Clothing Swap Parties

By Dona Jenkins, coordinator for Élan Events – Event Planning

The economy, style and friends mix with a popular party springing up. Clothing swap parties are becoming a fun, social occasion that provides guests a chance to exchange their clothing they either no long wear or have even never worn before, with tags still attached. The planning of the event incorporates a few details that help to make the party flow smoothly.
  • Invite friends with differing shapes and styles.
  • Make it clear that your guests should bring clothes that are clean and in excellent condition.
  • Accessories, such as scarves, costume jewelry and purses can also be swapped.
  • Provide snacks and beverages. Healthy, light snacks are best. Choices might include a variety of cheeses, gourmet crackers and the ever-faithful veggies and dip. Drinks will depend on the season of the party. Wine and bubbly drinks (sparkling waters and ciders) work well for a celebratory flair.
  • Determine how to organize the clothes: place all clothes in a pile or in orderly separate stacks. Thoughtful preparation makes for an energetic event.
  • Establish a method for exchanging clothes. Consider variations of any of the following:
    • Grab and run: everyone simultaneously dives in for her favorite fashion item.
    • Lottery-based: depending on order of arrival to your party or the draw from a "trendy" hat, take turns selecting from piles – much less chaos.
    • Auction: display clothing items (perhaps by donor) and have guests give so many "points" (be they poker chips or potato chips) for the item up for bid.
    • Competition: play a fast-paced game for turn to select. Have special tiebreakers (rock, paper scissors, trivia questions, etc.) as needed.
    • Create your own
What you will take away from the party will be "new" clothes and you can feel good that you know where your gorgeous pea coat (that no longer fits) went. Also, hearing family stories about the items is always interesting. For instance, maybe you will hear "that scarf was knitted and given to me by my much loved great aunt." Above all, have fun and enjoy being with your friends, especially those with lots of clothes!

Dona Jenkins is the event coordinator for Élan Events, an Inland Empire, California, event planning business. For more information about specialty events, contact Dona at coordinator@elan-events-ltd.com