I think that we’ve all fallen victim to a viral Internet trend or two. And because I happen to be a little more online than most, I’ve certainly given in to temptation now and again when I see something take social media by storm. Although I try to make a conscious effort to figure out why I’m adding something to my online cart, sometimes the truth is that a product is going viral for a reason, and it really does fit my personal style! If you’ve ever been curious about whether or not a product is worth the hype, I’ve done the hard work (and spending) for you. Keep reading for 10 viral products I’ve brought home recently and whether or not I regret them.
1. The 2025 Rollneck J.Crew Sweater
j.crew
2025 Rollneck Sweater
J.Crew’s 2025 Rollneck Sweater has had a big moment this fall. It could be in part due to a campaign that J.Crew did specifically in honor of this year’s iteration of the classic design, but it truly did take social media by storm. Every other scroll seemed to feature a different color or pattern of the well-known design, and as a self-described sweater addict, I couldn’t resist getting my hands on it.
Now, this wasn’t my first rodeo when it comes to J.Crew Rollneck Sweater. I have a vintage style from the 90s, as well as one from 3 years ago. The difference with this year’s style is that it’s slightly oversized fit with a shorter, boxier look (at least in the women’s version). This just happens to have all the makings of my ideal sweater, so this version takes the cake in my book when compared to previous designs.
But… do I think it’s worth it? 100% yes. It feels like the incredible quality of the J.Crew you know and love, with a flattering fit that you can adjust, whether you decide to size up or down, depending on how oversized you like your sweaters to fit. I’ve only had this for a month or so now, but I’ve already worn it a handful of times. It looks great with denim, leggings, you name it, and it’s a classic piece that I know I’ll have in my wardrobe for years and years to come.
2. Sezane’s Gaspard Cardigan
sezane
Gaspard Cardigan
As I already mentioned, I’m a big fan of sweaters, so it’s really no surprise that the next item on the list is another knit, this time in cardigan form. I’ve owned cardigans from all sorts of brands over the years, but Sézane’s Gaspard really caught my eye when I first noticed it making the rounds on social media last year.
Thanks to how many cardigans I have purchased over the years, you can trust me when I say that the Gaspard feels like something special! First of all, it has a gorgeous design with pearl-effect buttons and is made with natural fibers. These days, that sort of construction can be hard to come by, and it makes the price seem justified for what you’re getting.
Another perk of this sweater? It’s reversible. So not only can you button it in any number of ways, but you can also turn it around for a unique look with the buttons going down your back, and a crewneck look in the front.
The only downside to this purchase might be the maintenance. Whatever you do, don’t throw it in the washing machine and hope for the best – that’s how your dog ends up with a really fancy new cardigan. Instead, Sezane recommends hand washing with a specific process for drying the fabric so that it doesn’t shrink. It takes a little extra work, so that’s just something to keep in mind if you’re not ready to commit to that kind of care for your pieces. All in all, though, this is definitely not a viral purchase I regret – in fact, I now have more than one color.
Related: My Honest Review of the Sézane Emile Cardigan
3. The Mason Pearson Comb
nordstrom
Mason Pearson Dressing Comb
I’m all about a dreamy, aesthetic look, especially when it comes to the little corners of my home. I love styling little areas that feel like me, and that make me happy and inspired whenever I walk by them! One of the areas that I love to pay special attention to is my dresser. I’m always playing around with the pieces I display, whether it’s my favorite perfumes, jewelry, or hair accessories. And I’ve always dreamed about adding a Mason Pearson brush to that setup. The thing is that the Mason Pearson brush is over $300, and I don’t know if I could ever personally justify spending that much on a hairbrush!
As a compromise, I took a look at Mason Pearson’s other offerings. They’re all meant to be heirloom pieces that work as beautifully as they look, so I was interested in seeing what else they had. The dressing comb caught my eye thanks to the fine teeth, which would work well on my fine hair and bangs. It also comes at a much more reasonable price point of $40.
