I'll Admit It—I Bought These 7 Winter Trends Because of Instagram

I need to get something off my chest. I would prefer little to no judgment and an understanding heart on your part. Okay, ready? I just bought seven things because Instagram made me. Well, it didn't make me, but seeing influencer after influencer don the latest winter trends on the social media platform made me feel some type of way, and the next thing you know, I'm sitting here with a cart full of products. It all happened so fast! Instagram certainly has the power of persuasion, but the promotion of these 2018 winter trends by some of my favorite fashion girls really got me. Do I regret any of my purchases? Some. But that's not what I'm here to share with you today.

Today, I'm gently encouraging you to shop the winter trends that I'm forever grateful I discovered on Instagram, the ones that I wear regularly and get an abnormal volume of compliments on. Each of the styles below is more wearable than the next and will actually keep you warm. Being cute and warm is something those of us living in cool climates often struggle with, so I included photo proof of just how perfect these trends look on the influencers who influenced my purchases. Good luck resisting these must-have winter items.

Colorful Puffers

I used to think a black puffer was all one needed to brave the chilly temperatures and crazy weather, but that was before puffers were actually cool. Now that they're ruling as one of the most popular outerwear trends, black just won't cut it. It girls have been donning puffers in crazy colors left and right. My only issue now is deciding which color is for me. 

Shop colorful puffers:

"Real" Hiking Boots

I put "real" in quotes for two reasons. One is that the brands I'm currently eyeing aren't historically known for designing boots meant for the great outdoors, and the other is that if said shoes actually were able to endure nature hikes and such, there's no way I would ever know, because I don't like the outdoors (don't @ me). However, they certainly look like real hiking boots, and I'm so good with that.

Shop hiking boots:

Cute Cardis

This winter, the stylish women I follow on Instagram are inspiring me to swap all my chunky (and quite expected) sweaters for more polished-looking cardigans. This sweater trend is great because it can be worn as a top or as a light jacket.

Shop cardigans:

Tartan Plaid

Yes, plaid is a print that always comes around this time of year, but fall/winter 2018 has been all about tartan plaid, to be specific. The timeless and festive print instantly adds a necessary element of pep to any winter outfit, and that's something I need in my life.

Shop tartan plaid:

Velvet Party Dresses

There was definitely a time in my life when I didn't love velvet, but that time has come and gone. This season, instead of drifting toward something like sequins, which is what I normally do, I've chosen a more-my-speed sleek black velvet party dress accompanied by dramatic crystal earrings.

Shop velvet dresses:

Printed Tights

The tights you used to wear as a child are the tights I want to wear as a 26-year-old woman. The crazier the better when it comes to this winter trend, and Instagram is the best place to show it off.

Shop printed tights:

Teddy Coats

If the cold is getting you down, throw on a teddy-bear coat and feel the corners of your mouth curl up. The only way I survive the brutal New York winters is by covering myself in the craziest and comfiest coats of all time. It works most of the time.

Shop teddy coats: