Depop Names Hybrids of Varsity, Balletcore and Blokecore Key Trends for 2024
Fashion trends are known for bubbling up from the streets. The post-Covid elevation of pre-owned fashion, however, is making resale platforms hotbeds for new ideas.
Etsy-owned community-powered marketplace Depop released its inaugural trend report for 2024. The report is based on consumer behavior on the platform, combining the search, listing and purchasing data from its network of more than 30 million resellers and shoppers and insight from Agus Panzoni, Depop’s trend specialist.
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Echoing Lyst’s sentiment in 2023 being a chaotic year of fashion filled with extremes, Panzoni said 2024 will be focused on balancing “chaos and order” with trends that blend “comfort and familiarity with individuality and unique style.”
While Depop saw searches for minimalism, Y2K, Barbiecore and “aquascape” climb in 2023, the platform sees 2024 as a year to redefine established style narratives.
“We see this next iteration of trends emerging earlier on Depop as our community react in real-time to their cultural influences and style inspirations—with a circular mindset they are choosing which trends to invest in, which ones they can list from their wardrobes, and how they can bring it all together to create their own spin on what’s bubbling up,” Depop states in the report.
One-note trends like varsity and rock ‘n’ roll come together in “Sleaze Academia,” a theme that takes a subversive approach to traditional school uniforms and builds on the craze Miu Miu created in 2022 for ultra-cropped skirts.
“This trend streamlines its look with minimalist pieces, skewed with pins, cut outs and awkward layering. The focus is on inner substance, outwardly expressed with books as accessories and ironic slogan tees,” the report states.
Depop shoppers are searching for button-down shirts and miniskirts to achieve the look. Searches for the items up are 112 percent and 98 percent, respectively. And they’re relying on U.S. brands like Gap, Polo Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger and Coach to master the Americana-inspired aesthetic—a vibe that’s gained popularity thanks in part to Taylor Swift’s classic off-stage style.
Depop sees consumers taking a more relaxed approach to quiet luxury in 2024. Describing the new era of trench coats and logo-free staples as “Lazy Luxe,” Depop said the goal is to infuse playfulness in “classic formulas and muted color palettes” through unexpected proportions and deconstruction.
Searches for trench coats are up 62 percent. Broader terms like leather, tailored, minimal and office/work are seeing increases in searches as well. These workwear essentials will become a “canvas for reinvention,” Depop added.
While Depop shoppers are looking to nab a deal on elevated basics, like The Row which saw a 38 percent uptick in searches in 2023, they’re also seeking deals for more accessible brands like COS, Skims and Ugg.
The desire to romanticize everyday life is ushering in a fresh take on the ultra-feminine fashion. Called “Post Romance,” Depop said the trend is an example of how “girlhood’s playful, whimsical spirit is spilling over into the real world.”
Echoing Pinterest’s 2024 forecast for girly bows, Depop said ribbons are essential for dressing up the mundane. Elements of Balletcore, the microtrend inspired by the soft colors, hosiery and bodysuits worn by ballerinas, are also part of the new theme. Searches for ballet flats are up 428 percent; searches for ruffles are up 105 percent.
Labels known for their feminine designs like Sandy Liang and Simone Rocha are leading consumers’ searches for the trend. However, footwear brands known for their chunky silhouettes are grounding it. Depop said searches for Dr. Martens and Vagabond are up 61 percent and 59 percent, respectively.
The influence of sports in fashion is not new—searches for the soccer-inspired trend blokecore have increased 393 percent on Depop and searches for jerseys and Adidas Samba sneakers continues to grow.
But the theme is becoming more dynamic in 2024. Described as “Sports Quest,” the trend blends the practicality of sportswear with purely stylistic elements. References to Y2K and digital design bring a new vibe. Depop said top brands for the trend are Adidas, Corteiz, Salomon and Arc’teryx, all of which saw double-digit growth in 2023.
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