Take Off Your Clothes | North America's Biggest Clothing Swap!

01 . 05 . 2012

I’m going to the swap, now what?

Miss Palermo always does it right. It's all about proportion and mixing patterns.

I’ve taken part in three clothes swaps. I’m no swap veteran by any means but having organized two of the three, I’d like to think I can offer a piece or two of advice. If you’re like me, you’re super psyched for this Sunday’s swap. Honestly, I’ve been creating a mental list of items I hope to find based on the gorgeous pieces I’ve seen in the Bay catalogues or online. I’ve been very good at not buying a single thing over the past month because I knew I’d score big this Sunday (fingers crossed).

So, what should you be doing in preparation for the big day? You most likely already dropped off your clothes at the designated drop-off locations but if you haven’t yet, not to worry, you can bring your clothing with you to the swap. Just don’t forget to purchase your ticket in advance!

Ok, moving on to the good stuff. You’ve emptied your closet and donated your clothing. But if you’re like me, you still have a closet that is bursting at the seams. So go ahead, attack it again. Don’t be shy, comb through each piece. When was the last time you wore it? Does it flatter your waistline? Does it wrinkle oddly around your chest or sleeves? Does the colour wash you out or bring out your eyes? Can you wear it to work and then out for drinks or is it limited in its versatility? Build a pile of ‘maybes’ and leave that aside for a day or two. If you don’t miss any of its items or think of wearing anything in that lonesome pile, you know you’re ready to let it go. More for the next person!

Until Spring shows her true colours, I'll promote fall coats

Now, what’s your game plan? Are you just going to show up, browse, and grab whatever strikes your fancy? GREAT! But if you’re the planning type (like yours truly) you’ll come in with a game plan. I thought I’d share mine with you in case you want to copy and paste and make it your own. I like to have a plan so I come home with useful, fabulous pieces that I’ll enjoy for a long time and not think: “What was I thinking!?”

1. Flip through your latest fashion magazines or your fave online shopping sites and pick out a few items you really, really want. No guilt, no: “I don’t REALLY need this.” Just pick out some things you would love to have.
2. Now go through your closet and think about your lifestyle and your clothing needs. Do you work in a professional office? If so, do you have a couple pairs of versatile pants? How about a skirt? A few dress shirts, vests and one or two must-have dresses that you can easily throw a fitted blazer over. Look at what you have and think of one or two pieces that you could add to the mix to really shake things up and make better use of your other pieces. Maybe you’re a student and you want young, stylish pieces that go from classroom to pub. Well, jeans are always key, but the real clincher is one or two fun, flirty tops that you can wear in class with a cardigan and spring coat and dress up with a bold necklace. Are you a young entrepreneur? Looking for the perfect in-between outfit that is comfortable and fun but professional for those off-site meetings with clients? Gentlemen, don’t shy away from a fitted pair of jeans (show off your assets, PLEASE – you don’t have to worry about cellulite ok?). Pair it with a dress shirt and a v-neck sweater to add classic elegance to your fave blues. Top it off with shiny, brown leather lace-up dress shoes, an oversized leather-strap watch and you’re golden.
3. Next, think of upcoming events and trips you have planned. Southern destination? Do you need a light beach dress? Flats? A big hat to ward off those nasty UV rays? Maybe you’re heading up to a friend’s cottage, doing some gardening or just staying put, enjoying the city. Regardless, consider your potential wardrobe needs such as hiking boots, a windbreaker, summer shorts, or a jumper. It never hurts to have a plan.
4. Now leave room for a few of those ‘I want but don’t need’ pieces. You’ll love them, wear them and maybe leave them eventually but it’s a free item so go for it.

With your list of need-to-have items in hand, you’ll be able to face the swap with confidence, skipping the nice-to-haves for the must-haves and loving the feeling of leaving with an armful of clothing – for free! Enough said.

For more styling tips, visit Ef Magazine or email editors@efmagazine.com. Follow Ef’s editor-in-chief, Malorie, on Twitter @MalorieBertrand or her behind-the-scenes blog, What in the Ef?

Love a man in one sweater, two - take me now.

I just love her frickin' bone structure, never mind the earrings!

Delicate top with heavy boots, please note.

Great office wear, structured, professional, chic.

The queen of street wear - Kate Moss.