Resale 101: How to Build and Manage Your Wardrobe Like a Portfolio

The resale market is more than a trend—it’s a strategy. Much like managing a financial portfolio, building and maintaining a wardrobe with resale value in mind allows you to shop smarter and maximize returns over time. Here’s how to get started.

Start with Your Closet

Think of your wardrobe as an investment. Start by evaluating what you already own:

• Step One: Review items you haven’t worn in the past 6 to 12 months.

• Step Two: Try styling each piece with at least 10 different looks.

• Step Three: If you can’t, consider moving it to your resale pile.

This exercise not only helps clear space but also builds awareness of what holds value—and what doesn’t—for future purchasing decisions.

What Holds Value in Today’s Market?

While many items may have emotional or personal value, not all hold market resale value.

• Low Retention:

  
  Contemporary brands like Alice + Olivia, Theory, Vince, and Goldsign typically lose resale value after one season. Denim and shoes are also more difficult to resell competitively, often selling at significantly lower price points to move inventory.

• High Retention:

  
  Heritage luxury brands like Hermès, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Goyard, and Dior continue to dominate the resale market with record-setting returns.
  

• Hermès Birkin and Kelly Bags: Once priced under $12,000, these now retail upwards of $13,500 to $15,000, with resale values exceeding $20,000+ depending on condition and rarity.

• Chanel Classic Flap Bags: Once under $8,000, these now retail for $12,000+, while vintage models are highly coveted for their craftsmanship and durability.

• Louis Vuitton Keepall Bags: Previously retailing for $2,400, now priced over $6,000, often reselling for even more depending on demand.

• Today’s market sees up to an 80% return on handbags from top brands like Chanel, Hermès, Gucci, Prada, Miu Miu, Saint Laurent, Loewe, Fendi, Dior, Goyard, and Louis Vuitton.

Jewelry & Watches

• Gold Jewelry:

  
  With gold prices continuing to rise, unbranded 14k gold items—such as charms, chains, rings, and earrings—are among the fastest-selling categories, often selling within two weeks of listing.

• Luxury Watches:

  
  Timepieces from Rolex, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, Piaget, and Cartier remain in high demand, often selling above retail as collectors seek rare and investment-grade models worldwide.