Depop 101: How College Students Are Curating Their Closets
For all my fellow online shopping addicts.
BY Sydney Goldberger ★ December 1st, 2025
Design by: Maisy Wood
In 2025, college students seem to live in a cycle of outfits: the comfortable class fit, the going out tonight look, the school spirit tailgate gear, and the “I’m going to the gym/pilates” workout set. Between 8:00 am classes, late nights and closets that hold a shoe box amount of clothes, keeping your wardrobe up to date without running out of money feels impossible.
That’s where Depop comes in, the app that has turned thrifting and second hand clothing into a side hustle, art form and honestly, a college student’s best tool. The coolest part? It’s not all just purchasing, but a way to get rid of the clothes sitting under your bed and give someone else a chance to rock them.
Whether you’re looking for a $15 vintage crewneck or want to sell your outgrown Urban Outfitters jeans, Depop makes it easy to build your entire college closet without the trouble or price of going to the mall. The biggest plus? We love to support a sustainable fashion practice.
The Comfy/Cool Class Fit
Let's be honest, getting dressed for class gets harder and harder as the year goes on, leaving less and less time to figure out an outfit before heading out the door. You want to look put together, but also want to be comfortable while you scribble notes and stare at the whiteboard.
For the best fits for class, search for baggy vintage Levis, Artizia oversized sweatsuits, neutral SKIMS lounge wear, and vintage Ralph Lauren long sleeves. You’ll find one-of-a-kind pieces that make it look like you spent hours curating your outfit when really, you were just half-asleep scrolling in bed before class.
The Going Out Look
When Thursday rolls around, Depop is the perfect hub to find the good and trendy stuff. To find the best gems, search for black micro shorts, vintage cowl neck tops, low-rise denim skirts, vintage boots, and Victoria's Secret camisoles/babydoll tops. Need a date night dress or jacket for those extra cold nights? They have it all.
Many depop sellers are also in college or are former students looking to get rid of their wardrobe and evolve, perfect for bundling and getting more bang for your buck. A lot of times, they even model the pieces themselves, making it easier to picture what your outfit is going to look like.
The Tailgate Gear
Depop is the goldmine for vintage sports tees, school-specific bomber jackets, free city tank tops, free people overalls, and much more for game-day staples. Search your school name or mascot, and you'll find so many sellers turning old merch into your new favorite fit. Not only can you mix and match your new finds, but they can also become closet staples used year-round, or clothing you can lend to a friend.
There is no event that puts your mind to work like a college tailgate, where you have to be the most creative version of yourself. It's the time to mix school pride, style, and practicality (because let's be honest, if you don't spill something on yourself, someone else will). All of this can be done online, most importantly, skipping the exhausting trip to the student store with overpriced and limited apparel. All you have to do is download the app from the App Store and you’re all set to start shopping!
The Athletic Attire
Even gym fits need personality, so instead of spending hundreds on new sets, search Depop for Set Active, Lululemon, and Alo Yoga pieces. A lot of sellers list gently used or new-with-tags athletic wear for half the retail price. Searching for activewear can even bring new brands to your radar, elevating your exercise look.
Throwing on a matching fit and even a windbreaker or zip up scuba jacket makes your workout ten times more enjoyable. Need to add shoes to that outfit? Search up Hoka, Nike, and On Cloud for the finishing touch.
Why It Works
Depop works because it’s personal. You’re not buying from some random brand; you’re buying from other students, creators, and people who get your style. The descriptions are funny, the photos are real, and the finds are one-of-a-kind.
Depop is not just an app; it's a college survival tool, allowing for creativity to intersect with convenience. College life moves fast, and so do clothing trends— let's give your closet a chance to keep up.
Edited by: Eliza Brown