Now that the new year has arrived, wardrobe maintenance is at the top of our to-do lists. We spoke to Anne Marie Gill, owner of online pre-loved store Reloved Again (www.catwalkgee.com) about her top tips on what not to clear: having been in the business of clearing people’s wardrobes for over ten years, she really can spot which items are best to sell and which pieces she recommends her clients to hold on to.

1. THE CLASSIC COAT

“I think the key is keeping good pieces in classic colours and shapes that are timeless, the items that seldom go on sale. Social media wants us to embrace trends (which are great for adding interest) but you will tire of them. Firstly, a Max Mara coat will never go out of fashion and you aren’t likely to find one on sale in classic camel, black or navy. You might get tempted by more fashion forward pieces but Max Mara coats never date and are a joy to wear. The same applies to a great blazer.”

2. THE LITTLE BLACK DRESS

“If you have a little black dress you actually feel comfortable in, never sell it, keep it for special occasions and have it remade by a dressmaker if it has seen better days. I promise you, you will look and never find anything similar. I have a tuxedo dress from Sonia Rykiel which is over twelve years old and I still wear it.”

3. THE DESIGNER BAG

“Also worth the investment and holding on to is a classic Chanel bag. I bought mine when I turned 40, I paid just over £1,000stg. The same bag costs over £8,000stg to buy today.”

4. THE SIMPLE PAIR OF PUMPS

“Year after year you will bring out a pair of simple black court shoes (I like Jimmy Choo, Christian Louboutin or Sergio Rossi). That may seem boring and you might be tempted by those fancy Perspex renditions but a simple pair of pumps will cost a fortune to replace.”

5. THE GAMECHANGERS

“And lastly, hold on to that bonkers beautiful piece you inherited, picked up at a sample sale or charity shop. This one is harder to define but I have a few pieces that I have picked up over the years that I don’t wear very often but they are game changers and I would never be able to find them again. I have a silk green clutch from Dries Van Noten and a coat from Alessandra Jane that are one-of-a-kind pieces and elevate my wardrobe. These forever pieces feel like old friends, you might not see them every week but when you are reunited you get on like a house on fire.”

For more visit; www.catwalkgee.com.

Main featured image via Blazé Milano / Imaxtree.