Instagram Trends

19 Viral Items That Instagram Practically Forced Me to Buy

Eliza Huber  Tue, 02 May 2023  Who What Wear

I love TikTok as much as the next person, but for anything fashion related, Instagram will forever remain my primary source. There, if you follow the right people, you're never more than a scroll away from discovering the next viral brand, trend, or, my personal favorite, item. And unlike on TikTok, where anyone can claim to be an expert on anything, everyone on your Instagram feed's already been vetted (by you) and therefore tenfold more trustworthy. 

As someone who's been consistently obsessed with the platform since it first came out, I've spent years curating a following list that I know can provide me with guaranteed winners in the fashion department, whether its a high-end buy like Bottega Veneta's internet-famous drop earrings or the $98 Gap jeans that nobody can stop talking about. And since gate-keeping's never really been my thing, I'm sharing my latest viral-Instagram finds so you don't have to spend hours scrolling like I do. Shop 19 of them below. 

This leopard-print bikini first blew up when Laura Harrier wore it on a speedboat in Italy last year, but its popularity sky-rocketed when Hailey Bieber styled the same one in one of the shots from the launch of Rhode's latest peptide lip treatment flavor. Honestly, I'm shocked it's still in stock at Revolve. Run to buy one before it's not. 

Shop the matching Praia Bikini Bottom ($70). 

I tried on this skirt about a month ago at J.Crew's NYC flagship and thought it was perfect, but I had no idea just how much attention it would go on to garner. Not only did I get a thousand or so questions about it, not to mention shock that it was from J.Crew (some don't know yet about it being a viral sensation nowadays), it's also booming online. 

I shouldn't have to explain the level of popularity that Adidas Sambas have found themselves at in 2023. They were big last year, yes, but their trajectory hasn't slowed down one bit. I got my first pair about two years ago, and am now considering pair number two. Why not? They're going to be everywhere for the rest of time. 

Bottega Veneta's drop earrings are about as high profile as an accessory can get in the fashion world. Worn by practically every celebrity and influencer with clout, the oversize baubles are an instant outfit maker and have spawned a million or so lookalikes. 

Metallics have been at the top of every fashion person's brain of late, probably because of how often we all see them during our morning scrolls through Instagram. Especially hyped up have been these $98 Gap jeans that come in both silver and gold. Lauded for their cool look and affordable price tag, these bottoms are a must buy for spring. 

It's been ages since a belt caught the fashion world's attention quite as much as this studded one from Khaite, which basically every Instagram influencer is looping through their jeans and trousers or styling on top of voluminous skirts and dresses. 

If you're going to test-drive the peek-a-boo boxer shorts trend, you simply must do it with these Hommegirls boxers in either plain white or blue-and-white stripes. 

After both Tory Burch and Victoria Beckham gave their stamps of approval for fishnet tights during fashion month last September, the affordable hosiery option has been blowing up on Instagram. 

The Bone Cuff, an oblong, sculptural cuff bracelet that Elsa Peretti designed for Tiffany & Co., is currently experiencing a second go at fame after years of being low-key iconic. The statement bracelet can be found on the wrist of practically every major fashion girl on Instagram—and then some. 

Though this Zara blazer is most often seen alongside its matching circle skirt all over Instagram, the nipped-in, cropped top layer is just as chic on its own, as proven here on Who What Wear Senior Fashion Market Editor, Judith Jones.

Shop the matching Wool-Blend Balloon Skirt ($119).

Hailey Bieber's been known to cause major sellouts when it comes to both her beauty products and pieces from her wardrobe. Because of that, it shouldn't surprise anyone that the cropped, white tank from Éterne that she's been wearing over and over is quickly becoming internet famous. 

Not only did this cow-print By Malene Birger coat make waves during fashion month, showing up all over the calendar, it's also had quite the presence on my Instagram feed. Somehow both loud and laid back, the investment outerwear piece is really a best-of-both-worlds type wardrobe addition. 

Low-rise maxi skirts have been on the rise for a bit now, but I have yet to discover one as alluring and viral as Frankie Shop's Malvo option in all that time. 

Unless you've literally been living under a rock over the last two weeks, it's likely that you're already all too aware of Sofia Richie's wedding and honeymoon looks. Sure, her white sets and dresses have been stellar, but it's this pair of Oscar de la Renta earrings that have made one of the biggest splashes—and yes, they're still in stock. 

Instagram loves an item that can be worn in multiple ways, so of course this Norma Kamali one-piece slash bodysuit would blow up. The color is stunning and Kamali's pieces are priced perfectly for the level of quality. 

Budding NYC-based brand Buci is quickly becoming a favorite on the downtown fashion scene, with their colorful, skinny scarves and stark-white sets being regularly spotted on Instagram's next class of to-know names. But of all the items I've seen, the one that pops up the most is this strapless, cutout dress, called the Midnight dress, that comes in various different lengths and fabrics. The brand just hit Revolve, making it all the more easy to shop. 

If the length on J.Crew's white, pleated midi skirt isn't right for you, dare I suggest this equally viral Reformation skirt that still gives you that voluminous shape that many are seeking out right now, but with a longer length and more casual appearance? 

Onitsuka Tiger's Mexico 66 sneakers are quickly on their way to becoming 2023's Sambas, and the fact that StockX has so many pairs for sale right now at prices only just higher than retail is astounding. Every time any retailer restocks these (they're stocked at Urban Outfitters and Shopbop in case you want to keep an eye out), fans of the silhouette flock to their sites and buy every last pair up. 

If you, like everyone else, have been searching for that one pair of perfectly slouchy jeans for spring and summer, London-based creator and Who What Wear UK contributor Monikh Dale found them, leading to an almost internet-wide sell out of Citizens of Humanity's Ayla jeans. Net-a-Porter luckily still has lots of sizes available, though, I doubt that'll last long. 

Next: I'm a Picky Shopper, and These Are the Fashion Items in My Amazon Cart Right Now