations on how to live better – from what is worth buying to the tools, habits and ideas that actually last.
Recently I asked more than 20 professional stylists for their top spring wardrobe updates for men and women. The stories made me think about how to make use of what’s already in my wardrobe, and also reminded me that there are many items I’ve fallen out of love with.
It’s painful to think of parting with the dress I wore in Greece or my favorite sweatshirt from high school, even if I haven’t worn either in years – and especially painful to think of dropping them off at Goodwill, where they might wind up in a landfill rather than with someone who wants them.
Explore the stories:
-
Stylists on their 43 favorite spring men’s fashion picks under $200: ‘Every man should have one’
-
‘Weird green is having a moment’: 45 spring fashion picks under $200
One of my favorite ways to give my out-of-use pieces a new home is listing them on Depop, an online platform for reselling your clothes, I’ve sold 37 items and made hundreds of dollars over the years.
Here are five tips so you too can make money on your old clothing, whether it’s a pair of Levi’s you’ve held on to since the 90s or an evening gown exiled to the back of your closet.
1. Pick your platform(s)
The main online selling platforms include Depop, Poshmark and Mercari.
I’ve often opted for Depop, as its primary demographic is gen Z, which matched up with the trendier items I was selling. However, I’ve also listed my clothing across multiple platforms to increase my chances of making a sale.
2. Search before you list
Put yourself in the mind of a buyer – a little research will go a long way. Search for similar items and see which details are mentioned. The color? The cut? The price? This will help you think about what kinds of information to include and set realistic expectations for your sale.
You could also check if the item is still on sale somewhere. If a retailer still has an item new and in stock with free shipping, you might have to rethink your pricing strategy. Conversely, the T-shirt from that band your friend dragged you to see a decade ago might be worth way more than you realize. But don’t get too carried away on this step – tools offered by platforms like Depop and Poshmark can suggest a number that’s based on what similar pieces have sold for in the past.
3. Reduce friction
The more info you put in the listing – things like pit-to-pit measurements or the material of the lining – the more you can cut down on back-and-forth with potential buyers, and address any hesitations they may have.
4. Channel your inner documentarian
People want to know that the item you’ve listed matches its description. I always make sure that I’ve shot the article of clothing in good lighting and that it’s entirely in the frame.
Try the item on a hanger and one lying flat to see which you like better, or use both. I also recommend including multiple pictures per listing, including one of the tag.
And don’t forget to capture any minor flaws (like loose threads or small stains) to reduce the risk of a negative review.
5. Don’t be a ghost
I have nearly 150 followers on Depop. While it isn’t a social network in the classic sense, winning followers on such platforms can help. In my case, it signals my credibility as a seller, and was especially useful earlier on, when I hadn’t sold many pieces. Gaining followers wasn’t overly difficult – I often just followed other accounts and liked their listings.
Finally, be sure to use the app or website at least once per month. Otherwise, selling hubs like Mercari and Depop will mark your items as inactive, which prevents people from being able to buy them.
Wardrobe refresh: stylist-approved recommendations
After you’ve resold the pieces that were collecting dust in the back of your closet, we have advice for rebuilding your spring wardrobe. Below are a few of our top picks recommended by stylists.
For women:
-
J Crew Factory Vest
-
Quince Cashmere Tee
-
Aritzia Lodge Pants
For men:
-
Buck Mason Fox Sateen Ford Standard Pant
-
Quince Cotton Pique Blazer
-
Banana Republic Slim Merino Ribbed Sweater
What you loved in April
In April, many of the products we reviewed, tested and suggested will help you rid yourself of stale winter energy – but there were also some left-field choices, as well as some classics.
Those that resonated most with our readers included a pair of onion goggles loved by pro chef Padma Lakshmi and a pair of glass containers for storing your leftovers sans microplastics.
-
RSVP International Onion Goggles
-
Anyday 2-Cup Glass Round Dish Multipack
Discover your monthly favorites: The comfiest seat cushions and a $9 kitchen scrubber: nine things you loved in April
Bathroom upgrades: shower filters
If you’re new around here, we take showering very seriously. From testing 13 bath towels to 10 shower curtains, we’re all for finding ways to improve the experience.
One of our very favorite upgrades is investing in a filter for your showerhead, which can reduce hair-damaging chlorine and (in the case of one model) even make water softer. After testing different models, we awarded this handheld option from Canopy as our favorite. Our tester and author Stephen Treffinger noted that of the models he tried, it “delivered the best showering experience”.
-
Canopy Handheld Filtered Showerhead
Discover our favorite shower filters: The eight best showerhead filters in the US for every budget and bathroom
Alcohol alternatives: the best THC drinks
A survey shows that fewer people are drinking alcohol. It’s no surprise that a slew of alternatives has cropped up in its place. We’ve already recommended a few of our favorite non-alcoholic beverages, including beers and wines.
Now we’re exploring THC drinks, which are legal in 24 states. To find the best, we asked seasoned food and beverage journalist Oset Babür-Winter to recommend seven standouts, including a refreshing mango seltzer and a yuzu elderflower option perfect for bringing to your next social gathering.
-
Wynk Juicy Mango
-
Cann Yuzu Elderflower
Our favorite THC cocktails: More than ‘liquid weed’: the best THC drinks for socializing and relaxing, taste tested
