How much are social media trends costing you?

Social media shows us endless ideas and inspo on how to present yourself to the world.

So it’s natural that our spending habits are often shaped by what we see on Instagram, TikTok and other platforms.

In fact, research by Aqua shows that seven in 10 adults say social media has influenced their lifestyle spending.

But keeping up with the latest trends can cost a lot of money.

So before spending your money, it’s important to ask some important questions, like: 

• do I need it?
• can I afford it?
• will it improve my life?

And crucially, am I buying this just trying to keep up?

Things that never used to be a thing

When we started thinking about the cost of social media trends, we took a quick look at our feeds and were taken aback by one thing.

The fact there are so many of them.

We’re paying premium prices for things that didn’t even feature in our budgets a few years ago, such as:

Gender reveal parties

Once low-key family moments, these have become lavish occasions that a Hollywood producer might envy.

From balloon arches and themed cakes to bespoke backdrops and cannons, the cost can quickly mount up.

Wedding and proposal extravaganzas

Getting down on one knee and popping the question isn’t enough for some couples.

For many people, the moment has got to be staged in front of an elaborate background, possibly in an exotic location, with a photographer or videographer on hand to capture it in high definition.

Seasonal décor

Every season now seems to come with its own shopping list. 

For instance, you can’t move in the shops right now for autumn wreaths, pumpkin ornaments and “cosy” blankets.

And that’s before you buy new decorations to suit this year’s Christmas “theme”, along with matching pyjamas for the entire family.

Gift boxes for kids

A few years ago, nobody had ever heard of “boo baskets” or “Christmas Eve boxes” - themed gift boxes filled with sweets, pyjamas and small presents. 

But now they’re a standard part of the Halloween and Christmas festivities for lots of families.

Aesthetic home makeovers

Whether it’s matching storage jars, neutral cushions or designer candles, social media influencers will always be showing off their #aesthetichome on their channels.

And many of us can’t resist copying that look.

Viral food and drink trends

At the moment, it’s Dubai chocolate and daily iced matchas, but a new food and drink trend seems to start every few months.

Branded reusable water bottles

Stanley Cups and other branded bottles have become fashion statements in their own right.

Some fans even pay inflated resale prices to get rare colours or switch them up with the seasons.

Luxury beauty and skincare products

Influencers often push luxury beauty and skincare brands, promoting a daily routine that sometimes includes dozens of different products.

Wellness and lifestyle aesthetics

From “hot girl walks” to the “clean girl” or “that girl” trends, self-care has become another aesthetic to buy into.

Even going for a walk has become a social media moment, where you have to sport matching athleisure sets, wireless headphones and a smartwatch.

And if you’re staying in, you have to look the part with your neutral loungewear, skincare, supplements and green juices.

Pet parties and accessories

“Pawty” posts are everywhere, with dogs in costumes, themed birthday cakes, decorations and even photo shoots for pets. 

Travel and outfit aesthetics

Many of us will get new clothes before a holiday, but some are going a step further by buying a dedicated “airport fit” along with matching suitcases.

Home coffee stations

It’s not just takeaway coffees that are inescapable on social media. 

Lots of people are also investing in expensive coffee machines, as well as a selection of pods and high-end glassware.

How to resist social media spending pressure

The initial rush and social currency that comes with buying a trending item can be intoxicating.

But once that’s worn off and you realise you don’t like or use what you’ve bought, a sense of regret can creep in.

In fact, the Aqua research shows that 61% of adults - about 34 million people - admit they’ve bought something because of social media or peer pressure and later wished they hadn’t.

So if you’re one of those people whose influenced by social media trends, what can you do to kick this habit?

Remember social media isn’t real

What you see on social media isn’t always an accurate view of people’s lives. 

It’s just a highlight reel where people want to put their best foot forward, so you don’t have to copy everything you see.

Stop and pause

If you find yourself thinking of buying something because it’s trending, think about whether it’ll genuinely add value to your life and if you can afford it.

Unfollow or mute accounts

If certain accounts, perhaps those of your favourite influencers, trigger spending urges, then consider unfollowing them or muting them for a while.

Follow different accounts

Instead of following trend-based content creators, follow other people who promote a more realistic lifestyle and positive financial habits

Create your own style

Instead of feeling you have to keep up with what others are promoting online, embrace your own likes and dislikes.

Not having a trending item shouldn’t feel like a badge of shame.

Instead, having your own tastes and style can be something that makes you stand out for all the right reasons.

Don’t feel rushed

If you want to join in on a trend, do it your way and in your own time.

That could mean buying cheaper dupes of branded items or maybe just waiting until you can afford the real deal.

Either way, it means you’re not paying more than you can afford in that moment, and not being ruled by your social media algorithms.

Set a budget for luxuries

When you think of budgeting, you might just think of making sure you’ve got enough money to pay your bills.

But it also means knowing how much you can spend on treats and non-essentials, without putting yourself at financial risk.

Having this certainty can help you really enjoy what you've paid for, without having to worry afterwards about how to make ends meet and cover essential costs.

Check out our guide to how to create a budget and try our handy budget planner, so you can see how much money you have coming in each month and where it’s going.

You can then prioritise your spending and strike the right balance between paying for essentials, saving for the future and being able to treat yourself.