Barbiecore is out and academia core is in, so says Depop

Second hand marketplace, Depop, has released its trend predictions for 2024. The most sought-after aesthetics for the upcoming year are expected tom be Sleaze Academia, Lazy Luxe, Sports Quest and Post Romance.

The inaugural report looks back on the data from 2023 to highlight the top style headlines across the and predict what’s next in the circular fashion space. 2023, for example, was the year of Barbiecore, Gorpcore, and Quiet Luxury, according to Depop’s new Trends report.

By analysing searches, listings, purchases, offers and more, Depop’s community of buyers and sellers continue to echo the next global sensations.

Agus Panzoni, Trend Specialist who worked with Depop to mine the data trend forecast, said: “In 2024, we’re balancing chaos and order by blending comfort and familiarity with individuality and unique style.

“Realism is back in vogue, but in a way we’ve never experienced before — formal wear is reinterpreted with a touch of nonchalance, romance sobers up, intellectualism provokes and performance becomes performative.”

Sleaze Academia (Depop)

Sleaze Academia

Sleaze Academia (main image) subverts academic uniforms. Think checkered mini skirts, bold ties, crisp shirts and awkward layering.

Top searches on Depop include button-up shirts (+112%), mini skirts (+98%) and Margiela Tabis (+150%). Top brands searched for include Coach (+85%) and Polo Ralph Lauren (+49%).

Lazy Luxe (Depop)

Lazy Luxe

When it comes to Lazy Luxe, less is more. Playfulness in injected into classic ensembles in muted colourways through proportions and deconstruction.

Top searches include leather (+88%), tailored (+97%), and Trench Coat (+62%). Top brands searched for include COS (+245%) and SKIMS (+121%).

Post Romance (Depop)

Post Romance

Replacing this year’s child-like ballet core trend, realism is on the way up with a more mature taste. This newfound look sees ribbons adorne the mundance and replaces Barbie pink with the hue of candy apple red.

Ballet flats saw an incredible 428% increase in searches this year, while ‘balletcore’ was trending up 119%. Other top searches include Mary Janes (+115%) and ruffles (+105%), with top brands including Sandy Liang (+169%), Doc Martens (+61%) and Vagabond (+59%).

Sports Quest (Depop)

Sports Quest

The influence of sport remains a strong force in streetwear staples for 2024; however Sports Quest, which includes some cyber Y2K nods, echoes the growing presence of digital spaces in real life.

Sambas and ‘blokecore’ saw a massive 98% and 393% increase in searches respectively in 2023. Meanwhile, jerseys (+134%) and baseball hats (+79%) were also trending items. Top brands include adidas (+67%), Cortez (+43%) and Salomon (+31%).

All images: Courtesy of Depop