Hello Everyone,
Have you ever noticed that fashion stores are turning into fast food chains? You go into them to get a $5 shirt that will in a month or two end up in the garbage, or the bottom of your closet. Fashionable items have become so cheap so people can stay up to date and seasons without going broke. When you go into those stores, the quality of some of the items are really cheap, like purses that look pretty, but are made with flimsy material that won’t let it last long. Next season, one throws away the clothes, extremely hurting the environment as numerous people also are getting ready for the next season.
So, a conscious person would sell those clothes in e-Bay, donate them to Goodwill or the Salvation Army, or in one of those clothes recycle boxes. However, there is also another alternative that is fun and can get your friends involved: A clothes swapping party!
Yes, you heard me… have a time where you and your friends bring clothes that are still in good condition and swap them to give them another life. It should be something that you don’t like or wear anymore, that someone will be excited to try on. However, you want to keep some rules in mind so that it is the most fun experience possible, and you don’t lose any friends.
1. Make appetizers
Food builds solidarity in a group, and it also makes the event more as a party and time to hang out than simply business of getting rid of stuff. Having food gives people energy, more likely to become engaged in this activity. Having wine will also add to the personality in the party as drinking might make people more lighthearted. It is up to you how you would like to host the party, but some delicious treats is a must! Also, have music!
2. Ask people whose style you like, and like yours
As part of swapping, your friends need to bring clothes they don’t wear as well! And it helps when you like each other’s style, or have around the same body shape and sizes.
3. Try having your biggest mirrors around available
Having mirrors helps with the trying out of clothes, and the feeling that one might be shopping ethically as it feels as if one is changing in a dressing room.
4. Be a good sport and be prepared to laugh at your fashion victim clothes
The more dedicated to fashion you are, the more likely that you will have an eccentric piece that will be the target for light-hearted ridiculing. It only adds to the fun of the day!
5. If two people want the same piece, flip a coin.
Don’t try to have a vote from the group, or based on who it looks better. It is day to have fun and not build tension or break friendships.
6. Be confident
Some of your items that you are trying to get rid off might look better on someone else. Don’t worry about it, clothes are created for the body, not the other way around. And also, this shirt is now going to go into a new home to have a longer life.
7. The item swapped is not yours anymore
This one sounds obvious, but some things that I have experience when people give clothes away, is that the piece is still called, “So and so’s” shirt or bag, or what have you. Please refrain from doing this, maybe during the party, but the day after or weeks after it can be irritating as the new owner is not allowed to feel like the owner.
8. Be surprised to see what others give away
Something that you might not like will be someone else’s new favorite. Don’t judge your giveaways before your friends have a chance to see it and vice versa for your friends.
9. Make sure everything is clean, ironed, and items taken off the pockets.
Also, don’t bring things people usually don’t like to share, like underwear, bras or socks.
10. Don’t take it too seriously
Some people might walk away with things that they do not like as much. The purpose of this is to have fun and spend time with friends, not to get too involved and compare quality that one brought with someone else.( Or you can have price range turns, or piles)
I also found this helpful video on wiki-how!
how-to-host-a-clothing-swap-party
If you don’t like the idea of having a party, there is a great website called SwapStyle where you trade clothes with people all around the world! http://www.swapstyle.com/
Ideas from:
Blanchard, Tamsin. Green is the New Black: How to Change the World with Style. New York: Harper Collins, 2007. (139)
Clothes swapping parties are a great idea if you need new stuff and don’t want to spend any money at all. My friends and I sometimes have swapping parties but I have to admit that I prefer clothes swapping online on barterquest.com because I can reciprocate with other items or even services.
Thanks for letting me know about barterquest.com!
This is a very good idea. I think I may try it in the spring and/or summer months. It puts things in the hands of people who want them. The best part is that you get to have a little fun and fellowship with other women and possibly make new friends if they bring a guest. Good Post.
Thank you! I know, it looks like a fun things to do. It reminds me of the Christmas game “White Elephant” but in this case, you swap for things that you do like! I think that if I were to have a swapping party, this would be one of the activities. Then I would like to play charades, or other games… watch a movie! Maybe “27 Dresses”? However, I think the protagonist throws away all her dresses. I think she should have remodeled them!
Clothes swapping parties are a fun way to clean out the closet & snag a few items in return. If someone likes the same piece (happens often), it goes into the raffle bin & tickets are pulled. All clothes are categorized by size, item, color (in that order) so it creates a more uniform aesthetic. First drink & snack then get to “shopping” if you will. Accessories & shoes are set up separately & bathrooms are organized with toiletries for those wanting a lil privacy while trying on but must come out & show their finds. It’s best with an intimate group & music playing… ; )
Thanks for the comment. I really like the raffle idea in case two people like the same thing in order to prevent bias for any person.
Interesting concept….I was just reading about the “Uniform Project.” One wears the same dress of an entire year. If you want to read about it, here is the website:
http://www.theuniformproject.com/
Mary
Thank you so much for the link! I do not know how I was not aware about this! The Uniform Project is amazing! I think I might try out the pattern with cloth from my old t-shirts. I wonder if Sheena never wants to wear a little black dress again
typo: for an entire year
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This is a fantastic idea!
I love the fact that you can do it with other people. It makes getting rid of things you no longer use a lot of fun!