Ask an influencer: How much do you spend on shopping?

What do you think is the cost of maintaining a fashion influencer's lifestyle and is it as unaffordable as we think?

What makes someone an influencer? Is it the number of followers they have? A well-thought-out Instagram feed? Or is it simply someone whose opinion you trust?

For some people, it could be their BFFs who's got the best taste in clothes. For others, it could just be that stylish stranger with no following that just seems so effortlessly cool.

But one thing's for sure - they're all people who've influenced you in one way or another via their perspective and relationship with style. In our column "Ask An Influencer", we reach out to the women who inspire us and get them to share their unique approach to fashion, shopping, and style.

It seems like every time you go onto the internet, there's a think piece on how the "milleniums" ruin everything. We can't afford to buy diamonds, we spend too much on avocado toast and overpriced coffees, and our reckless shopping habits are ruining our finances.

And as much as you try not to partake in the lifestyle, it's hard not to notice how everyone always seem to be in a cool new outfit or partaking in the latest trends when you open up Instagram.

But what actually is the cost of maintaining such an enviable wardrobe? Especially if your income (and your reputation) as a fashion influencer is dependent on that. Are the stylish women you follow on social media really spending as much as we think they do?

We speak to five women to uncover the truth behind how much money they spend on shopping every month.

SAFFRON SHARPE, 22

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I’m a fashion blogger, so I do spend a significant amount of money on clothing and accessories. I love shopping and supporting up and coming brands I find on Instagram, and most of the time they do cost quite a bit of money.

But you pay for the quality and authenticity of the design and I think it’s important to respect a designer’s work. Though it can be on the more expensive side, you have more quality pieces in your wardrobe that would last a lifetime.

I try to set a budget of $500-$700 a month for my purchases. I usually shop through the sales section of Shopbop and Matches Fashion, or wait for end-of-season sales to score some pricey goodies!

If I do make a big-ticket purchase, I try to restrain myself from shopping for the next few months. Shopping on vintage websites is also a lifesaver when you are trying to save money but still want to make a branded purchase.”

LEONA ZIYAN, 22

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“My socials may suggest that I spend a lot to maintain the whole IG lifestyle, but to be honest that’s far from the truth. In fact, I haven’t gone on a proper shopping spree in years.

If I do shop, I’ll usually wait for sale periods to treat myself and honestly, I’m more willing to spend on skincare and experiences than any material goods. My skincare can sometimes amount to around $300, but that’s usually a one-time expenditure that lasts over six months.

It’s odd to think that I used to be a shopaholic. But once you get out of the habit, you’ll realise plenty of things aren’t actually necessary. I’ve also recently explored clothing rental services and I love it. More businesses should provide such services.

It’s an amazing concept for someone who appreciates looking good without breaking the bank — so that’s…everyone. StyleTheory. Get on it!

While their subscription plan costs about $129 per month, I’m currently being sponsored by them in exchange for content and promotions on IG. Although I might look into renewing my subscription once that’s over. So if I were to add it all up, I’d say it would roughly amount to $200 a month.”

STEPH LEONG, 30

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“I usually set aside $200 to spend on clothes each month. It doesn’t sound like much but I usually shop off Taobao.com. Most of the time, a lot of the clothes you see online are sourced from Taobao; what is retailing at a shop is at least 5 times cheaper on Taobao.

Also, I don’t just buy fad pieces. I’ll consider the longevity of the item — how often can I wear it and whether I can pair it with existing things in my wardrobe. I also upcycle my clothes. If there’s something in my wardrobe that I can’t bear to part with but I don’t wear it often, I’ll drizzle some DIY on it and give it new life.

I’m also currently trying out Style Theory’s Apparel rental subscription and it’s actually very useful for those of us who like to experiment with clothes (especially since you don’t have to worry about wasting money if the clothes don’t fit or you don’t like it). Just rent and return!”

CLARA HONG, 22

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“I don’t go shopping for clothes very often as I’m trying to embark on living a minimal lifestyle (spending on things that I REALLY need, no impulse purchases, trying to get out of the ‘buy more because there’s a sale’ mindset). This has allowed me to buy quality pieces that I really love even if they might be a little pricier than your regular fast fashion stores. So I’d say I spend around $200-400 a month!”

NICOLE CHANG MIN, 27

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“For me, I try not to shop that much or even refuse to look at what shops have because when I look, I know I’ll definitely be tempted to purchase it and the image of the product will be embedded in my mind for a very long time! However, to be fair to myself, I set aside $200-$300 to treat myself every month in case something catches my eye!”

This article was first published in Cleo Singapore.