5 Steps to Great Style

“I wish I had your sense of style.”

When people say that to me, I always advise them to develop their own sense of style by wearing what makes them feel most confident. It’s a proven fact that when you look good, you feel good. And you don’t need an unlimited budget to have great style.

Here are 5 of my best tips to help you unleash your inner fashionista.

1. Organize your closet.

Nothing makes you feel like you’ve got your life together like having an immaculately organized closet. Spending a few hours (or even an entire day) getting your closet arranged precisely the way you want it will pay off on a daily basis. For me, having everything in my closet completely visible and easily accessible is very important. I like to display belts, scarves and jewelry on peg boards. I hang all of my clothes on velvet hangers and arrange them according to sleeve length. Cleaning out your closet is also a good time to get rid of clothes you no longer wear and donate or sell them.

Here are a few closet-organizing items to get you started:

2. Plan and prep your outfits the night before.

It’s hard enough to get motivated every morning without the added stress of standing in front of your closet for ten minutes saying “What am I going to wear?” Not only are you apt to throw a half-assed outfit together that doesn’t make you feel fabulous, but you’re also likely to make yourself late, which is never a fun way to start out the day.

Every night before you go to bed, you should check the weather for the next day and plan your outfit accordingly. Then you can hit the ground running and start your day with a perfect outfit that makes you feel confident and happy. I also make sure to have my purse packed and ready to go with everything I need for the day (keys, Metro card, etc.)

Trust me – anything you can do the night before to make your morning run smoother will be well worth the effort.

Add these titles to your fashion closet library help you plan your outfits:

3. Wear high heels (at least occasionally.)

Okay, even I – the stiletto-loving shoe queen – have had to mix up my shoe wardrobe recently because my feet (and back) were hurting so bad. I work from home most of the time, but on the days I’m in Manhattan, I choose a comfortable chunky-heeled shoe, as single-soled stilettos, while sexy and beautiful, are just not practical for all the walking I do in the city.

However, I do make it a point to wear stilettos when going out to dinner or girl’s nights out, simply because they make me feel fabulous. There’s just something about slipping on a gorgeous pair of high heels that infuses me with an extra dose of confidence.

Why not make it a resolution to try it at least once a week? That’s 52 times a year you’re guaranteed to stand taller. And sometimes the extra height gives you extra might!

Why not add these gorgeous (and totally affordable) stilettos to your newly organized closet?

4. Invest in a great handbag.

Think about it…you carry a purse every single day. You may as well make it one that you love and one that looks great with all your outfits. Whether you prefer a large roomy tote or a small cross-body, do your online shopping research and find a nice designer bag in a classic style and color.

I’m a sucker for the Michael Kors Hamilton tote and Zac Posen’s Americana duffle bags. Both styles are big enough to carry everything I need for those days I work in the city, including an extra pair of shoes, my Macbook Air, my iPad, iPhone and wallet. Find your dream bag and buy it. It’s an investment you’ll never regret.

Check out these classic bag styles:

5. Get inspired by street style.

I’m not just talking about Instagram, blogs or editorials in your favorite fashion magazine, which are all great resources. But actually take note of people around you whose style you admire. When you see a woman wearing an outfit that you like, ask her about it. She’ll appreciate the compliment!

Create a “street style” inspiration board on Pinterest and update it on a regular basis. Soon, YOU’LL be the one being stopped on the street and asked “who are you wearing?”

Once you get your fashion life organized, the rest of your life becomes a little easier. Plus, you’ll have the added bonus of a sudden increase in confidence because you know you look your best every day. And nothing is sexier or more stylish than a confident woman!