For Ursuline's Zoe T. ’26, fashion has always been about more than what’s hanging in a closet. It’s about creativity, connection, and community. That belief is at the heart of The Closet Clique, a school-based app Zoe helped launch alongside fellow Ursuline Bears, Ava T. ‘24, Ella Kate N. ‘26, and Lexi T. ‘27, to make fashion more affordable and sustainable for high school and college girls.

The Closet Clique is a private platform where students can rent, resell, and buy clothing within a trusted school network. By keeping the app school-based, the experience is built on accountability and familiarity, allowing girls to shop within a community of peers they already know. The model encourages smarter financial decisions by allowing users to earn money from pieces they already own and spend less on outfits they may only wear once.

“Through borrowing and buying at a small fee, girls can make fashion more affordable and intentional,” Zoe said. “At the same time, we’re reducing fast fashion and promoting thoughtful spending and connection through style.”

The idea for The Closet Clique was inspired by Zoe’s own experience growing up with three sisters close in size. She had the benefit of a built-in shared closet that made getting dressed easier and far less expensive. When she entered high school, she quickly noticed an opportunity to create the same experience for others.

“In high school, there are endless events: homecoming, game days, birthdays, formals, prom, theme parties, and more,” said Zoe. “Every weekend can feel like a scramble to find the perfect outfit.”

Borrowing clothes, she realized, often comes with social discomfort: Is it okay to ask? Is money expected? What if she says yes but doesn’t really want to? The Closet Clique was designed to remove that awkwardness and replace it with a trusted system.

In the spring of 2025, a conversation between Zoe’s mom and a friend about starting a business sparked the concept of a shared, community-based closet. When the idea was brought to Zoe and her sisters, they immediately saw its potential, especially after seeing peers rent and resell clothes through Instagram. With a built-in network of friends across Dallas-area schools, the timing felt right.

“We got to work right away,” said Zoe.

Since launching in November, The Closet Clique has grown to more than 500 users, with numerous successful rentals and resales already completed through the Dallas Clique. Starting locally was intentional.

“Launching in Dallas made it personal,” said Zoe. “It created real trust and gave students a sense of ownership. It’s something we built with them, not for them.”

That growth continues, with a Fort Worth Clique set to launch next month. Looking ahead, Zoe and her team hope students will carry The Closet Clique with them from high school to college, helping launch new Cliques on campuses across the country, including schools many Ursuline graduates attend, such as SMU, TCU, Texas A&M, UT Austin, OU, and beyond.

“Our bigger goal is to grow alongside friends as they move from high school into college,” said Zoe. “We want The Closet Clique to be a launchpad for fashion and for building business, leadership, and entrepreneurship skills.”

Rooted in community and driven by student leadership, The Closet Clique reflects the innovative spirit of Ursuline students: thoughtful problem-solvers who see everyday challenges as opportunities to serve and lead.

 

^{Top Right Photo: Closet Clique founding ambassadors.}