College is a time when many of us explore our personal style while trying to “ball on a budget.” As someone who loves fashion, sustainability and — above all — a good deal, secondhand shopping has become my go-to strategy for updating my wardrobe. While I love thrifting in person, sometimes it’s more convenient to conduct a quick search and scroll. I’m not one to gatekeep, so I want to share my favorite platforms, along with tips, tricks and a few of my most beloved finds. Whether you’re looking for unique pieces, vintage treasures or just affordable basics, there’s something here for everyone.
Depop
If you’re looking for trendy, one-of-a-kind items, Depop is the place to start. This app is particularly popular with younger users, offering everything from Y2K-inspired fashion to handmade pieces. While Depop is great for browsing unique items, it can sometimes be overpriced due to the many money-hungry resellers on the app.
Tips:
- Browse for brands or specific items you like and then cross-compare prices on other platforms, such as eBay or Vinted. I also love using Google Image Search to track down the exact names and brands of items I spot online or in person.
- Beware of scammers — always read reviews and double-check seller ratings before making a purchase. I’ve dealt with my fair share of scammers, but trust me, I’ve learned my lesson!
- Dedicate time to liking and saving items you love and following sellers whose style matches yours. The more you interact with the app, the better the algorithm tailors itself to your taste, just like Instagram or TikTok.
Favorite finds:
- Harley-Davidson graphic long-sleeve
- Flowy floral top
- Boom Boom Jeans shorts
An orange Harley-Davidson long-sleeve with a heart and bird graphic, as photographed on Dec. 5, 2024. (Hustler Staff/Daniela Aguilar)
eBay
For vintage items and high-end bargains, eBay is unbeatable. Unlike Depop, many eBay sellers are older and less focused on profiting off trends, which often translates to lower prices. It’s also a great place for scoring designer pieces or diving into bid wars for rare finds.
Tips:
- Check for auctions or offers to score the best deals. Bid wars can get a bit intense and may require extra time and energy, but the payoff can make it worth it.
- I’ve found that eBay is especially great for shoes, outerwear and used electronics (fun fact: I bought my digital camera here!).
Favorite finds:
- Dr. Martens Jadons: I highly recommend buying shoes that require an extensive “break-in” process, like Dr. Martens, secondhand. Not only will you save money, but the break-in process will be a lot smoother. I got these for half the retail price!
- Miss Me bedazzled jeans
- Sweater with an embroidered golf design
Vinted
Vinted is my newest discovery, and I’ve quickly fallen in love with it. This app is a bit more under-the-radar compared to Depop and eBay, so there’s less competition for the good stuff — and the prices often reflect that.
Tips:
- Bundling multiple items from the same seller can save you even more money and significantly reduce shipping costs.
- Take measurements from your favorite jeans, jacket or other pieces in your wardrobe to get a better idea of how something will fit before you buy it. Don’t hesitate to ask sellers to provide specific measurements for an item. In my experience, most sellers are more than happy to accommodate this request!
Favorite finds:
- Genuine leather jacket: Such a good staple, and I only paid $6, plus shipping, for it!
- Sweatshirt with an embroidered cat design
Poshmark
I’m honestly not the biggest fan of Poshmark; it seems to be geared more toward an older demographic and shipping tends to be pricier than other apps. Still, with some patience, I’m sure you can find gems here.
Tip:
- Use filters. Many of these apps offer filtering options by size, color and even fabric. This feature is especially helpful when you’re searching for something very specific.
Facebook Marketplace
If you prefer shopping local, Facebook Marketplace is your best bet. You can avoid shipping fees entirely by meeting sellers in your area, and it’s especially handy for larger items like furniture or electronics.
Tip:
- Always meet in a public place for exchanges and inspect any items thoroughly before completing your purchase to ensure it matches the description.
Reuse Vandy Wardrobe
While it’s not a standalone app, the Reuse Vandy Wardrobe GroupMe is a fantastic resource for buying and selling items on campus. It’s super convenient and the perfect way to make a few extra bucks after a late-night wardrobe decluttering session (I’ve done this many times).
Tip:
- As annoying as it might be, keep your notifications turned on — you never know when someone will post something you’ve been searching for.
Sustainable fashion doesn’t have to be expensive or exclusive. By exploring these secondhand clothing platforms, you can easily build a wardrobe that reflects your personal style while being environmentally conscious. Happy shopping!