A new report identifies how Gen Z consumers are putting their spin on fashion archetypes like prep, punk and sport.
Resale platform Depop and AI-driven retail intelligence platform EDITED joined forces to curate “The New Fundamentals,” a 2025 trend forecast that examines how consumers are shopping secondhand for “enduring, adaptable aesthetics that form the foundation of modern wardrobes.”
Comparing U.S. and U.K. data collected from Jan. 1-Oct. 31, 2024 to 2023, the report examines what Depop shoppers are searching for and which SKUs at mass market retailers are selling out.
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Here, Depop and EDITED describe four themes that will shape fashion in 2025. Though each theme is unique in its aesthetic, key brands and trending items, each represents consumers’ desire for versatility, nostalgia and personal expression.
Indie Vanguard
Culture and fashion collide in Indie Vanguard, an evolution of 2024’s carefree and rebellious Brat summer and 2010s New York hipster style. The chaotic, attitude-giving theme calls for minimalist silhouettes, early 2000s eclecticism and an intentionally undone aesthetic.
New York City’s nightlife scene continues to be a source of inspiration for this fresh take on Tumblr-era style.
“Fashion is set to embrace a hedonistic edge, fueled by a nostalgia for hipster club culture that once thrived on spontaneity and DIY spirit… we’re already watching it take shape with DJs transforming unexpected spaces—laundromats, coffee shops—into club-like hubs,” said Agus Panzoni, Depop trend specialist.
On Depop, consumers are searching for punk-coded labels like Vivienne Westwood, Minga London and Dr. Martens to capture the edgy look. Brands like Converse and Ed Hardy resurface as well, underscoring how the aesthetic is more playful and nostalgic than clout-chasing.
Searches on Depop for low-rise jeans spiked 800 percent year-over-year. Searches for cheetah prints increases 103 percent. Other key items include graphic T-shirts, skinny jeans, micro shorts, knee-high boots and bold accessories.
In traditional retail, EDITED is seeing sell outs of leather apparel, metallics and bubble hem skirts.
Contemporary Classics
On the opposite side of the style spectrum, consumers are searching for Contemporary Classics, an aesthetic based on prep, academia and heritage tropes that highlights a yearning for stability and uniformity.
Here, consumers favor Ivy League quality and subtly over loud fashion statements. EDITED reports sell outs for timeless pieces like gold button cardigans, cable knitwear and pleated skirts.
“New generations are breathing life into classic 20th-century styles. In 2025 we are drawing inspiration from the well-worn elegance of collegiate New England, focusing on timeless pieces that reflect the understated patina of age and history,” Panzoni said.
Trending search terms include academia, tennis and barn jacket, which has seen a 3,138 percent increase in searches on Depop. Searches for heritage U.S. brands Ralph Lauren and Gap are also on the rise, gaining traction with younger consumers for their gender-fluid designs and creative collaborations.
Retro Sportswear
Tracksuits from the ’70s, windbreakers from the ’80s and athletic silhouettes from the ’90s are making an impression on fashion, according to the report.
In Retro Sportswear, nostalgic sportswear is crossed with functional workwear and elements from niche community-driven hobbies like roller skating, pickleball and shuffleboard.
While brands like Adidas and Nike are fueling the trend by re-issuing throwback styles, Depop shoppers are searching for secondhand soccer jerseys, windbreakers and Japanese denim. Searches for Japanese denim increased 227 percent, highlighting consumers’ growing awareness for quality and craftsmanship.
Dark washes go well with red and stripes—two trends EDITED said are selling out. The firm is also seeing sell outs of recycled nylon garments increase 19 percent.
Minimalist Renaissance
Elements of normcore and quiet luxury underpin Minimalist Renaissance, a theme that calls for clean lines, neutral colors and timeless pieces like tailored coats and cashmere knits.
Consumers are doubling down on understated elegance for everyday style and are adopting a “buy less, buy better” mentality, according to the report.
Brands like The Row, Phoebe Philo and H&M Group’s Cos are leading the charge when it comes to bringing minimal fashion to stores. The brands are popular on Depop, with each experiencing triple-digit increases in searches. Key search terms on Depop include cashmere, wide leg pant and minimal.
In traditional retail, EDITED is seeing sell outs of yellow, linen and wool coats.