The Dressing Comb
Now, that does still seem pretty pricey for an item that you might usually pick up at a dollar store or drugstore, but I think the weight of the comb and the quality of its construction do warrant the price tag. And not just that, but the design is gorgeous – it’s almost a piece of art when displayed on a vanity, and it does make me happy to look at whenever I see it while getting ready.
While you can certainly find combs for a lot cheaper if function is all you’re really looking for in a dressing comb, this is a fun, reasonable little splurge that can make your getting-ready routine feel a bit more luxurious each day.
4. The Ralph Lauren Bear Sweater
saks fifth avenue
Ralph Lauren Cotton-Linen Crewneck Bear Sweater
I promise, this is the last sweater on the list! But without a doubt, this was my holy grail sweater for a really long time. I’ve always loved Ralph Lauren as a designer, and there’s just been something about the Polo Bear sweater that has had a tight hold on my sweater-loving heart for years. It’s only gained popularity on social media as time has gone on, and last year I ended up adding it to my collection.
For transparency’s sake, I did not purchase the adult version, which retails for nearly $400. Instead, thanks to a helpful hint from social media, I ended up purchasing the boys’ version in an XL. The fit is slightly different, but it actually worked out well for my longer torso. I’m usually a women’s small, and the XL in boys fits me quite well. It also comes at a fraction of the price of the adult version, so use that information as you see fit!
It’s a gorgeous sweater, and one I do wear a lot. It’s fun to layer with, both over and under, and I love the cotton material. However, the price tag for the adult version might make it difficult to justify if you’re just buying it thanks to its newfound popularity!
5. Dior Blush
sephora
Dior Rosy Glow Powder Blush
The Dior Backstage Blush has been everywhere on my “For You” pages, from TikTok to Instagram. It’s beloved by all kinds of makeup enthusiasts, and not just for its packaging. It’s supposed to have just the right amount of pigment and a decent variety of shades to choose from.
One pleasant surprise about this product was the mirror included inside the compact, which is always helpful when you’re on the go! As for the rest of the packaging, the container has a nice weight to it and feels like it’s worth the price tag, especially with the Dior logo stamped into the product itself.
When it comes to pigment, it does have a good amount that I would expect from a higher-priced blush. A few swipes are all you really need, and I like a lot of blush! The only thing I will mention as a potential downside is that there is some shimmer to this product, which could be a positive or a negative depending on how you feel about a little extra shine.
6. Summer Fridays Lip Balm
sephora
Lip Butter Balm Treatment for Hydration
The Summer Fridays lip balm is a common sight if you check out any recent aesthetic makeup flatlays on social media. It’s become a household name in cosmetics over the past few years, and I looked forward to trying it!
It does provide a sense of hydration, without being overly sticky, and I love the Vanilla scent I chose. However, I will include a caveat that you’ll be reapplying multiple times throughout the day. If dry lips are really an issue for you, I might stick to something a little simpler and more natural! However, if you just like a great-smelling gloss that gives you a good shine for an hour or two, this could be worth it.
7. Hunter Rain Boots
amazon
Hunter Women’s Original Tall Rain Boots
Whenever I make a purchase, I try to think about three ways I’ll use it or style it – especially if it’s a viral product that I’m considering. It’s a great tip to use if you’re not sure about how a product will actually fit into your current lifestyle.
Hunter Boots have been a popular sight on social media over the past year or so, and when Carolyn and I were planning our trip to the Cotswolds, these boots popped up time and time again when I was looking at photos online for creative packing inspiration. Ultimately, I did end up purchasing them for the trip, but I was a little wary about whether I would actually wear them when I got back home to the States.
Thankfully, that hasn’t been an issue! Even though I don’t live on any large property or acreage, I’ve found myself wearing these boots on hikes, for photoshoots, and even to walk the dog when it’s been cold or rainy outside. They’re more comfortable than you think for walking, and I love how much insulation they provide from the elements. With warm socks underneath, I can even see myself wearing them in light snow this winter.
