Your personal style reflects who you are as an individual. It represents aspects of your personality – what you like and dislike, how you see yourself. The clothes you wear are more than just pieces of fabric stitched together, they show who you are. However, it’s easy to get lost in the seas of trends and accessories, colors and patterns. Establishing a fashion identity can be a daunting task but following these five steps will help you get started.

Step 1: Think about what you need to dress for

Whether you are a working professional, a stay-at-home parent, or anything in between, it’s important to ask yourself one question: What purpose do I want my wardrobe to serve? From there, you can determine what characteristics you want your wardrobe to have. Do you need comfortable clothes to run errands? Do you need a powerful suit to kill it in the boardroom? Once you’ve determined what characteristics your wardrobe needs to have to fit into your lifestyle, you’re ready for Step 2!

Step 2: Embrace your power colors

This is where it gets fun. Colors are the most basic form of expression; we as humans are drawn to them. Think of your current wardrobe and identify the colors you see the most in the pieces you own. Part of defining your personal style is finding colors that make you feel empowered and confident. Don’t listen to people who say things like, “That isn’t really your color.” If you love a color, make it yours!

Step 3: Invest in classic pieces that will never go out of style

Timeless pieces create a foundation to build your personal style around. A quality pair of jeans that fit perfectly is a good place to start. Look for denim in a classic wash and cut; these will never go out of style and can always be part of your wardrobe. Investing in staple pieces will make you feel (and look) like a million bucks.

Step 4: Break out of your comfort zone

If you find yourself in a style rut, break out! Try something new, even if it means taking a fashion risk. When shopping for new clothes, it’s natural to gravitate towards the same things you always buy. Break this habit gradually. If you feel most comfortable in black, for example, try choosing something in a black pattern or in a different shape than you usually pick. Before you know it, your closet will be perfectly balanced.

Step 5: Find the perfect fit

How many times have you gone into a store, tried something on that you loved, and were disappointed when it didn’t fit? Tailoring your garments can remedy that. Customizing your clothes through tailoring is a service that many people don’t take advantage of. Well-fitting clothes are flattering and instantly make your look more polished. So, next time you’re in the fitting room and the pants are too long or the shirt is too baggy, think about tailoring!

Finding your personal style doesn’t have to be a chore, it should be fun! Use this opportunity as a creative outlet and run with it.