Closets: The Overlooked Spot You Should Always Check At Estate Sales For The Best Treasures
The real hidden gems are often tucked away in unexpected places.
By Nicole Letts
https://www.southernliving.com/reasons-to-check-closets-at-estate-sales-11748953
Palm Beach residents Kimberly Murstein and her grandmother, Gail, have amassed more than half a million followers on Instagram and over 400,000 followers on TikTok. Viewers tune into Murstein’s content to hear Grandma Gail’s best advice, much of which involves her spirited opinions about dating and fashion. Beyond receiving Gail’s grandmotherly guidance, Murstein is also privy to her closet, which contains classic, sophisticated pieces such as cashmere cardigans, silk scarves, and Birkin bags. Grandma Gail’s closet proves what many of us already know: Southern grandmothers have the best clothes that are still timeless today. If you’ve already pillaged your own grandmother’s closet, don’t fret. Estate sales are a treasure trove for uncovering vintage clothing, and real hidden gems are often tucked away in unexpected places.
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Enduring Influence
Vintage clothing, forgotten furs, classic dresses, and unworn shoes are just a few of the items you might find in an estate sale closet, but you can also keep your eyes peeled for little nods of history. Lilly Pulitzer white label clothing, for example, is highly sought because of its historical significance. These pieces are generally from an earlier era of Lilly Pulitzer’s history, typically ranging from the 1960s to the early aughts.
Many vintage fashion enthusiasts and Lilly Pulitzer collectors specifically seek out white label pieces for their classic prints, silhouettes, and legacy value. In essence, if you find a Lilly Pulitzer item with a white tag, you’ve likely stumbled upon a piece of the brand’s history.
Hidden Valuables And Collectibles
While it’s uncommon, discovering a coveted or rare piece is one of the great joys of estate sale shopping. Blogger, influencer, and estate sale loyalist Paige Minear once found a highly collectible Hermès scarf at an estate sale in Atlanta. “That scarf, that perfect scarf, taught me to never skip a pile of random folded scarves,” she says. “Somehow, it was missed and marked for $3. I know immediately it was special and silk before I completely pulled it out. What I didn’t know was how valuable and special it was. Best find of an estate sale shopping experience, hands down.” It turns out that Minear’s $3 find is an iconic turkey motif scarf by Kermit Oliver, the first American to design scarves for the fashion house. It resells for over $1,200.
Practical Treasures
That sewing kit sitting on the closet shelf might have your dream find in it. In fact, you never know when a designer button could be lurking among the threads. Beyond just pretty fasteners, some buttons are highly desirable, like vintage Bakelite beauties, intricate mother-of-pearl, or even small, hand-painted porcelain buttons that are tiny works of art. You might also find a stash of antique lace trim, perfect for adding a touch of romance to a modern garment or vintage patches for jacket pizzaz.
Credit: Getty Images Clifford Coffin
A Sentimental Story
Beyond the thrill of the hunt, checking a closet at an estate sale offers a unique opportunity to connect with the past on a deeply personal level. Each item tucked away tells a story, offering a tangible glimpse into the life and memories of the previous owner. Bringing these items home isn’t just about acquiring something; it’s about preserving a piece of history, giving it new life, and allowing its unspoken narrative to continue in your own collection. There’s an inherent sentimentality in rescuing someone’s treasures and incorporating them into your style.
Tip: When perusing closets, drawers, and jewelry boxes, look for items that are labeled or stamped. For scarves, phrases like “made in Italy” or “100% silk” indicate quality, while for jewelry, you’ll want to see words like “sterling” or gold carat weight.
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Successful Closet Hunting Tips
To truly unearth those hidden gems, you need a strategy. First and foremost, be thorough and patient—don’t just skim. Rushing through a closet is the quickest way to miss something incredible. Take your time, systematically checking every nook and cranny. Remember to look high and low, scrutinizing not just eye-level shelves but also the very top ledges and the floor beneath hanging clothes. Always open drawers and boxes within the closet; these are prime spots for stashed treasures. A crucial step many skip is to check pockets and linings of clothing—you’d be amazed what gets left behind, from forgotten cash to antique gloves. Closets are prime estate sale real estate. Embrace the dig and enjoy the discovery!
About the author:
Nicole Letts is a journalist with a focus on the modern Southern experience which includes penning stories about food, travel, lifestyle, and interiors. With a decade of experience, her work has been published by some of the country’s top magazines and digital publications including AAA Explorer Alabama, BBC Travel, Fodor’s Travel, Good Grit, Southern Living, and many more. She also wrote her first book, Unique Eats and Eateries of Alabama. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her stitching cheeky needlepoint canvases or perusing local antique shops for her online business, Grandmillennial Shop. She lives in Atlanta with her husband and her rescue pup, Ryan.