20 of the Most Overrated Things in the World

Some things in life we put on a pedestal. But when you take a step back from all the hype surrounding something, you often realize that it’s grossly overrated.

Here’s a list of 20 of the most overrated things in the world and why they don’t deserve the high status most people give them.

1. Celebrity Culture

Beyonce on stage for Beyonce Performs NBC Today Show Concert, Rockefeller Center, New York, NY, December 04, 2006.
Image Credit: Everett Collection/Shutterstock.

Getting swept up in the glitz and glamor of fame and fortune can be easy. However, when you think about it, celebrities are just normal people like the rest of us. Many people think that if only they got a big break and became famous, all their problems would be solved. But the truth is that lots of celebrities aren’t happy with their lives either!

2. Expensive Designer Clothing

Luxury woman
johan-jk via DepositPhotos.com.

There’s something to be said about investing in high-quality clothes that are sustainable and can last you for years. However, paying for a basic tee shirt that costs hundreds of dollars because of the trendy logo printed on the front is completely overrated. Instead of throwing money away on designer clothes, wear clothing you genuinely like that expresses your unique style.

3. Reality TV Shows

LOS ANGELES - NOV 19: Lauryn Shannon, Mike "Sugar Bear", Alana "Honey Boo Boo", "Mama" June at the Premieres Of "Marriage Boot Camp Reality Stars" at Le Jardin on November 19, 2015 in Los Angeles, CA.
Image Credit:Kathy Hutchins/Shutterstock.

As much as we all love to hang on the edge of our seats while we wait to see who will go home without a rose on the latest episode of The Bachelor, most people are aware nowadays that reality TV is often scripted. If we can remind ourselves that what we’re watching is not very “real” after all, we might realize how overrated some of our favorite shows are.

4. Selfies

Beautiful young woman selfie in the park
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This type of smartphone picture was all the rage about a decade ago, but today, selfies are totally overrated. It can be cool to capture a memory of you and your loved ones during a special occasion or when you’re traveling. But taking selfies every single day is just a waste of time.

5. Fast Fashion

Shocked curly haired woman stunned by big sales in second hand grabs clothes sticks out head through pile of yellow and black clothing poses indoor.
Image Credit: Cast Of Thousands/Shutterstock.

Although it is tempting to buy a shirt that only costs $3, you must remember that you might only get 3 hours of wear out of such a cheaply made item. These garments are not produced sustainably and won’t look good or last much time. It’s better for the world and your wallet to invest in high-quality clothing you can wear over and over again.

6. Social Media Influencers

Young pretty woman using social media on her smartphone
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How many times have you looked up to an influencer from YouTube, Instagram, or some other online platform only to realize that their life wasn’t as glamorous as it seemed? We only see the highlight reel of these people’s lives, so it is easy to become jealous and look up to influencers as a sort of celebrity. However, influencers are overrated, and much of what you see on social media isn’t real.

7. Luxury Cars

Modern luxury car close-up
Image Credit: Photocreo via DepositPhotos.com.

You don’t need the latest, greatest speed machine to get from Point A to Point B. If you’ve got lots of extra money to spend, go for it by all means. But if you need to be smart about your finances, you’re much better off investing in a simple but effective car that will stand the test of time. 

8. Exclusive Clubs and Memberships

A young woman with a tablet and credit card on her couch, ready to splurge on shopping and gambling.
Image Credit: Giulio_Fornasar/Shutterstock.

People who truly hold status in society don’t need to prove their worth by waving around a fancy membership card. Whether it’s an exclusive social club or a high-class gym, no amount of money can buy you friends or confidence. It’s much more fulfilling and authentic to join organizations that truly speak to you rather than chasing what looks good to other people.

9. Superfood Fads

Female hand holding tasty ripe blueberries close up
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It seems like there’s a new “miracle” food every week. Don’t feel the need to follow dietary trends. Just eat whole, nutritious foods that make you feel your best.

