Embracing Sustainable Style: eBay’s Watchlist Revolution
At Effortless Upgrade, we believe in the power of mindful choices and the beauty of sustainable living. As we navigate the world of fashion, it’s inspiring to see platforms like eBay leading the charge towards a more conscious and circular economy. With the introduction of the eBay Watchlist, we’re witnessing an approach to fashion that aligns perfectly with our values.
The Watchlist: A Window into Conscious Consumerism
eBay’s Watchlist isn’t just a trend report; it’s a reflection of a global shift towards intentional shopping. By analyzing real-time data from over 134 million users and 2.3 billion listings, eBay offers insights into what shoppers are truly seeking. In 2024 alone, nearly 40% of clothing, shoes, and accessories sold on eBay were pre-loved, highlighting a significant move towards sustainability.
“We envision a world where circularity is the norm, making it easy for brands and consumers to engage with the circular economy,” says Alexis Hoopes, VP of Global Fashion at eBay.
Brie Welch: Styling the Future
To bring the Watchlist to life, eBay has appointed renowned stylist Brie Welch as its Resident Stylist. Known for her work with high-profile clients like Katie Holmes and luxury brands such as Bulgari, Givenchy, and Ferragamo, Welch brings a unique perspective to pre-loved fashion. Her expertise helps shoppers see the potential in vintage and second-hand pieces, making sustainable choices both stylish and accessible.
Welch’s role involves identifying trends, offering expert commentary, and spotlighting eBay’s assortment of pre-loved, branded fashion. Her whimsical take on pre-loved style informs the Watchlist, demonstrating how eBay’s vast inventory can inspire a first-choice style statement.
Trends Shaping Sustainable Fashion
Let’s delve into the key trends highlighted in the Watchlist:
Function First
Utilitarian fashion is making a big comeback, blending practicality with style. Searches for “barrel jeans” have surged by 130%, with brands like Wrangler and Timberland leading the way.
Dyed in Dusk
Romantic Minimalism Meets Conscious Colour
As we explore what’s next in sustainable fashion, one trend stands out not just for its beauty, but for the mood it sets: Dyed in Dusk. This aesthetic captures the soft, romantic hues of twilight – think muted lavenders, creamy butters, delicate blues, and sun-faded pinks—creating a palette that’s both nostalgic and quietly powerful. It’s the kind of look that whispers instead of shouts, and we’re here for it.
According to eBay’s Watchlist, searches for “butter yellow dresses” have increased by a stunning 656%, signaling a collective yearning for gentle, optimistic tones. All while whimsical accessories like the Seiko Half Moon Watch are up by 430%. This shift isn’t just about colour – it’s a vibe, a mindset. It reflects our desire for fashion that feels effortless, thoughtful, and emotionally resonant.
Well Suited
Power dressing is evolving, with a focus on oversized suits and cinched blazers. Searches for these items have increased by 87% and 209%, respectively, with brands like Balenciaga and Miu Miu at the forefront.
Modern Bohemia
There’s something undeniably magnetic about bohemian style -its lived-in charm, its carefree layering, its storybook textures. But this season, according to eBay’s Watchlist, bohemia is being reimagined for a modern, conscious consumer. The result? A new aesthetic we’re calling Modern Bohemia—a harmonious blend of earthy elegance and intentional self-expression.
Modern Bohemia: Earthy Elegance with a Free-Spirited Twist
What’s Trending in Modern Bohemia?
According to eBay’s real-time shopper data:
Crochet dresses, maxi skirts, and suede boots are also climbing in search volume, particularly when paired with brand names like Free People, Isabel Marant, and Ralph Lauren.
Searches for “fringe bags” are up by 41%, signalling a resurgence of textural statement pieces that bring movement and personality.
“Penny Lane jackets”—those iconic shearling-trimmed coats popularized in the ‘70s—have seen a 44% spike in interest.
Blue Hues: The Denim Renaissance
Few fabrics carry the cultural weight and everyday versatility of denim, and in 2024, eBay’s Watchlist is proving just how deep our love for this indigo classic runs. But this isn’t about fast-fashion skinnies or one-season wonders—this year, Blue Hues celebrates denim’s artisanal evolution and its sustainable second life. With searches for “jeans from Japan” up by 68% and “selvedge denim” climbing by 46%, it’s clear that consumers are seeking quality, craftsmanship, and heritage in what was once considered a basic.
This rising appreciation for premium, pre-loved denim tells a bigger story about how we shop. We’re seeing a shift away from overproduction and toward thoughtfully made pieces that stand the test of time. Japanese denim, in particular, has become a sought-after symbol of slow fashion, thanks to its traditional dyeing techniques, shuttle looms, and obsessive attention to detail. Brands like Evisu, Kapital, and Momotaro are gaining cult status on eBay, especially among style-conscious shoppers who view their denim as investment pieces—timeless, durable, and full of soul.
Beyond jeans, the Blue Hues trend extends into wide-leg overalls, chambray blouses, and denim maxi skirts, often styled with a nostalgic nod to 90s minimalism or early-2000s grunge. Brie Welch, eBay’s Resident Stylist, calls it “a full-circle moment for denim that honours the past while making it incredibly current.” The versatility of denim means it pairs beautifully with other Watchlist trends—from butter-yellow tanks in Dyed in Dusk to fringe bags from Modern Bohemia—proving that this wardrobe staple can be endlessly reinvented without sacrificing sustainability. In other words, it’s denim done differently – and definitively better.
Embracing a Circular Fashion Economy
The Watchlist underscores a significant shift in consumer behavior. With “vintage” being searched over 1,200 times per minute, it’s evident that shoppers are valuing sustainability and uniqueness. This movement towards a circular fashion economy not only benefits the environment but also allows individuals to express their personal style authentically.
eBay’s commitment to circular fashion is further demonstrated by initiatives like the Pre-Loved Fashion Week and the “Endless Runway” show, which celebrate the beauty and potential of pre-owned fashion.
Our Takeaway
At Effortless Upgrade, we’re inspired by eBay’s commitment to sustainable fashion. The Watchlist serves as a testament to the power of conscious consumerism and the beauty of pre-loved fashion. By embracing these trends, we can all contribute to a more sustainable and stylish future.
Key Takeaways:
Sustainable Choices: Nearly 40% of fashion items sold on eBay in 2024 were pre-loved.
Trending Styles: Utilitarian, pastel, power dressing, bohemian, and denim styles are gaining popularity.
Influential Voices: Stylist Brie Welch is guiding shoppers towards sustainable fashion choices.
Consumer Behavior: The term “vintage” is searched over 1,200 times per minute on eBay.
By making mindful choices and embracing pre-loved fashion, we can all play a part in shaping a more sustainable and stylish world.
Link to download the full eBay report.
