There’s no arguing with how looking your best can make you feel good. No matter the time, place, or occasion, a well-assembled outfit combined with complementary hair and makeup will do wonders for your confidence. You’re also sure to make an impression on the people around you; they’ll look at you and see someone ready to take on the world, or even someone they’d love to get to know.

 

For all its rewards, however, the prospect of styling yourself every day can be intimidating for many reasons. You might not think you have enough time to plan your outfits or commit to a comprehensive beauty routine. Perhaps you’re worried about how much you’ll have to spend on quality makeup or clothes. Contrary to popular belief, however, looking your best doesn’t have to be rocket science—and it certainly doesn’t have to take a big bite out of your personal budget. Read on for a list of deceptively simple style tips that will keep you looking camera-ready, seven days a week.

 

Don’t Be Afraid to Mix and Match

 

If you’re looking to rebuild or refresh your wardrobe, one fundamental thing to keep in mind is how you might pair the pieces in it together for a variety of different looks. Mixing and matching your clothes in this way isn’t just a fun creative exercise. It also helps you shop smarter by motivating you to invest in fewer, more versatile pieces. Consider, for instance, how that cute, ribbed sweater you’ve been eyeing could look as great over a pleated skirt as over a pair of dark-wash jeans. Match some comfy leggings with your favorite hoodie for an athleisure-inspired look, or fancy them up by layering them under a dressier tunic or minidress. It could even be fun to branch out eventually into more daring combinations of colors, patterns, and textures.

 

Layer Up 

 

Layering never goes out of style—and with good reason, as it’s one of the easiest ways to get the most mileage out of an outfit especially on long days. If you’ve got lots of places to be and no time to change, layers will help you stay on top of your look for every single one of your engagements. A tailored blazer over a little black dress will keep you covered at work and can easily come off when it’s time to party. If you’ve got to be out and about, a colorful scarf will help you stay warm and toasty while also providing a charming accent to your look. As a bonus, wearing multiple layers means the impact of your outfit isn’t riding too much on any one piece. You’ve already got a lot going on, so feel free to experiment. 

 

Restyle Old Favorites

 

Breathing new life into go-to pieces or simple basics can be as easy as making slight changes to the way you wear them. Roll up the sleeves on a favorite dress shirt to lend it a more relaxed vibe, or knot the hem of a plain T-shirt to add a cool twist (literally!) to your outfit. Another classic restyling tip that’s really booming these days is the half-tuck. All you need to do is to take only the middle front part of any top and tuck it loosely into your waistband. Popular opinion says the lazier the tuck, the better—it’s a quick way to define your waistline while also looking effortless.

 

Develop a Go-To Beauty Routine

 

When it comes to makeup, do you feel overwhelmed by just how many different products are out there? Is the range of lipstick shades from your favorite brand alone enough to set your head spinning? Luckily for you, at least for the everyday, there’s no need to do yourself up like you’re going on the cover of a magazine. It’s enough to build a simple makeup routine around highlighting key facial features. For example, groom and fill in your brows, or make your eyes pop with a little mascara. Swipe on a flattering shade of lipstick for an eye-catching but natural look. Once you have all the motions down pat, you too will soon be able to claim, “I woke up like this!”

 

Take Care of You

 

Just as painters need to prime their canvases before they can even make the first stroke, good style starts with looking after the body you’ll be dressing. Don’t scrimp on personal hygiene, especially on days that you feel rundown, frazzled, or otherwise not-great. You can try revitalizing yourself with a good shower, or even spoil yourself a little with a face mask or a deep conditioning treatment. If your hair, skin, and nails are always clean and well cared for, you can look radiant and put together in something as simple as a white tee and jeans. Who knows—you might even wake up some mornings feeling good enough to rock a bare face.

 

Final Words

 

It’s important to remember that, above all else, your style journey is highly personal. The process of figuring out what looks good to you, and how you want to go about looking good from day to day, starts with listening to yourself first. Begin by reflecting on what looks you’re drawn to, as well as what you feel comfortable wearing as you go about your daily routines. Keep it simple until you feel more up to taking risks, but also don’t be afraid to play. Before you know it, you may just discover you too have become one of those mythical people who have it all together—both inside and out.