9 Valuable Items That Could Be Hiding in Your Closet

Organized wardrobe with hanging clothes and stored accessories — Credit:
Liudmila Chernetska / Getty Images

If you're on a decluttering kick and planning to tackle your closet next, you may want to slow down and rethink the items in your donation pile. While you're certain to find a trove of items that can be donated to your local thrift shop, there may be certain items you've forgotten about that are actually worth quite a bit of money.

If you have items with original labels, especially designer labels, or clothing items that represent a unique, specific era of time that are in good condition, it's worth having them appraised for their value rather than donating them off the cuff. Ahead, we spoke with consignment experts about the things in your closet that could be valuable.

Jennifer Johnson is the owner of True Fashionistas, a resale and consignment store
Jennifer Mayrath is the Director of Operations at Clotheshorse Anonymous, a luxury consignment store
Ann Marie Gee is the founder of Reloved Again, a luxury consignment boutique

Designer Shoes

Designer shoes retain their value over time. Check your closet for Christian Louboutin, Louis Vuitton, and Chanel styles. "We just took in over 100 pairs of Chanel ballet flats, and most still had the receipt in the box, and we sold them for well over double what the person had paid for them," says Jennifer Johnson, owner of the consignment store True Fashionistas.

Vintage Jewelry

While it may be obvious that jewelry is valuable, there are certain pieces that people tend to overlook. "I can't tell you how many times we've found pieces tossed in a drawer that are stamped '925,' '140-karat,' or '18-karat,'" says Jennifer Mayrath, the director of operations at Clotheshorse Anonymous. "Those markings matter. Sterling silver, solid gold, and pieces with genuine stones, especially if they're signed or have a designer hallmark, can carry significant resale value. Turquoise and Old Pawn are often overlooked, too.”

Mayrath also recommends against giving away mismatched earrings or broken gold chains—even those can have some value based on the metal they're made from.

Graphic T-Shirts

That vintage concert tee in the back of your closet might actually be worth serious cash if it's in good shape. "True vintage concert tees from the '70s, '80s, and '90s, especially with soft, faded cotton and original tour graphics, can sell quickly," says Mayrath. She also notes that early-2000s designer tees, like Dior "J'adore Dior" styles, have fetched up to $850 based on their condition and rarity.

Vintage Wallets or Checkbooks

Check your drawers for any older wallets, checkbooks, or card cases. Leather items in good condition, especially from brands like Louis Vuitton or Gucci, can be surprisingly valuable, says Mayrath. "Many of the brands will refurbish items, thereby increasing their value," she says.

Vintage Designer Clothing With Distinctive Hardware

A well-loved piece of designer clothing might be past its prime to wear, but if it features intricate buttons or other hardware, it might actually be more valuable than you think. "For example, a classic Chanel jacket will sell specifically for the buttons," says Mayrath. "Those signature logo buttons are often repurposed into jewelry, like bracelets or necklaces, giving the piece a second life in a completely different form."

Costume Jewelry

Yes, even costume jewelry can be valuable. Costume jewelry was extremely popular from the 1920s through the 1950s and was even made by well-known designers. "Signed pieces can perform extremely well, even without precious metals," says Mayrath.

Vintage Outerwear

Take a look through your closet for any vintage outerwear, such as a structured wool coat or pieces with strong tailoring or quality fabric content labels, says Mayrath. "A Burberry trench is a true classic that holds value," she says.

Silk Scarves

Beautiful silk scarves, especially those from heritage houses like Hermès or Chanel, can carry significant value. "Look for hand-rolled edges and signature prints," says Mayrath.

Reissued Designer Bags

If in good condition, vintage designer purses retain their value well. But if the design house reissues a particular style, expect your original purse's value to go up even more. "We had a client just last week who brought in a Saint Laurent Mombasa bag, originally bought in the '90s when Tom Ford was at the helm," says Ann Marie Gee, founder of Reloved Again. "At the time, it was just something she'd tucked away—but because the brand has since reissued the style, demand has surged. That same bag is now reselling online for hundreds of dollars."