Read what these expert fashion editors say about achieving the right look before you go out and spend money on new clothes and accessories for your weekend getup, work wardrobe, and date night outfits. Their advice could surprise you in a good way, earning you compliments like never before.

Remember that not everything you see on Instagram is real

The reality isn’t always reflected in social media. For instance, despite appearances to the contrary on social media, some people feel their sexiest and most at ease in sweatpants and a sweatshirt.

Decision fatigue can set the tone for the rest of the day

The concept of decision fatigue is not widely known. Making too many choices throughout the day can lead to decision fatigue. The accumulation of these little choices eventually saps one’s ability to make important ones.

Don’t use precious mental energy to get dressed first thing in the morning. Instead, eliminate the clothes you don’t like or don’t often wear and pare down to the basics. Wearing comfortable, understated clothes will give you the stamina you need to take on life’s challenges.

The hottest trend in garments isn’t garments at all

There is no shortage of articles, blog posts, news bites, and magazine blurbs telling you what to wear and what you “should never be seen in again” because it’s not “in” with the cool kids. This is all an elaborate lie.

The best kind of fashion is the kind that not only makes you look good but also makes you feel good about yourself. No matter what you’re wearing, your self-assurance will shine through. For example, why try making unique jewelry at home if you feel like creating your fashion pieces? All you’ll need are jewelry-making supplies like gold-filled beads or animal charms to express your innermost ideals.

You can save money by mixing and matching expensive and cheap items

Combining upscale and more affordable pieces is acceptable.

Avoid becoming a slave to fads

Try to be yourself regardless of what’s popular at the time. Determine your personal style and stick to it.

There is good value in investment pieces

Luxury is often overlooked because of the misconception that only the rich can afford it. However, rather than scattering your cash across several less-than-classic pieces, investing in one good item that you can use for a long time, like a chic bag, would serve you better.

There is the logic behind fashion rules, but don’t be afraid to break them

Don’t feel like you have to break the rules to create a one-of-a-kind personal style; focus on making choices that work with your lifestyle, mood, and available resources. There’s a reason the classics are considered such an achievement in literature. For example, pencil skirts are a classic piece worn with anything from a blazer to a sweater to a button-down or even a t-shirt.

Do not lose sight of who is in charge!

When it comes to your sense of style and the clothes you buy, the most crucial fact to remember is that you are the client. Fashion’s job is to complement your individuality, not the other way around. Make a bold choice in your signature color, pattern, cut, or outfit element. You can ease into self-expression by putting a humorous spin on traditional elements.

Do not think you are above thrift shops

In both the buying and selling processes, bargain and secondhand stores can be invaluable resources. If you sell the key pieces from the previous season, you can use the money to buy some new, exciting things for the upcoming season.

Establishing a solid base of wardrobe essentials upon which to build and experiment with new styles is crucial. For example, classic ripped jeans and a white T-shirt you’ve had forever become on-trend when topped off with white leather booties, critical jewelry, and a fur vest. This yielded substantial benefits in exchange for a bit of time investment and monetary outlay.

Shirts and dresses with a wrap design look great on many figures

Try to find cuts and fabrics that accentuate your hourglass figure and minimize extra bulk. Dress in fitted garments and figure-hugging, stretchy fabrics to emphasize your hourglass figure. Try V-necks and scoop necks for a more feminine silhouette or any knit fabric in general. A woman with an hourglass figure should have nothing in her closet other than a simple wrap dress.

Fake the waist

The objective is to add curves and lengthen your silhouette if you have a boxy (or apple) body type. Do not wear anything boxy or baggy, and avoid wearing solid colors on top and bottom. Choose garments that draw attention to your waist instead; if in doubt, a belt can always do the trick. Then, put on some instant curves with nothing more than a thick belt and a plain boxy sweater.

Know what you like (and don’t like)

Don’t let the latest trends scare you. As a creative outlet, fashion should never be a source of anxiety. The best way to find your unique style is to make a list on paper of the things that make you feel good about yourself and those that don’t. The second set? No matter how in style they may be, it would help if you didn’t put them on.

Try it on before knocking it

Get it tried on in the dressing room if you see something you like but are unsure if you can pull off. People will often dismiss an item because “it’s not my cut, color, or length,” only to discover that they adore it after trying it. So what exactly are you risking here?

Entirely on-trend ensembles are only flattering on the runway models

Most people should only dabble in trends occasionally. For instance, velvet is very on-trend this year, but that doesn’t mean you must dress like a goth or pimp. Start small with a pair of velvet pumps, a velvet skirt, or a velvet necklace strung on a cord. Then, get creative and figure out how to make it work.

Elevated fashion changes how we behave

There is no need to go into debt to achieve a stunning appearance. Nevertheless, when clad in costly apparel, we do act in a slightly different manner. We take better care of those items than we used to.

By donning them, we reassure ourselves that we, too, are unique and special. However, the uniqueness of these objects lies in the significance we ascribe to them in our minds. While expensive items may be more likely to elicit such responses, you can make even the most commonplace items seem unique by treating them as pricey.