What makes great style? Being yourself. With this post, you’ll learn new ways to develop or improve your distinct look. This includes learning how to buy items that highlight your assets, how to make the most of your current wardrobe, and why you don’t need to spend a million bucks to look like a million bucks!

Before trying to find your style, you need to figure out who you are as a person. What do you like to wear? Do you dress conservatively or prefer formal wear over casual? Think about your age. Your clothes should be age appropriate. Fashion should be associated with function and form, but it should also fit with your environment. Ponder how you want to present yourself to the world.

Get inspired. Find a model or a celebrity who best captures the look you would like to follow. Search fashion magazines to find photos of your style icons. Cut out photos and place them into an inspiration binder or board in your room to inspire you. Don’t copy their style. Try to find elements from their style. Think of it as using their look to help create your own. Inspiration can come from anywhere.

What is your favourite part of your body? Choose clothes that highlight your best assets. For example, if you have beautiful hazel eyes, show them off by wearing eye shadow that will make them pop! Never-ending legs deserve to be seen in dresses and shorts. Dress to match your body shape.

Look through your closet. A look through your current closet can help you learn more about your style; what you love about it and what you want to change. You can get a sense of what you are most comfortable wearing (long flowing dresses, skirts, or tracksuits). Have a look at colours, as well as accessories and shoes. Change a few things. Don’t try to reinvent your entire closet. Instead, try to update it. Bring in some items that reflect your new style. Try some jewelry, a new pair of shoes or accessories. Don’t be afraid to experiment with new things. Shop in stores you’ve never shopped in before, like a designer boutique (if you can afford it). You might discover that taking risks with clothing will improve your style.

To save money, update what you already have. Have a pair of old jeans? Roll them up and turn them into Capri pants or shorts. Reinvent an old dress with a new belt. Change is great, but try to keep your closet composed of some constructed pieces. Have some classic staple items that you can mix and match to give you more for your money.

Keep in your comfort zone. Do you prefer to wear flats over heels? Then go for it! It’s completely fine. Don’t hurt your feet in heels when you’d rather be in flats. Wear what you feel comfortable in. Not sure what makes you comfortable? Pick out your favourite items from your closet and ask yourself why you like them.

Remember to have fun with finding your fashion persona, and absolutely nothing says you like being true to yourself. You don’t need to own designer items to express your style. Sweatpants and a T-shirt can be fashionable; if you feel comfortable wearing them and pick the right style. Go for comfortable and wear what works for you.

YOU DON’T HAVE TO SPEND A MILLION BUCKS TO LOOK LIKE A MILLION BUCKS.

originally published for inexpensivechic.com