6. BUILD YOUR WARDROBE

Congratulations! It's time to go shopping. Some strategies to consider:

Acquire the classics

No matter what style you decide to embrace, it's a good idea to stock up on basic garments that can serve as a foundation to a variety of looks. You've heard of the ubiquitous Little Black Dress, right? Get one. When paired with the right pieces, that baby can get you through a wedding, a funeral, a job interview, a dinner party and a disastrous blind date - all in one day! Timeless separates like a nice pair of black pants, a white button-down shirt or an all-purpose gray cardigan will come in handy as well.

Mix it up

Not everyone can afford to shop at Barneys, which is why it's important to be resourceful in putting together your wardrobe. Pair a Kmart tank top with a slightly more upscale Eastern-inspired skirt. Scour thrift shops for retro work pants, kitschy T-shirts and vintage wool coats.

Highlight your interests with accessories

Although the last thing you want to do is pigeonhole yourself by adopting a single signature style (Hello, Sporty Spice), your look should say something about you and what you're into. If you play bass in a band, for instance, let your wild side shine through in your offstage life with sleek leather wrist cuffs or a cool, jewel-studded belt. If you're a bookish type, try a pair of funky, horn-rimmed glasses. Remember that fashion is a form of expression, so feel free to expose your personality.

Even the simplest outfit can turn chic with the help of accessories. Add a snakeskin bag, a cozy knit scarf or an interesting choker to an otherwise straightforward look. Be bold without going overboard, because reckless abandon is never a good idea.

The best accessory, however, (segue alert!) is self-confidence. If you think you look good, other people will too. In fact, we recommend practicing self-affirmations in a mirror so that you can get away with more adventurous fashion choices. Repeat after us: "I'm sexy, sassy and wise." Now blow that paycheck.