8. Triangle Scarf
amazon
Triangle Scarf for Women
Another trend to come out of fall and winter fashion, both last year and this one, has been the triangle scarf. This little accessory has been all over European fashion pages on social media, and has now made its way to the U.S. And while there are plenty of fine merino knit versions to choose from, I decided to start small with a less expensive version from Amazon to see how much I would actually wear it.
I do love how fun this piece is to style. I’ve worn it over a trench coat, a sweater, and used it as an impromptu hair scarf while riding in a convertible. But I haven’t reached for it as much as I thought I might, so I’m happy I went with the less-expensive Amazon version. At least for now, it’s been the perfect price point for how much I’ve been styling it, and I was able to get two colors to try guilt-free.
9. Longchamp Le Pliage Tote
nordstrom
Longchamp Le Pliage Large Tote
The Longchamp Le Pliage line isn’t a trend that I’ve fallen for once, but now three times (although once was a gift, so we won’t count that). But, spoiler alert, I’ll happily fall for it again and again! This might just be my most-used item on this list. Since purchasing the Large Le Pliage tote, I’ve used it every day I’ve headed into the office as my work bag. It fits my large laptop very comfortably, along with all of my other daily essentials. It’s chic, easy to wipe clean, and I don’t have to worry about it getting a little bit wet or snowy on my walk inside.
The one thing I will say is that an organizer was a necessity for me when it came to this bag. I’m an overpacker, even on a daily basis, so the interior organization was a key component that I needed to add. I ended up ordering this one on Amazon, which fits the bag perfectly, and is a lifesaver in keeping my bag in tip-top shape throughout the week.
10. Nespresso Machine
amazon
Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ Coffee and Espresso Machine
If there’s one other weakness I have besides sweaters, it’s caffeine. Specifically, espresso. I love the little ritual of making a double-shot and sipping on it to start the day, and I drink enough coffee that the extra boost from espresso is definitely needed to kickstart my morning.
As much as I love supporting my local coffee shops by ordering espresso there, it does tend to add up quickly. So, after seeing the Nespresso floating around online enough times, I decided that it would be an investment in my mornings and save me the extra step of leaving the house to go get a professionally-made cup.
The result? I love how easy it is to use, and it does make a good cup of espresso. There are also so many flavors of pods to choose from, in both single-shot and double-shot form. And if you don’t drink it straight like I do, Nespresso has a lot of flavored recipes to choose from based on different formulas.
Now, onto the (slightly) negative. The Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ is a little bit of a pain to clean. Because it has so few buttons (read, just one), the programming that goes into the cleaning cycle feels a little bit like a spy mission with a secret code. There are videos online that walk you through it, but it’s not really a super simple thing.
The costs also add up over time, as the pods don’t come cheaply. It’s still less expensive than ordering from an actual coffee shop, but more than your typical drip coffee maker. I don’t regret the Nespresso and do use it nearly every day, but these are all things to keep in mind while you’re considering it!
The Internet Made Me Buy It
No, the Internet can’t really make you buy anything, but we all fall victim to the social media algorithm now and again! However, that isn’t always a bad thing. No matter how trendy an item is, if you love it and use it, that’s what matters. It’s up to you to decide whether or not it’s worth it, but you might just be surprised when you take a shot at a viral product.
Speaking of the latest and greatest… these are the hot French skincare brands that are now available in the States! Up Next: The Cult Favorite French Skin Care Brands That You Can Buy in the United States
Your dog is gorgeous. I have had a black tri and blue merle in the past. They are the best dogs. My son and daughter-in-law and currently looking for an Australian Shepherd. Would you be willing to share your breeder with me. Thanks.
Love the Gaspard cardigan from Sezane, too. I have four of them and wear them constantly. As far as washing goes, I always wash them with the handwash program in the machine and they come out like new, no shrinking at all. I use a specific detergent for wool and put them in a net.
Thank you for sharing that tip!