Final answer:
Stylish products that emulate the purchases of wealthier people are favored by aspirational consumers, often from the middle class, who use such items to symbolically communicate their desired social standing.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to the VALS™ consumer segments, stylish products that emulate the purchases of wealthier people are favored by individuals who fall under 'aspirational' categories of consumers. These consumers, often from the middle class, strive to flaunt their wealth by purchasing items that symbolize a higher socioeconomic standing, despite not necessarily belonging to the affluent upper class. The consumerism trend emphasizes that people buy to express their desired status and match their aspirations, sometimes using credit to afford these luxury items as a substitute for authentic wealth. This dynamic is linked to the desire to symbolically communicate social standing through conspicuous consumption. Products such as trendy sneakers, luxury cars, and designer clothing serve as symbols of a higher social class, even if the buyers might not possess the wealth typically associated with such goods.