What do people think of influencers?

[cavewoman2026]

I feel like my feelings have changed towards them over the years. Yes I like to check out what women are wearing but everyone now seems to dress the same or have extremely curated expensive pieces that were given to them for free. So then it’s not organic and nothing exceptional is being created. It feels like everyone is just showing the most expensive pieces they own to tag the brands to gain popularity (yes I know this is how social media works). For micro influencers I always wonder how they can afford it all? Daily outfits of super expensive clothes, bags and shoes? Is it all on credit cards and loans?

Depressingly I have one or two friends around me that have expressed wanting to be influencers as people are interested in the lifestyle. Who wouldn’t want to go to beauty events, get free clothes and makeup?

I’ve started to explore style from socialites from the past, actresses, rummaging in vintage shops (even on Vinted), fashion magazines. It’s truly what I get my inspiration from these days.

So, do you all still follow influencers or are we moving past them now?

I've always been bemused by the whole thing, to be honest. I know we're all influenced subconsciously by what we see and hear, but I've never understood people who follow 'influencers'. Why do you need some random online to tell you how to live your life?

Not interested really. The always come across as a bit shallow and predictable. And they promote clothes that I wouldn't be seen dead in, because they are paid to do it, not because they chose them.

I enjoy fashion but I'm not a fan of influencers. When I first heard they were called that ('influencers') I honestly thought it was a joke. I've never followed any - my Instagram feed is all vintage fashion, costume history and old movies.

Over time IMO social media has ruined street style, it’s dead in the water and everyone dresses the same, even across countries, to a point.

I try to focus just on micro influencers if I like their style, otherwise it’s a pass from me. It’s just peddling a lot of unnecessary overconsumption.

Yes. Particularly for fashion. I really hate shopping & putting outfits together and the algorithm helpfully finds me influencers whose style aligns to my own. It gives me inspiration and helps me find new ways to use old pieces or narrow down styles that would suit me. Beyond that, It’s purely transactional for me unless it’s someone I’ve followed from the earlier days.

Good on anyone that can make a living doing things they love. What is it they say? Find a job you love, and never work a day in your life. Personally, I value my privacy so it isn’t a career choice I’d make.

I am another one who is bemused by them. Mind you, I'm also behind the times when it comes to social media, and I am not the usual target audience for them, as I don't wear make-up, and the clothes and shoes that they push wouldn't last five minutes on a farm! Due to my interests, I would rather go to an agricultural show than a beauty event, where I do occasionally get free, useful clothes (e.g. a hat or a t-shirt).

As long as we keep buying things and trying to keep up with the Joneses, I'm not sure that they'll ever become a thing of the past.

Ultimate shallow attention seeking non-job.

It must be fun for the person but what happens when you age out? It must be very risky. Also the lack of privacy is a factor too.

There are some influencers I like to follow for style inspo. I don't need to 'create something exceptional' with the way I dress I just want to wear things that make me looks and feel good. But I have no interest in the 'come with me while I get a matcha and go to a pilates class' style of content creator. Maybe the popularity of that kind of influencer is losing an audience, but a new crop will appear.

Depends what you’re talking about I guess.

Mainstream fashion influencers aren’t for me because that’s not my style, but randomly through my hobby I’ve had a few small brands send me some clothes.

It’s not my job, I don’t make money or try to, but these are small one-man businesses and it’s a budget-friendly way to build their audience. It’s just a nice exchange; they get follows and hopefully sales and I get some clothes I like.

It’s not mainstream fashion though. And I don’t do all the ‘come with me’ shite, I’ll just wear the stuff in my usual content and if someone says ‘cool top’ I tell them what brand it’s from.

I have never followed anyone and won’t start now. I would be so embarrassed to call myself an ‘influencer’. See also ‘content creator’.

What else would you call someone who creates content…

An advertiser. Companies give them free stuff, saves them a fortune in marketing. Following them is basically watching a stream of ads, bloody mind numbing.

They're an irrelevance to me unless they're getting in my way filming.

I'm of an older generation, don't follow them at all and generally think "Here today and gone tomorrow."

People following them are like sheep.

Sorry but I find them completely up themselves, even the term "influencer" makes me think they feel they are somehow important.

Well summarised.

It's just 21st century QVC. I'm not sitting around watching advertising.

Fashion influencers, with some rare exceptions, just copy one another, wear the same clothes, have the same “hacks”, style everything the same. One person has a fresh idea, it is copied to death like a hall of mirrors.

Well I guess until you get put in charge of naming stuff, content creator is it 🤷🏻‍♀️

Nothing. Just someone who posts on social media.

You might enjoy this thread, @cavewoman2026 :

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/style_and_beauty/5577238-but-what-has-actually-influenced-your-wardrobe-shopping-choices?utm_campaign=thread&utm_medium=app_share

I have never had any interest in influencers. I prefer to create my own style and take inspiration from what I see in my daily life.

Catchy

Never watched/followed them and have no interest in them. I don't really get the point of them tbh but then I'm probably not their target market!