Raving Over Raide

By: Riana Morales

Photo courtesy of Raide's Instagram

When a new school year rolls around, many students feel it is also time to refresh their wardrobe. Worn-out Halloween costumes, outdated game-day outfits and the excitement of a sparkling new semi-formal dress fuel the urge for a closet overhaul. In fact, around 59 percent of college students who receive spending money from their parents report spending the majority on clothing, according to Lexington Law. This trend not only contributes to overflowing landfills but also means fewer funds available for essentials like food and study materials. While everyone loves a style refresh, there must be a more sustainable, affordable way to make it happen — right?

All thanks to the founders of the brand new Raide app, there is! The Raide app was founded by CEO Kennedy Joy Foristall, a bright college student at Florida State University, and it offers an innovative way to shop. First made available in 2023, the app is now in the hands of students beyond FSU, reaching Tallahassee State College, University of Central Florida and recently the University of Florida.

The app is a hub for all students with outfit needs ranging from the perfect white dress for graduation photos to the perfect denim set for a weekend in Nashville. Upon downloading the app, students are introduced to a wide range of select pieces that meet anyone’s style. The app is set up in an organized manner that separates outfits based on occasion, tabs across the top of the app filter your feed all the way down to the theme of your Semi-formal or next date-function for greek life. 

Users of the app have the choice to buy, sell and rent clothing. It is also a great way to earn extra cash when a busy class schedule makes it tough to work a part-time job. Uploading and pricing your pieces takes just a few minutes, providing a quick and simple way to support your wallet — and help out a fellow student in need of a stylish find. Simply upload a picture, determine a renting or selling price, write a small description and wait to see the renters lust over your listings. 

Raide stands apart from other resale apps by fostering a trusted, campus-centered community. Unlike typical resale apps where you know nothing of the character behind the screen, it provides students with a way to rent and sell from fellow students who can be held liable if the product were to be damaged or misplaced and not purchase clothes from an unknown seller that holds no promises. The student-to-student approach ensures accountability and makes it easier to handle any issues, like damaged or misplaced items, knowing you’re working with peers who can be reached directly. The result? A safe, reliable and convenient way to both shop and earn on campus.

In addition to providing a safe and convenient shopping experience, Raide encourages a culture of sustainability and smart spending. In a space “where sustainability meets style,” students can explore endless creative possibilities. Raide is also incredibly affordable, making it an attractive option for students on a budget. Since the platform allows for both renting and buying, students have the flexibility to borrow an outfit for a single event or buy a piece they’ll use more often. This setup enables students to access unique and trendy styles they might not find in traditional stores, all while saving money. Raide makes it easy to look great on a budget, all while supporting eco-friendly habits by reusing and sharing fashion within the college community.

As Raide grows in popularity, so does the strong positive impact on students’ spending habits and environmental choices. By providing an affordable way to access fashion, Raide helps students save money and rethink their approach to shopping, encouraging them to buy secondhand or rent rather than relying on fast fashion. In the future, we could see more users promoting outfits for interviews or executive dinners that would elevate their overall style and professional appearance. Furthering the growth of the app would create sustainable fashion even more accessible, creating a community of students who are mindful of their budgets and their environmental impact.

Raide fosters a sense of community. It connects students who might not otherwise meet, creating a supportive space where they can help each other save money, find unique clothing and promote a more sustainable lifestyle together.

Now that you’ve learned all about this monumental app, you have just enough time to filter through the “Rave” section for your perfect EDC outfit this weekend!