The Plethora of Trends I Bought Because of Instagram

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(Image credit: @laurenegg)

So I buy things because I want to post about them on Instagram… Sue me! But in all seriousness, I would be lying if I said there weren't a handful of items in my closet that Instagram didn't ultimately convince me to purchase. Here's how they get me—a trend starts to bubble up, cool brands put top-notch influencers in said trend, the influencers post about it profusely, and by the sixth or so post I see, I'm convinced I also need to buy and post said trend. If I don't, am I even cool? Am I even on trend? Do I even work in fashion? Apologies for the dramatic rant there—those are just the thoughts that I think when contemplating whether or not I should invest in a trend. If you don't want to, that doesn't mean you aren't cool, or on trend, or fashionable. I'm just a nut-case.

There's definitely a lot to unpack here though—the repeated presence of certain items on Instagram conditions us to think they're cool, and once you buy in, you feel this need to post about it so other people will think you're cool too. Meet the power of social media. Love it or hate it, it's now a huge aspect of the fashion industry, and I don't think that's a bad thing.

Thanks to this platform, we have access to brands we might have never discovered on our own, can connect with people to further educate our shopping decisions, and can see how people around the world are dressing. Below is an example of a few items I was swayed to buy thanks to Instagram, and I have absolutely no shame admitting that. Do I let social media dictate my worth? No. Do I only buy things to post about them on social? No. But I do think it's fun to participate in bubbling trends and share about them on my personal accounts. Main takeaway: I think it's fun, and that's what really matters to me.

Skater Belts

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(Image credit: @laurenegg)

I've never wished to be a skater girl more than I had these past few months. Between the skate-inspired graphic tees, the return of utility pants, and most importantly, these seatbelt belts, I think my future in the skate world is looking pretty bright. 

Shop the trend:

Suits

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(Image credit: @laurenegg)

Suits are definitely a trend that extends beyond just Instagram, but in my small Instagram bubble, it seemed like every single fashion girl I followed was taking the trend to the gram and posting look after look in a cool new suit. Naturally, I followed along and participated in the movement.

Shop the trend:

Fanny Packs

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(Image credit: @laurenegg)

Fun fact: This fanny pack is not actually mine, but I've wanted it for so long. So one day, when I was leaving the office, I saw this bad boy sitting on the front desk and naturally had to try it on and snap a pic. While I still am unsure whether or not I can pull off this hypebae trend, I fully support it and am still in the market for a fanny pack that suits me. 

Shop the trend:

"Ugly" Sneakers

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(Image credit: @laurenegg)

"Ugly" or dad sneakers are a trend that has yet to lose steam. Between the return of cult brands like Fila and the obsession with Nike's Air Max 97s, the Instagram content this sneaker trend has created is impressive at best. Do I think these sneakers necessarily fit my personal style? I couldn't tell you, mainly because my style is changing all the time, and the addition of these sneaks to my closet was proof of that.

Shop the trend:

Beaded Bags

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(Image credit: @laurenegg)

The day I bought this bag might have been one of the happiest shopping days of my life. It was last summer (an important note because I carried Susan Alexandra bags before every major influencer did… just saying), and I walked into Opening Ceremony, saw the bag basically beckoning me, and purchased without a qualm. Ever since, the unique carryall has been the Instagram prop I use on repeat, along with the rest of the world. 

Shop the trend:

Statement Earrings

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(Image credit: @laurenegg)

Roxanne Assoulin has without a doubt changed the definition of "Insta-candy" with her sparkly, über-colorful, crystal jewelry. My personal favorites are of course her drop earrings. I saw all of my favorite fashion girls posting about them on Instagram and naturally had to get my hands on a pair of my own. Ask me how many times I've posted a pic in them since (see here, here, and here). Beyond that, unique jewelry brands have been coming out of the woodwork presenting grammable ear candy I need immediately.

Shop the trend:

Crazy Prints

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(Image credit: @laurenegg)

Wild prints are basically the ready-to-wear gems of Instagram. Between stars, polka dots, and aesthetically pleasing gingham, you basically didn't even wear the prints if you didn't post about them, and that's a fact. 

Shop the trend:

Shopper Bags

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(Image credit: @laurenegg)

Shopper bags have been spotted all over social media, street style stars, and beyond. Currently, the plastic version of this trend is on my wish list, but my little Poppy Lissiman thank you bag is doing the trick for now. 

Shop the trend:

I hope you enjoyed this journey through my Instagram obsessions. Surely there there will be more trends I buy into thanks to Instagram in the near future. 

Lauren Eggertsen
Editorial Director

"Copy (200 words): Lauren Eggertsen is currently the editorial director of Who What Where and has worked at the company for nearly seven years, where she started as an associate editor and has since worked her way up. Lauren has over 10 years of experience in the fashion editorial space, starting her career with internships at Marc Jacobs, Marie Claire, and The Zoe Report, where she was later hired as their editorial assistant. Lauren has worked in the Los Angeles and New York Who What Wear offices but currently calls L.A. home. It is here where she leads and manages Who What Wear's fashion team and oversees all day-to-day editorial content and large tentpole moments. This includes all of the runway, trend, and shopping-driven content that ultimately helps to build a strong brand reputation within the industry. Lauren's role also includes helping to set the fashion direction for all original photo shoots and often styles many of the celebrity cover shoots, including big names like Sydney Sweeney, Lindsay Lohan, and Megan Fox. 


She has also attended multiple fashion weeks, including New York, London, and Milan, where her personal style has been featured on sites such as Elle.com, HarpersBazaar.com, and Vogue.co.uk. She prides herself on discovering and supporting small brands and on her knack for a good vintage shopping find. When she isn't working, she enjoys researching and dining at reputable restaurants around both her neighborhood and the globe.