Tips For Buying From Your Favorite Influencer
We’ve all been there — you’re scrolling Instagram or TikTok, and suddenly, your favorite influencer pops up looking effortlessly chic in a dress, a pair of boots, or the perfect everyday tote. It’s tempting to hit “add to cart” right then and there. But how many times have you done that, only for it to not look anything like you imagined?
Influencers can be a great source of outfit inspo, but before you buy what they’re wearing, here are a few tips to help you shop smarter — and ensure that what shows up on your doorstep works for you.
1. Know Your Body Type and How Clothes Fit You
Influencers typically share their size in the caption or in their stories, but that doesn’t mean the piece will fit you the same way. Take note of your body proportions. Are you taller or shorter than the influencer? Do you carry more weight in your hips or upper body? Are your shoulders broad or narrow? Are you petite, curvy, or somewhere in between?
👗 Example: A midi dress on someone who is 5'9" may hit differently on someone who’s 5'3".
Before purchasing, look for:
The model/influencer’s height and size (often shared!)
How does the fabric fall? Is it stretchy or structured?
Reviews from others with your body type
2. Admiring vs Aligning (IMO the most important)
How many shirts have you ordered from your fav influencer, only for it to sit in your closet for months and collect dust? Most likely, it’s collecting dust because you admired how cute it looked on her, but at the end of the day, it just straight up does not align with your current style.
I learned to start asking myself this when I worked with my stylist, Sam, last year. The distinction between admiring an outfit and aligning with one involves different levels of personal connection and reflection regarding style:
Admiring an Outfit:
External Appreciation: Admiration typically stems from an appreciation of aesthetics or creativity. When someone admires an outfit, they may appreciate how it looks on another person due to its colors, patterns, or design.
Inspiration Without Intent: Admiration may inspire someone to recreate a similar look but does not necessarily reflect personal style or values. It's often about recognizing beauty or skill, whether or not it resonates personally.
Surface Level: The connection is often more superficial, focusing on visual appeal rather than a deeper emotional or personal resonance with the outfit or the person wearing it.
Aligning with an Outfit:
Personal Resonance: Alignment refers to a deeper connection where the outfit reflects one’s own personal style, values, or identity. When someone aligns with an outfit, it resonates with their self-expression.
Cohesion with Identity: An aligned outfit feels authentic and comfortable to the individual. It mirrors their personality and the way they want to present themselves to the world.
Emotion and Intent: This connection involves an intentional choice. When someone aligns with an outfit, they feel empowered by it, which may inform their own style decisions and choices and contribute to their sense of confidence.
Admiring an outfit is about appreciating its external features, while aligning with one reflects a deeper connection to personal identity and values.
Tip: If something catches your eye, add it to the cart and sit on it for a day or two. Ask yourself, did I admire how this looked on her and does this align with my style?
3. Take Note of Filters & Lighting
That creamy beige sweater might be more yellow in person — lighting, filters, and editing apps can shift colors subtly (or not-so-subtly). Always check if the influencer tagged the brand or linked the item, so you can look at stock photos for a more accurate visual.
Bonus tip: If they say “the color is most accurate in this slide” — believe them!
4. Watch or Read the Reviews
If the influencer links to a site that has product reviews, use them! People are generous with their feedback and often share height, weight, size ordered, and a photo. That info can help you figure out whether you’ll need to size up, size down, or skip it entirely.
5. Don’t Ignore the Return Policy
Sometimes, even after doing all the research, the item just doesn’t work. Before buying, double check the return window and process — especially for final sale items or small boutiques that might not offer free returns.
6. Save Their Try-On Stories to Refer Back To
If your favorite influencer did a try-on haul, save it to your IG Collections or take a screenshot. Seeing how they moved in the item, what they said about the fit, or how they styled it can help you make a more informed decision later.
7. Ask Questions — They Want to Help!
Influencers want you to love what you buy through them. If you’re unsure, comment or send a quick DM asking about sizing, fit, or alternatives. Many are happy to answer or have LTK posts, blog reviews, or Story Highlights with extra info.
If I don't talk through the outfit, I always try to leave helpful detailed info in the caption of the LTK posts!
The Bottom Line: Be Inspired, But Shop Smart
At the end of the day, influencers are here to inspire you — but you’re the expert on your body, your budget, and your style. Use their content as a jumping-off point, and don’t be afraid to adapt something you love to work for you. That’s where personal style comes alive.
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