A second-hand Christmas party outfit makes a lot of sense: occasion wear is often worn once or twice and then left in the wardrobe, so there is plenty in very good condition. Start looking in November, check measurements rather than relying on the size, look closely at sequins, beading, zips and linings in the photos, and leave time for delivery before the party. After the season, you can sell it on again.
Here is how to find something you will love, and how to make sure it arrives in time.
Start early
The run-up to Christmas is busy for parcels, and you want time to try your outfit on and, if needed, find another. Aim to buy at least a couple of weeks before your first party. Sellers on Rewear have five days to post after a sale, so build that into your plans as well as the delivery time.
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What to look for
For a dressier party
- Sequins and metallics: dresses, tops and skirts that catch the light.
- Velvet: dresses, blazers and trousers in deep, rich shades.
- Satin and silky fabrics: slip dresses, midi skirts and blouses.
- Jumpsuits and co-ords, an easy alternative to a dress.
For smart casual or work parties
- Tailoring: a sharp blazer with trousers or jeans.
- A statement top with your favourite black trousers.
- Knitwear with sparkle, for a cosy but festive look.
- Shirts in rich fabrics for men, such as velvet, cord or a dark print.
Accessories
Evening bags, party shoes, scarves and jewellery can lift an outfit you already own, and are often in excellent condition second-hand.
Check the fit
Occasion wear tends to be fitted, so the size label alone is not enough. Ask for, or check, the measurements in cm:
- Dresses: pit to pit, waist, hip and length.
- Trousers and jumpsuits: waist, hip, rise and inside leg.
- Blazers: shoulder, pit to pit and sleeve.
Compare them with a similar piece that fits you, laid flat. Our guide to measuring clothes for buying online explains each one. Fabrics with no stretch, such as satin, sequins and many velvets, need more care with fit than jersey.
Check delicate details
Party pieces have details that can be fragile, so look closely at the photos and ask the seller for close-ups if they are not there.
- Sequins and beading: look for bald patches or loose threads, especially under the arms and where a bag strap would rub.
- Zips: concealed zips at the back or side of a dress should run smoothly. Ask the seller to confirm.
- Linings: check they are intact and not hanging below the hem.
- Velvet: look for flattened or shiny patches on the seat and elbows.
- Satin: look for pulls, snags and water marks.
- Underarms: marks from deodorant can be hard to shift from delicate fabrics.
Small missing sequins are common and rarely noticeable, but a seller should mention them. If a piece arrives with damage that was not declared, do not confirm delivery: message the seller through the app and open a problem report. Our guide to buying second-hand safely explains how.
Caring for party wear
- Read the care label. Many sequinned and beaded pieces are hand wash or dry clean only.
- Spot clean small marks where you can.
- Turn sequinned pieces inside out to wash, if the label allows, in a laundry bag on a gentle cycle.
- Steam rather than iron velvet and satin, which can mark under a hot iron.
- Store on a padded hanger or folded with tissue, away from anything that could snag.
Sell it on after
Once the party season is over, you may want to pass your outfit on to someone else. Occasion wear tends to sell best in the run-up to events, so you can either list it soon after the season or keep it for the next party season, or for spring weddings and summer events.
- Clean it and check it as a buyer would.
- Photograph it in daylight, front and back, with close-ups of the fabric and any missing sequins or marks.
- Add the measurements in cm.
- Describe the fit and the fabric honestly.
Our guides to photographing clothes to sell and writing a listing description show how. Listing is free on Rewear and there is no selling fee.
The short version
Look for occasion wear that has barely been worn, start in November and allow time for delivery. Check measurements, not just the size, and look closely at sequins, zips, linings and fabric. Care for it gently, and sell it on when the season is done.
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