Some status symbols genuinely reflect success.
However, others are just expensive, overhyped, and, in reality, don’t mean much at all. Whether it’s a designer label, a flashy car, or an exclusive club membership, many of these symbols are more about impressing other people than bringing actual value to someone’s life. Still, that doesn’t stop people from chasing them. Here are some other markers of wealth and success that don’t really mean much, but people still go to great lengths to get them.
1. Owning the latest luxury car
There’s something about rolling up in a brand-new luxury car that makes some people feel like they’ve made it. But beyond looking expensive, these cars often don’t offer much more than a mid-range vehicle. Many high-end cars are notorious for unreliable parts, absurd maintenance costs, and price tags that don’t reflect their actual performance. And the moment you drive them off the lot, they lose thousands in value instantly.
2. Designer handbags with giant logos
Nothing screams, “I spent a fortune” like a designer handbag covered in flashy logos. While some luxury bags are beautifully crafted and built to last, many are just overpriced accessories that function no better than a bag that costs a fraction of the price. People pay thousands just to be seen carrying them, but in reality, most people only notice the logo, not the quality. And if you’re treating it like an investment? Only a few rare styles ever increase in value.
3. Fancy VIP credit cards
Metal credit cards, exclusive black cards, and fancy VIP memberships might seem impressive, but many of them come with sky-high fees and perks that only a small percentage of people actually use. Sure, some offer access to luxury lounges and concierge services, but most of what you’re paying for is the illusion of exclusivity. And anyway, waving around a heavy metal credit card doesn’t make the bill any smaller.
4. Watches that cost as much as a house deposit
Luxury watches can be beautiful, but at the end of the day, they still just tell the time. Some people drop tens of thousands on a brand-name watch, convinced it makes them look successful, even if their bank account is saying otherwise. Yes, some watches appreciate in value, but for most people, it’s just an expensive piece of jewellery. And with smartphones now replacing traditional watches for most, these timepieces are more about flexing than function.
5. Exclusive gym memberships
Some people pay hundreds per month just to say they go to a “members-only” gym, even if they barely use it. These gyms might have fancy amenities like saunas, personal trainers, and smoothie bars, but the reality is, you can get just as fit at a regular gym, or even from home. Many people sign up just for the clout, even though most of what they’re paying for is the brand name on the door.
6. Owning a massive house with way too many rooms
There’s a big difference between having a comfortable home and owning a ridiculously oversized house just to show off. Some people go all out on mansions with multiple guest rooms, home cinemas, and swimming pools, only to realise they don’t even use half the space. Meanwhile, they’re stuck paying enormous bills, maintaining unused rooms, and dealing with the hassle of a house that’s more work than it’s worth. Sometimes, bigger isn’t actually better.
7. Buying the newest phone the second it drops
Every year, tech companies release slightly improved versions of their flagship phones, and every year, people line up to drop huge amounts of money on them, often for minor upgrades they barely notice. Many flagship phones only have a few small differences from their predecessors, yet people rush to upgrade just to be seen with the latest model. In reality, last year’s phone works just as well (and costs a whole lot less).
8. Driving a car with a personalised number plate
Personalised number plates are one of those status symbols that make no real difference to anyone except the person who bought them. Some people drop thousands on a plate that spells out their name or a cryptic word, as if it makes their car more impressive. But at the end of the day, a personalised plate doesn’t make the car any better—it’s just an expensive way to try and stand out.
9. Wearing designer clothing covered in brand names
Some designer fashion is beautifully made, but other times, people are essentially paying to be a walking advertisement for the brand. When a simple T-shirt costs hundreds just because it has a designer logo splashed across it, you’re not paying for quality—you’re paying to show off. Some people even buy designer clothes on credit just to keep up appearances, proving that status symbols don’t always reflect financial success.
10. Attending elite, invite-only parties
People will do almost anything to get into exclusive events, convinced that being in the right room will somehow elevate their social status. But in reality, a lot of these high-end parties are just overpriced drinks, forced networking, and a room full of people trying to impress each other. Some even pay huge membership fees just for the chance to mingle with “the right crowd,” only to find out that access doesn’t automatically mean success.
11. Owning a yacht (that rarely leaves the dock)
Owning a yacht might seem like the ultimate sign of wealth, but what many people don’t realise is how much of a financial burden they actually are. Between maintenance, docking fees, crew costs, and repairs, yachts end up being money pits for people who only take them out a handful of times per year. That’s why so many rich people eventually sell them—turns out, chartering a yacht occasionally is far more practical than owning one.
12. Expensive jewellery that never gets worn
Some people spend a fortune on high-end jewellery, not because they love it, but because they think it proves their status. While some pieces hold sentimental or investment value, many just sit in a drawer, barely worn, while their owner quietly stresses about keeping them safe. Meanwhile, plenty of affordable jewellery looks just as good without the massive price tag.
At the end of the day, status symbols are only as meaningful as the importance people give them. While there’s nothing wrong with enjoying luxury items, chasing them just to impress other people often leads to more stress than satisfaction. True success isn’t about what you own; it’s about how happy you are without needing to prove anything.
