The RealReal Expands into Print with New Book on Personal Style

A new era of fashion shopping has emerged, where rare and exclusive items are just a click away. The rise of online luxury consignment retailers like The RealReal has democratized access to high-end secondhand fashion, with thousands of new items going live on their platforms every day.

This shift in the fashion landscape has been driven by an increasing interest in archival collecting and vintage culture. As a result, people are no longer just looking for functional clothing but also seeking out unique pieces that reflect their personal style.

The RealReal is capitalizing on this trend with its new book, Real Style: Dressing with Intention Expressing Yourself Through Style, which explores the art of finding one's personal style through vintage shopping.

The RealReal's new book on personal style offers a unique approach by prioritizing individuality and self-expression over fleeting fashion trends. This shift in focus is reflected in the book's design, which resembles a coffee table book and functions as a guide to help readers discover their own unique sense of style.

The first section of the book delves into defining one's personal style, while the second half focuses on building a wardrobe that reflects this individuality. According to Naiman, the book's creator, it was inspired by the concept of a wellness book combined with an engaging and interactive approach to fashion.

Throughout the workbook, readers will encounter questions and exercises designed to help them identify their personal style, such as "Would you rather scenarios paired with high-end fashion items. Concepts like the outfit spiral, where one's confidence in their outfit wavers just before leaving the house, are also explored, along with practical advice on how to create outfits that make one feel confident and stylish.

The RealReal's latest initiative aims to help individuals break free from fashion uncertainty by encouraging them to re-evaluate their personal style. According to the company's experts, a simple yet effective approach is to ask oneself a series of questions before leaving the house. This includes inquiring about the occasion, who one will be seeing, and what triggered feelings of self-doubt.

In this context, the idea of an incident report comes into play. After getting dressed, individuals are prompted to reflect on their outfit and consider what factors contributed to their initial reservations. By analyzing these triggers, people can develop a more nuanced understanding of their personal style and make informed decisions about their wardrobe choices.

The book also features contributions from various thought leaders in the fashion industry, including writers Rachel Tashjian and Jia Tolentino, who discuss topics such as desire and style. Additionally, the text includes insights from individuals like Kim Hastreiter on her concept of sexy and LaTonya Yvette on separating style from status.

The RealReal's book emphasizes that exploring various sources for secondhand shopping can be a rich experience. This includes visiting antique malls, local thrift shops, and estate sales, which offer a wide range of clothing, jewelry, and accessories.

This process requires developing an ear for what speaks to you personally, as Naiman notes: The act of secondhand shopping is in many ways a master class in understanding how to listen to that voice." Cultivating this ability is essential for achieving real personal style.