As shallow as it sounds, my favorite part of the day is getting dressed every morning.

I’ll proudly admit who my fashion icons are the top off my head and have no shame in looking through store websites to find something that speaks to me. With spring here and summer on the way, getting new clothes or changing your style might be on your mind. If you want a new look or simply a new outfit, here are a few tips and tricks to save time, effort, and money.

1. Find a style that speaks and fits you

Having clothes is not the same as having style. You can have designer everything but if you don’t know how to piece them together, you might be stuck. Style is about individuality, not what’s on the mannequin. If you’re having trouble, a jump start is finding people who have a particular style that speaks to you and simply modify it.  Remember, it’s your wardrobe. There’s zero logic in buying clothes to make you look like someone else. Find a style you feel comfortable and confident in and tailor it to fit your personality.

2. Make a list of wardrobe staples. When you decide what you want to go for, look for items that can be paired with other items, both old and new. Most items are meant to be worn however you want to wear them so aim to buy stuff that can be interchanged with other outfits.

3. Narrow down the stores. Once you have your list, you can look for stores. If you are going for a classic look, there’s no point in going to Hot Topic. Instead, focus your attention to stores like J. Crew. If you want to stay trendy and current, you are more likely to find something in H&M and Cotton On. All this step requires is research. Check out the store’s website.  Everything in the store will likely be online. Have an idea of which store carries what and you can cut going to five stores down to one or two.

4. Only shop when you know what you want. Many people hate shopping because they always seem to go with a person who has no idea what they want and will roam the mall. Quick tip: Don’t go shopping unless you know what you are looking for.  If that means you have to look up a product on the website, call the store and have them pull it in your size, then so be it. Not only does this cut down on your load, it saves you time and money.

5. Remember, out with old and in with the new. It’s okay to donate and sell old clothes. Make room for the stuff you want to wear by removing the stuff you don’t.

Remember that clothes are just clothes. They don’t define who you are as a person, but they can give you an extra boost of confidence when you’re feeling low. Think of your wardrobe as an investment and find pieces that are higher quality and will last a while.