Fashion Insider: A Closet At Your Fingertips

Everyone has seen the iconic montage of Cher Horowitz’s morning routine, and it never fails to disappoint fashion fanatics in a digitally advanced society. In the movie Clueless, a digital closet and personal stylist is made a reality. This idea inspired a new generation of apps dedicated to online shopping, with an emphasis on sustainability. An up-and-coming army of environmentally conscious small businesses, fashion addicted influencers, and normal individuals trying to make a few extra dollars has developed over the past few years and falls nothing short of impressive. Apps such as Depop, Poshmark, Mercari, and even the notorious Ebay have emerged as top competitors in this successful market. What exactly drives their motives, and how have they affected the fast fashion market?

Although there are numerous apps and websites dedicated to the craft of sustainable fashion, Depop comes out on top because of the combination of aesthetic, social aspects, and convenience. The motive behind the app was that it would provide young generations with a convenient way to buy and sell second-hand pieces. It has exponentially grown in popularity because buyers approve of the fact that they are not buying from a company that mass produces clothing. Buyers and sellers are able to contact directly to negotiate, purchasing takes a few seconds, and the clothing selections are all personalized. Selections range from small businesses using the app to gain exposure, to big-name brands and luxury pieces for cheaper prices. Many people have shared concerns about the quality of the clothing and online scams, but Depop, Mercare, eBay, and Poshmark sellers are genuine, real people with a love for the market. 

There is such a large variety of clothing on the market to match the personal preferences of every buyer. From athletic wear and professional attire to the newest trends and swim, these apps have it all! These pieces are obtained in a few different ways such as thrift stores, individual closets, and even designer stores. The use of these apps to increase the popularity of obtaining clothing from thrift stores is quite recognizable. Influencers have made a name for stores such as Goodwill and Savers, promoting their products as a way to avoid fast fashion. Straight to the apps they go; either sold as is or upcycled in the most phenomenal ways. Sellers often turn extra-large shirts into the most flattering dresses for their body types or outdated sweaters into modern layering pieces. Small businesses have also exposed their products with an emphasis on sustainability. What makes it even better is that anyone — that’s right, even you —has the ability to post clothes, swimsuits, shoes, and accessories with the touch of a button. Because of the many active members of the online fashion marketplace, every app is filled with the most amazing new and secondhand, sustainable pieces. 

Endless benefits have come from this new way of shopping. In a generation of individuals who do not want to overspend on clothing, these apps are perfect! They introduce novices to the world of sustainable fashion, and eco-friendly businesses are able to grow in popularity. A major emphasis is placed on what you can buy with $25 and a love for the environment. Slowly but surely, the fast-fashion footprint is being erased thanks to ordinary individuals who counteract the negative effects of carbon dioxide emission from textile businesses, child labor, and landfills dedicated to cheap clothing. The future is now, and it is our responsibility to use innovations such as technology to better the world we live in — one pair of jeans at a time.