This article first appeared in Harper’s Bazaar Singapore.
It wouldn’t be a stretch to say you can access the entire fashion industry from the palm of your hand. From shopping trends to mining inspiration to hobnobbing with influencers and beyond, you don’t even need to leave your couch for first-class access to the fashion department. That is, as long as you download the following innovative fashion apps.
We’ve culled a curated list of adult-friendly fashion gaming and rental platforms along with networking apps for female entrepreneurs that put all corners of the industry directly at your disposal. Whether you’re looking to overhaul your wardrobe, build a business from the ground up, or just have a little fun, scroll through and download the must-have fashion apps below.
You’ve never been much of the video game type—until now. Finally, there’s an interactive gaming app for the fashion set. Founded by former Porter magazine editor Lucy Yeomans, Drest is like the Dollz computer games you played when you were a kid, just all grown up. You can dress your own photo-realistic avatar and then buy the pieces directly via Farfetch. Talk about the best of both worlds. A bunch of your favourite luxury fashion brands—Burberry, Stella McCartney, Gucci, Bottega Veneta – have signed on, helping to make your dream wardrobe a (virtual) reality.
Download it here
Illustrative image: Burberry Spring/Summer 2020
So you already love Depop, you’ve made bank on Poshmark, and you know Etsy like the back of your hand. But what about Object Limited? One of the best-kept secondhand shopping secrets, it features vintage sellers, cool tastemakers, and creatives from all over. Use the app to find your next pair of dreamy vintage boots, ’70s trousers, or designer trench. Good deals are aplenty, and the curation is cute and vintage heavy. Fair warning though: Once you start you won’t stop. Expect brands like Prada, Gucci and Versace.
Download it here
Illustrative image: Prada Spring/Summer 2013
For the style-savvy who doesn’t already have their own stylist on speed dial, PS Dept gives users access to a personal fashion consultant 24/7. Whether you’re looking for an outfit for an upcoming wedding or in search of the perfect over-the-knee boot, you can search through PS for one specific piece or for the ensemble as a whole. The app partners with stylists from an array of brands and stores including Chloe, Net-a-Porter, Stella McCartney, Derek Lam, and more to give shoppers free access to expert advice. Once you’ve found what you’re looking for, you can shop directly through the app.
Download it here
Illustrative image: Chloe Fall/Winter 2020
Until our cult-favourite photo app is completely shoppable, Like to Know It is making it possible to track down the chicest pieces on Instagram. Once you sign in with your email on the app, any Instagram you then like with a shopping link will automatically email the ready-to-shop product link to you directly. It’s not totally seamless, but it is an easy way to turn your favourite blogger’s Insta feed into a shoppable wish list – which includes brands like Celine, Chloe and Dior.
Download it here
Illustrative image: Marine Serre Fall/Winter 2020
Dying to know where that fashion blogger got the outfit she’s wearing on Instagram? If you’ve ever seen a picture of an outfit you love but don’t know where to purchase, this app allows users to post “hunts” for clothing, accessories, shoes, and more. Community members help each other hunt down where to buy certain products by posting the direct shopping links, as well as chic shopping alternatives. The app also allows users to follow trending hunts and shop trending products from brands like Stella McCartney, Bottega Veneta and more.
Download it here
Illustrative image: Bottega Veneta Pre-Fall 2020
Pose provides your daily weather forecast, while also offering outfit inspiration based on what the sky is doing that day. To further filter your search, you can browse outfit pictures based on the occasion you’re dressing for: a pair of Dior pumps for work, a Tod’s blazer for a night out on the town…you get the picture.
Download it here
Illustrative image: Dior Spring/Summer 2020 pumps
Like a stylist in your pocket, Wishi offers premium styling services that are highly personalised. You take a survey, get matched with a stylist, and then buy what you love. Turns out your makeover really can be that easy. Plus, Wishi was launched by Karla Welch, who styles Karlie Kloss, Megan Rapinoe, Tracee Ellis Ross, and Elisabeth Moss, so you’re sure to get the celebrity treatment, with pulls from Louis Vuitton to Gucci.
Download it here
Illustrative image: Gucci Spring/Summer 2020
Getting a fashion business of your own off the ground? Catered specifically to female entrepreneurs, HerHeadquarters makes building your empire faster, more efficient, and more rewarding. It’s essentially a networking app that connects you to other highly vetted female entrepreneurs – some who work for luxury houses like Dior and DVF – in a safe space where ideas, strategies, and partnerships are shared.
Download it here
Illustrative image: Diane von Furstenberg
The best way to shop sustainably is to shop secondhand. And The RealReal makes it almost too easy to sort through pages upon pages of great-condition luxury items—often at steep discounts. Create feeds of brands you love, favorite items for later, and even start the consignment process to begin selling your own pieces. Finally, you can justify that Gucci or Balenciaga you’ve been eyeing.
Download it here
Illustrative image: Balenciaga Fall/Winter 2020
We’re living in uncertain times, so Afterpay, which lets you pay for your purchases in installments over the course of six weeks, is here for you. You also get easy access to all the brands – one of which is Coach – that use Afterpay; those participating can be easily searched within the app, so go ahead and get shopping.
Download it here
Illustrative image: Coach 1941 Spring/Summer 2020
Photos Showbit.com