The Top 10 Fashion Brands to Buy Resale, Straight From an Expert at The RealReal

Sustainability is becoming more and more of a priority in the fashion world, among other consumer sects, but there are many ways to go about supporting the movement. Yes, we are all encouraged to shop from fur-free brands, buy vegan leather, and deny harmful fast fashion brands real estate in our closets. An additional approach, however, is shopping resale. Whether true vintage or just lightly used, your buying (and selling!) of apparel, bags, jewelry, and more prevents the unwanted items from becoming actual waste. It is, of course, a prime example of the phrase "one person's trash is another person's treasure." One of the most well-known resale retailers is The RealReal, perhaps because the brand's wide online presence assures that you can be sitting in a high-rise in New York City or on a farm in the middle of the country and have the same access to their massive selection of expertly vetted items for sale — all with authenticity guarantee. And, with such a huge consumer base, The RealReal collects annual data that tracks, in their words, "what's rising to the top."

With 82 percent of The RealReal's customers ranking sustainability as an important reason why they shop the site and 78 percent claiming that it's actually changed the way that they shop overall, there are certain luxury brands that reign supreme. Ahead, find the 10 brands (ranked in order!) that are more popular than ever and what we're lusting after from their resale selections.

01
Getty Images

Gucci

While Gucci has always been iconic, it has taken on a new life with Alessandro Michele at the helm. Now, not only is there resale value in the classics, like bamboo-handled backpacks and double-G belts, but also in the newer additions, like rainbow striped cashmere, knife-pleated midi skirts, and — of course — the backless Princetown loafers.

02
Courtesy of The Real Real

Gucci Vintage Suede Bamboo Backpack

03
Courtesy of The Real Real

Gucci Leather Running GG Belt

04
Courtesy of The Real Real

Gucci Princetown Horsebit Mules

05
Getty Images

Louis Vuitton

There are few monograms more recognizable than Louis Vuitton's LV. Even if you're not a lover of brand logos, there's something to be said about the luggage tones beloved by everyone from Audrey Hepburn to Jackie Kennedy and its ability to look classically elegant no matter who the wearer.

06
Courtesy of The Real Real

Louis Vuitton Vintage Monogram Keepall 45

07
Courtesy of The Real Real

Louis Vuitton Epi Speedy 30

08
Courtesy of The Real Real

Louis Vuitton Suede Silhouette Ankle Boots

09
Getty Images

Chanel

Chanel is one of the few brands whose resale value might even get higher with age. The classic black flap bags run about the same as new retail, depending on condition, but limited edition prints, colors, and shapes can easily appreciate in value much like a piece of art.

10
Courtesy of The Real Real

Chanel Vintage Classic Small Double Flap Bag

11
Courtesy of The Real Real

Chanel 2017 Tweed Jacket

12
Courtesy of The Real Real

Chanel Camellia Clip-On Earrings

13
Getty Images

Prada

Prada's resale value has gone up as of late with the resurgence of '90s nostalgia. Sure, the brand's ballet flats, silk dresses, and the like are in constant demand, but you'll also be able to find some killer black nylon backpacks from their original releases.

14
Courtesy of The Real Real

Prada Vela Drawstring Backpack

15
Courtesy of The Real Real

Prada Mohair-Blend Striped Skirt

16
Courtesy of The Real Real

Prada Colorblock Suede Flats

17
Getty Images

Hermès

Hermès might not top the list in demand, but that's most likely only due to the hefty price tag that marks them far away from impulse-purchase status. It's hard enough to get a brand new Kelly or Birkin, with wait-lists lasting years in some cases, so you'd better believe that when the original purchaser is ready to give it up, there are a thousand girls waiting to snatch it up next.

18
Courtesy of The Real Real

Hermès Vintage Box Kelly Sellier 32

19
Courtesy of The Real Real

Hermès Reversible H 32mm Belt Kit

20
Courtesy of The Real Real

Hermès Heure H Watch

21
Getty Images

Fendi

Fendi is another brand whose resale value has gone up with the return of '90s trends, like the mini shoulder bag. But hey, if it was good enough for the ladies of Sex and the City, it's good enough for us!

22
Courtesy of The Real Real

Fendi Medium Peekaboo Tote

23
Courtesy of The Real Real

Fendi Asymmetrical Leather Jacket

24
Courtesy of The Real Real

Fendi Embossed Lace-Up Sandals

25
Getty Images

Christian Dior

Much like Christian Dior, Valentino's generations of design have all been held in high regard and are, as such, still very much sought after. What's more, with classics like white collared minidresses and iconic wardrobe staples made of colorful lace produced season after season, each collection remains more than relevant for years to come.

26
27
Courtesy of The Real Real

Christian Dior 2017 Feminist Top

28
Courtesy of The Real Real

Christian Dior Color Quake 2 Tinted Sunglasses

29
Getty Images

Valentino

Much like Christian Dior, Valentino's generations of design have all been held in high regard and are, as such, still very much sought after. What's more, with classics like white collared minidresses and iconic wardrobe staples made of colorful lace produced season after season, each collection remains more than relevant for years to come.

30
Courtesy of The Real Real

Valentino Mini Shift Dress

31
Courtesy of The Real Real

Valentino Polka Dot VaVa Voom Clutch

32
Courtesy of The Real Real

Valentino Velvet Flat Sandals

33
Getty Images

Christian Louboutin

With the red sole making Christian Louboutin one of the most iconic of shoe brands, it's actually the only one of its category that made it into the top 10. Sure, shoes need extraspecial care to be considered for resale but, if properly nurtured, girls all around the world are still clamoring for that brightly colored footbed.

34
Courtesy of The Real Real

Christian Louboutin Suede So Kate Pumps

35
Courtesy of The Real Real

Christian Louboutin Rosella Gingham Flats

36
Courtesy of The Real Real

Christian Louboutin Orlato Velvet Sneakers

37
Getty Images

Balenciaga

Balenciaga actually made it into the top 10 for the first time this year. Perhaps it's the steady rebuilding of the brand under Creative Director Demna Gvasalia, or the reintroduction of more edgy pieces back into many fashion girls' wardrobes, but the brand is continuing to climb back up to the level that it held when Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen refused to leave the house without at least one moto bag in the crook of their stylish arm.

38
Courtesy of The Real Real

Balenciaga Motocross Classic Town Bag

39
Courtesy of The Real Real

Balenciaga Leather Motorcycle Jacket

40
Courtesy of The Real Real

Balenciaga Slash Pointed-Toe Mules

Your Shopping Cheat Sheet
Great. Thanks for signing up!
Get editor-curated product recommendations and reviews sent straight to your inbox.
We'll see you in your inbox
By signing up, I agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy.

Related