Spring Cleaning: How to Host a Clothing Swap Party

Out with old, in with the new-ish. While we are in the trenches of cleaning out our closets and making room for new styles, why not skip the mall and host a clothing swap instead? 

You haven’t worn that red 80’s leather mini since last summer. That Beetlejuice striped blazer was good in theory but in real life, not so much. You want to revamp your wardrobe for spring but your budget is tighter than Nene Leake’s Herve Leger dresses.

So what’s a girl to do when she wants to get rid of the ghosts of clothing pasts while still getting new pieces for spring. Clothing Swap is what she should do! Clothing Swap parties are all the rage and are precisely how they sound. A group of friends get together to trade (swap) old clothing they no longer want. Think shopping your friends’ closets complete with cocktails and good music.

Hosting a Clothing Swap party is simple and with the right group of gal pals can be a hilarious study in your friend’s styles. Check out how you can spring clean and shop at the same time by hosting a clothing swap party.

1. Find a roomy and intimate location

I’m partial to girl’s day at someone’s apartment but for a clothing swap you want to make sure you have enough room to accommodate all of the clothes that will be flying everywhere. Make room in your living room or look for an small venue to hold your pals and their goods.

2. Gather your Fashionable Friends

You want to get the most return on your party. Meaning you want to invite your most fashionable friends. Craft a stealth guest list to include your gal pals who’s style (and closets) you love. You want to make sure that everyone brings the best and most tradeable pieces. Send out an evite with the details, letting everyone know that all pieces must be laundered and in good condition.

3. Have clearly labeled piles and rules

Make sure you have clear rules and sections outlined. Maybe it’s that each guest has to bring at least 5 pieces to swap or that it’s a free for all. Whatever the swap rules, make sure you have your sections and area outlined for a fun (and stress-free) swap.

Also, if you may want to rule out swapping clearly distinct items (NO you can not swap your bridesmaids dress!!!)

4. Be the Hostess with the Mostess

Have cocktails and sweets ready. An afternoon of swapping can really tucker out a group. Have some grooving music playing to ensure that all attendees have a good time.

5. Donate all left over items

Swap, shop & do good. Sounds like a plan to me. When the swap is done and you and the girl gang have decided on all of the great pieces you’ll take home, donate the rest of the items to a local shelter or Goodwill.

Clothing swap parties can be a fun and fashionable group event. With your style loving gals in on the mix, everyone can leave breathing new life into unwanted items.

Lovely ladies of Stylish Thought, have you ever hosted or attended a Clothing Swap? How did it go? Did you get some good pieces in return for your treasures? Let us know.