I Used the Instagram App to Shop, and Now I'm Freaking Out Over These 28 Gems

When Instagram first came out with its shopping feature, I didn't think much of it. For a while, it remained a barely touched icon that I would only click on by accident when I was trying to search the Explore page. Eventually, the curiosity crept up in me, and I have to admit that I was too quick to judge the social media site's take on navigating the retail market. Upon clicking the little Shop icon, I was faced with a screen chock-full of products that suited my style from popular retailers like Zara and Net-a-Porter and small indie brands that I wish I had found earlier in my life.

I'm an overthinking shopper, so it usually takes me hours to sift through dozens of retailer sites and find picks that are suitable enough to make it to checkout. Instagram's shopping algorithm curates pages of fashion and beauty products from multiple brands for you based on what you're interacting with on the app, so it takes a lot of the work out of the shopping equation. I'm not sure why more people aren't talking about it, because I find myself clicking on that shopping icon a lot more often now. Below, I've rounded up the gems that I found on the app. I don't have the bandwidth to check every sartorial option under the sun, so I definitely would've missed some of these picks if it weren't for my newfound love of Instagram shopping. Once you go through my picks, you can test the feature out for yourself. 

I'm not usually one for designer sneakers, but this Prada pair is the exception.

Teva's footwear is known to be extremely comfortable, and with the brand's latest colorways, it's leaning more toward fashionable.

When I saw this bag, I immediately thought of the lobster quote about Rachel and Ross from Friends. Obviously, that's a huge reason why I need this bag.

This popped up on my Instagram Shop page, and since I already own it, I can attest to how great it is. (It scores compliments wherever I go.)

For those who can't decide between silver and gold.

Pixie Market is known for its basic trousers, so when I saw this trendy option on Instagram, I was immediately intrigued.

I haven't stopped thinking about this shirt since it came out, and I think Instagram has caught on to that.

After seeing this on Instagram last week, I went out and bought it. I haven't stopped wearing it since because I love how it fits so much but feels more stylish than your average tote bag.

The only platforms I want to wear this summer.

The perfect pop of color for any summer outfit.

Cargo pants are the It pants for 2022.

I couldn't imagine more of a perfect summer dress.

Parachute pants are the vibe for this summer.

I'm not surprised these are selling out fast.

It's like Instagram knew I've been on the hunt for brown Converse.