Welcome to the Nothing To Wear Edit, where we unpack everything we talked about in the latest episode.
The fashion resale market is thriving online, and whether you're interested in selling your clothes or just buying some pre-loved gems, you're missing out if you're not on Depop.
In case you're not across it, Depop is an app that simplifies the process of selling clothing, shoes and accessories in the circular fashion economy.
To give us an insider's guide to the popular site, this week we're joined by Australia's queen of curated vintage, Kara Otter, who lists her finds under the name Karameleon Vintage.
She also runs a vintage boutique in Sydney's Newtown called So Familia — so it's safe to say she knows her stuff.
The Karameleon Vintage page on Depop offers deadstock clothes and accessories sourced from brands. Images: Supplied/Karameleon Vintage.
"The best way to think of Depop is like an Instagram for selling your clothes," Kara said.
As a 'reseller', Kara curates product specifically for Depop. She mainly sources vintage deadstock, which means she works with brands to recover old stock that's brand new and has been worn.
This is literally her full-time job — but thousands of others use the app with more of a garage sale mentality to offload their wardrobes.
Want to get in on the action? Here are Kara's best tips for listing your items on Depop.
Tip 1: Focus on the photo.
First and foremost, you need to ensure your listing looks decent to attract eyeballs when they're scrolling the app, or searching through dozens of similar pieces.
"The photo is important", Kara said. "Make sure you've got good lighting so you can see the detail."
Take several photos of an item if you can to show the detail. Image: Supplied/Karameleon Vintage.
She suggests shooting against a simple, clear background. And while Kara photographs her pieces on the body to help elevate the items through styling, she said that's not essential.
It's also fine to shoot pieces on a hanger — especially if it's a popular item that's in stores now, and shoppers will be familiar with the style.
Tip 2: Be descriptive.
Think about what you look for when you're searching for an item online. You want all the key details included in your caption, including size, fit, and condition.
"Be as descriptive as possible, because people are looking for [specific things]," Kara said.
"Let's say a specific Bec & Bridge dress. They've tried it on in store and they want to find it on Depop… you never know, you might have it in their size for half the price."
Tip 3: Price it according to demand.
A big question for first-time sellers is how to set your pricing. Kara said it really comes down to how quickly you want to move it on, and the inherent value of the piece.
She stores all her items at her grandma's house, and doesn't mind having that inventory sitting there for months waiting for the right buyer.
"I'm not trying to chase that quick sale," she said. "Whereas if you want a quick sale, make it cheap and be happy that you got something for it."
It also depends on the condition, she said.
"If you've taken really good care of it, or it's a really high-demand item that's sold out on the brand's website, then you can obviously ask more for it."
Tip 4: Do your research.
It's a good idea to dig around the site and see what other sellers are listing their items for, especially if you're hoping to sell similar things.
"Look at what the market is like for that item or similar pieces, and always search before you list it," she said.
"Let's say you're selling that Bec & Bridge bridesmaid dress that you're never going to wear again — see what those kinds of dresses are going for, and then if you want to sell yours faster, make it ten dollars cheaper than everyone else's."
Genius!
If you're not ready to sell on Depop, consider having a play on the app next time you're in the mood to shop.
Not only is it fun to scroll and find vintage treasure, it's a great way to save clothing from going to landfill — which is a big part of what drives Kara's business.
"As people that love fashion, I think we all have a responsibility," she said.
"You can be really cool and be super stylish and, like me, have new clothes in your wardrobe every week — without it having to cost the earth."
Have you used Depop before? Share your thoughts with us in the comment section below.
Feature image: Instagram/sofamiliastore.
