Chunky jewellery, evocative perfumes, sleek trench coats and cozy candles: these are all trends that have filled my social media feeds recently.

Ads, slogans and marketing are relentless – every few scrolls, another gifted “must have” product is pitched to us.

But do we really need that cherry red hair dye?

(Guilty…) Or that chunky vintage leather jacket? (Also guilty!) 

From my own experiences, the temptation of social media trends can be intense, but here’s some ideas to keep you and your pockets happy.

Budgeting is key. Save The Student’s 2025 living cost survey revealed that the average monthly expenses for a student in the East of England is £1,181, making it only £88 cheaper per month than London.

The added pressure of fashion and lifestyle trends fed to us through platforms like TikTok and Instagram can put extra strain on your bank balance. 

Purchases that are not essential, such as takeaways and new clothes, can significantly affect your finances if you don’t plan ahead. If you want to splash out, make sure you won’t be left high and dry.

In other words: figure out your budget, and stick to it! For money saving help and advice, the Save the Student website has great tips and tools.

It is also key to consider the item’s quality and make.

If the item is from a reputable retailer who shows effort and care for their products, it is likely the item will last you longer.

Whereas a cheaper make, from an unknown company or fast fashion seller, may show signs of wear and tear and need to be replaced much sooner.

In the long run, a more expensive but higher quality piece could be a better investment, instead of a cheap product you end up having to repurchase.

Another tip is to carefully consider if an item you really want at that moment will be able to serve you for a long time.

TikTok is riddled with ‘microtrends,’ aiming to draw in consumers regularly for ‘the item of the season.’ So, it is wise to think about the necessity of this purchase, and not to impulse buy!

You should also consider the small impulsive purchases made: these can add up, and cause a dent in your student loan over time.

Your budget will determine the number of purchases you can make, but it is important for everyone to consider if the need is outweighed by the desire when purchasing non-needed items.

Waste Managed estimates that 350,000 tonnes of clothing waste is dumped in landfill each year in the UK alone. We can each try to do our bit for the planet, and our pockets, by making wise economic decisions this autumn. 

Image Credit: Katie Stevens