10. 5-Star Hotels

Young women with suitcase are staying in a hotel room.
Image Credit: David Tadevosian/Shutterstock.

For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, staying at a fancy hotel with all the bells and whistles might be nice. But for normal travel, you can save money by staying in a nice but modest hotel. Expensive hotels are some of the most overrated things in the world, as you’re often paying more for the name than the actual amenities.

11. Overly Elaborate Weddings

Mother helping her daughter get dressed for her wedding.
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There’s no reason to go into debt to throw a celebration that lasts a few hours. If you truly love the person you are marrying, the day will already be incredibly special.

12. Large Diamond Engagement Rings

Beauty Fashion Glamour Girl Portrait over Black
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The wedding industry has made a fortune selling people the idea that they need to fork over huge sums of money to prove they cherish their partner. Although getting a quality ring is nice, you don’t need to go overboard and splurge on something way too extravagant.

13. Movie Remakes

So realistic movie! Shocked young people in three-dimensional glasses gesturing while watching movie at the cinema together
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How many times can we rehash the same old franchise in a desperate attempt to make more money? Let’s give new and original movie ideas the space to succeed instead of dedicating full film budgets to remakes.

14. Upscale Coffee Shops

Barista pouring milk into coffee
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There’s something to be said for a high-quality cup of joe, but at some point, coffee is still just coffee. Pay a little more for your favorite brew, but run away if you see prices well above $5 for a simple drink!

15. Fine Dining with Small Portions

Grilled salmon with mixed salad and avocado cheese burger sitting on table with white table cloth in fine dining restaurant with window light.
Image Credit: Sara Nicole Garavuso/Shutterstock.

Sometimes it seems that the fancier the restaurant, the less you get to eat. While these small dishes can certainly look artistic, you may not leave the establishment with a full stomach. Settle for a place that’s nice but will still satisfy your cravings.

16. Designer Handbags

In a accessories store beautiful lady customer looking at the bags from the shelves while one charismatic salesman wants to help the customer
Image Credit: spoialabrothers/Shutterstock.

A $5 bag can hold your items just as well as a $5,000 bag. Don’t go overboard when it comes to buying expensive purses or clutches: find an affordable bag that works well for you.

17. Organic Beauty Products

Happy smiling girl applying facial charcoal mask portrait.
Image Credit: AlessandroBiascioli/Shutterstock.

Many brands slap buzz words like “organic” on their packaging to make you believe their product is natural and wholesome, but that isn’t always the case. Do your own research to determine which beauty products are worth the hype (and money).

18. Premium Cable TV Packages

man watching TV on couch.
Image Credit: Cast Of Thousands/Shutterstock.

When was the last time you watched half of the shows available on a standard cable plan? With the advent of streaming services, cable has become largely irrelevant. It’s definitely overrated and not worth your hard-earned money.

19. Gourmet Ice Cream

Gold leaf soft serve ice cream, a specialty of Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan
Image Credit: gorosan/Shutterstock.

Just like it’s hard to mess up pizza, it’s hard to mess up ice cream. Sometimes paying $15 for a fancy cone of soft serve can make you enjoy the sweet treat less. You can enjoy perfectly good ice cream for way less money and have extra money to supply some for all your friends, too!

20. Celebrity Fragrances

Perfume bottle woman spray aroma. Woman holding a perfumes bottle.
Image Credit: Body Stock/Shutterstock.

Certain perfumes or colognes can be nice but beware of inflated price tags on products that are only hyped up because of the famous face plastered on the front of the packaging. Chances are, your favorite celebrity doesn’t even wear their own fragrance, so don’t waste your money on this genre of overrated things.

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New York, NY, USA - December 13, 2019: Taylor Swift performs at the 2019 Z100 Jingle Ball at Madison Square Garden.
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Hi! I am a millennial mom with a passion for personal finance. I have always been “into” personal finance but got inspired to start my blog after a period of extended unemployment. That experience really changed the way I viewed my relationship with money and the importance of accessible personal finance education.