8 instant hacks to elevate your wardrobe for any upcoming event.

Thanks to our brand partner, Ebay

There's nothing like opening your wardrobe and loving everything in it. But let's be honest, when does that happen?

We buy things on a whim and they end up languishing in the cupboard, hogging vital hanging space.

Whether it's a formal event on the horizon or a casual 'ladies who lunch' kind of soirée, curating your attire is all about knowing when to hold on and when to let go.

Here, I'm going to take you through eight hacks that will transform how you approach sartorial curation. The key? Embracing the selling and buying fashion economy.

The girlies with the chicest wardrobes use platforms like eBay, a go-to destination for easily selling and buying garments, to give old clothes a new lease on life with someone else. It's also a great way to snag designer brands like Aje, Scanlan Theodore and Zimmermann at a fraction of the price.

So without further ado, let me share all the secrets the fashion-forward swear by, so you can elevate your wardrobe too.

1. Let it go. 

As clothes pile up that don't feel right, the percentage of non-wearable clothing increases.

Got an amazing occasion dress you don't love? Sell it.

Sick of outfit repeating? Sell your winter coat and pick out some different ones for the new season.

It's much more sustainable and, honestly, can be a lot of fun.

The good news is that selling pre-loved fashion is way easier than you think. There are plenty of buyers scrolling through eBay looking for a fashion gem.

To get the perfect listing, pick an attention-catching title, take great imagery and price competitively (eBay's price indicator tool can help you here with a suggested price based on similar listings). eBay even offers 10 free postage labels when you start selling — it really couldn't be easier for us time-poor fashionistas.

New sellers on eBay make, on average, between $400 and $500 in their first year, with their AI feature helping you make your listing perfect.

That's a solid chunk of money that you can then reinvest in the items that will pay dividends over time.

2. Snap up a bargain. 

Once you're flush with cash after selling a few items online, consider re-investing in staple pre-loved pieces.

Your money will go further, and you can level up with designer brands for those special occasions. Buying pre-loved items encourages circularity and is a great way to secure fantastic finds that aren't in stock anymore.

eBay has an array of listings, so you're sure to find the perfect piece to stick with you for years to come — be it something formal or a sweater you'll have for seasons upon seasons.

3. Swap out your jeans. 

Jean trends change about every 10 years. It's a slow-moving beast but something to keep in mind.

If you're still rocking skinny jeans from 2010, swap them out for something a little looser through the leg, such as a straight, mum or bootcut style.

There's no need to follow every jean trend (see: ripped at the knee, uber low-waisted), but find a pair that is good quality and overall fits the "shape of the era".

4. Invest in statement shoes. 

A good capsule wardrobe is about having elevated basics and versatile formal wear for different events.

Image: Getty.

You can buy and sell as the years go by, but another hack is to pick a statement accessory to add a touch of newness to your look.

Your go-to black dress will look much more fashion-forward with a pair of leopard-print kitten heels, while your jeans-and-a-nice-top combo could be elevated by a luxe pair of trendy leather sandals.

Shoes often wear out within two to three years, so it's worth investing in some fun prints and styles to keep things fresh.

5. Pick up a sewing machine. 

I cannot overstate how important learning a few stitches on the sewing machine has been to my wardrobe.

I bought a machine for $100, and all of a sudden, my jeans are the right length, I've nipped in my favourite shirt and I've patched the hole in the inseam of my favourite jeans.

Owning a sewing machine ensures the clothes you buy last longer and fit the way you want. Taking clothing to the tailor is an expensive habit, so why not learn to be your own?

There are great tutorials on YouTube, and it will change your life (and turn off-the-rack fashion into something made just for your body).

6. Buy a steamer. 

I used to avoid linen and poplin because it always creases, and I'm allergic to the iron. However, a lot of high-end, elevated materials are high-maintenance and we can't just avoid them altogether.

I bought a hand-held steamer, and it has majorly increased the types of fabric I will shop for. I don't need an ironing board in my tiny apartment, and it never burns or melts the delicate fabrics of my occasion wear.

They're affordable and so useful because now your creased-up wardrobe is quickly accessible to you!

7. Step outside the capsule wardrobe for nice tops.

Much like shoes, collecting nice tops for jeans-and-a-nice-top combinations is a great way to keep your wardrobe looking fresh.

I try to sell two tops each season and pick up two more in the process, keeping it feeling modern and elevated. This season, why not try a tie-up style or even an off-shoulder look?

8. Undergarments, undergarments, undergarments.

Make your existing wardrobe work with the right undergarments. Avoiding a top because you don't have the right bra for it? Look into strapless options or even experiment with some boob tape.

Have a dress that requires a little more support? Go out and invest in some shapewear and a petticoat. Don't wear your clothes just because you don't have the right bits to go underneath, life is too short!

And there you have it: the hacks to get the most out of your wardrobe and truly ensure you're surrounded by the pieces you love.

If all else fails, remember that what isn't serving you shouldn't waste away at the bottom of your drawers. Let someone else give it a new lease on life!

To buy or sell pre-loved items, visit eBay.

Sellers make, on average, between $400 and $500 in their first year on eBay, based on eBay internal data from July 2020 to June 2023, showing the average sales value of new or re-activated sellers.

eBay is not affiliated with any of the brands mentioned in this article.

Feature Image: Getty.

Turn your pre-loved thing into a money thing.
*disclaimer - eBay is not affiliated with any of the brands mentioned in this article