Are Micro-Trends Making You Broke?

and lasting impact for tomorrow. Let's get into it.

chat about the whirlwind that is micro trend culture. How did we end up caught in this cycle of overconsumption and what does it mean for our finances, our mental health, and our planet. First off, let's talk about what micro trends actually are. In the past, fashion trends had time to breathe think summer and winter collections, giving you months to enjoy your favorite looks. But with the rise of social media, trends of now a shelf life of weeks,

sometimes even days. TikTok is the epicenter of this micro trend explosion. Ends catch fire faster than you can scroll. Creators and influencers alikea really quick to share their takes, and before you know it, the trend is everywhere. The hashtag get ready with me videos and those massive clothing hauls just turn up the pressure. Very demure and fast

fashion is right there, ready to keep pace. They've perfected their process so well that they can now turn a runway trend into something you can buy in just two weeks. No wonder, we're all stuck in this endless cycle of trying to keep up. But here's the thing, guys, This constant churn of trends isn't just exhausting, it's also harmful. First, and arguably most important to someone like me, are the

financial impacts. The rapid pace of micro trends pressures us to keep buying more often, leading to impulse purchases that we never even get a chance to wear. According to money Smart, Australians have an estimated seven point six billion dollars worth of unused clothing sitting in their wardrobes. That's right, billions of dollars spent on items that are collecting dust, much of it driven by the need to keep up with fast fashion trends. What's worse is if we do

wear them. The average consumer only wears clothes seven times before throwing them out. And let's not forget the debt that can accumulate. A study by Credit Comer found that nearly forty percent of millennials overspend to keep up with their friends. What starts as a harmless shopping spree can quickly become a financial burden, affecting your ability to save, invest and even just cover the essentials. All this pressure to stay current can have a serious impact on your

financial wellbeing. But that's not the only harm that we're currently dealing with here. Stick around, because after the break we're going to uncover the environmental toll of fast fashion and spoiler, it's a big one. And my friends, we are back on this very exciting Saturday. So we've already covered how micro trends can wreak havoc on your finances, but what about the planet. Fast fashion is notorious for

its environmental footprint. The industry is responsible for ten percent of global carbon emissions, more than all international flights and maritime shipping combined, and with Australians discarding an average of twenty three kilograms of clothing per person each year, we're contributing to a growing landfill crisis. This waste doesn't just disappear, it contributes to the growing problem of landfill, overfill and environmental degradation. So while those trend pieces might be fun

for a season, their environmental impact lasts so much longer. Finally, let's talk about the big elephant in the room. Let's talk about the mental toll. The constant barrage of new trends can create a massive sense of inadequacy and anxiety. We've all been there, scrolling through ten TikTok or Instagram, seeing influences flauned the latest must have item and suddenly feeling like what we have just isn't good enough. This

cycle of comparison can be mentally exhausting. According to a study by the University of British Columbia, frequent social media use is linked to increased anxiety and depression, partly due to the pressure to keep up with online transit appearances. This is especially true for younger audiences, who are still developing their sense of self worth and can be heavily

influenced by what they see online. The constant need to stay on trend can lead to a never ending loop of comparison, dissatisfaction, and anxiety, affecting not just your mental health but your overall quality of life. So what can we actually do about this? The good news is there are plenty of ways to embrace fashion more mindfully. For starters, let's talk about thrifting and secondhand shopping. It's not just sustainable, it's also a treasure hunt for unique pieces that won't

be outdated next week. And when I've got a big event coming up that can't find something secondhand, I love turning to rental services. You can snag a designer piece for a fraction of the price and still look a million bugs. When you are buying new, try invest in timeless, high quality items that will be your go tos for years, not just one season. And hey, TikTok isn't just about fast fashion. There are so many creators out there using

their platform to promote sustainability and mindful consumption. There's an emerging trend at the moment that's flipping the script on micro trends and over consumption, and they're calling it under Consumption Core. It's all about embracing minimalism and making conscious choices about what we bring into our lives instead of chasing every new trend. People are starting to prioritize quality over quantity, and they're focusing on items that truly add

value to their lives and their wardrobes. Under consumption coll isn't just about buying less. It's about being intentional with your purchases. Think it of as like an anti hall instead of filling your cart with fast fashion. It's about choosing one or two really well made pieces, timeless pieces that you're actually going to wear. It's about repairing, reusing, and repurposing what you already own, essentially getting more life

out of your clothes. This trend is gaining traction and I am here for it, especially among those who are tired of the constant cycle of buying, discarding and repeating. And while under consumption, core is in reality closer to normal consumption. It's a really refreshing shift in the content that we see online. This moves towards a more sustainable and mindful approach to fashion, not only reducing our environmental footprint,

but also helping us to reconnect with what truly matters. Plus, by opting for fewer, higher quality items, you might even find that your wardrobe feels more cohesive and personal like it actually reflects your style, not just the latest trend. So these are the accounts you want to follow, the ones who encourage you to rewar outfits, share clothing with friends,

or even upcycle old pieces into something new. My challenge for you this week is this, next time you see a micro trend blowing up on TikTok, take a step back and actually ask yourself do I need this or is this just the hype talking? And remember fashion should be fun, but it doesn't need to come at such a high cost to our wallet, our planet, or even our peace of mind. Next time, you're tempted by the latest trend, think twice about whether it's worth the long

term impact. Let's all aim for a wardrobe that not only looks good, but feels good in every sense of the word. Thanks for tuning in today, my friends. I hope this conversation inspires you to take a more mindful approach to your wardrobe. Now I'm gonna go vintage shopping and find something unique to wear to my friend's birthday. Catch you next time, guys. The advice shared on Cheese on the Money is general in nature and does not

consider your individual circumstances. She's on the Money exists purely for educational purposes and should not be relied upon to make an investment or financial decision. If you do choose to buy a financial product, read the PDS TMD and obtain appropriate financial advice tailored towards your needs. Victoria Divine and She's on the Money are authorized representatives of Money Shoper Pty Ltd. A BN three two one six four nine two seven seven zero eight AFSL four five one two eight nine