While we dream of Balmain and Louboutins our budget is much more Marc Jacobs and Tony Bianco. To ensure you’re always looking at the top of your game, follow these simple tips to elevate your personal style.

Know what works for you

You always hear that the best wardrobes are filled with basic, good quality products, with your accessories and trend pieces as highlights. For this to work you need to know what looks good on your body. Not into trousers? Make a skirt your go to. Hate v-neck tees? Embrace the crew cut. Can you get away with a loose item, or does everything need to be tailored? Wearing something that suits you is the easiest way to look put together.

Focus on the fabrics

You know when you wear something it looks great, but after the second or third time it just doesn’t look that great? Making sure you’re buying items made from quality materials. Pure materials tend to feel more luxe than blends; think cotton, linen, wool and silk and often they last longer as well.

Know when to scrimp and when to splurge

You don’t need to spend hundreds on brand name tees. Chain stores will often have 100% cotton shirts (see: Uniqlo) that are exactly the same as their brand name counterparts. Spend big on investment items like handbags and coats. Don’t be fooled into thinking design name items are better. Look for quality materials, workmanship and longevity. After all, these will be the items you wear every day.

Find a good tailor or brush up on your sewing skills

Proportions are key to looking polished, and your tailor is about to become your new best friend. Shortening hem lines or reducing the crotch are obvious alterations, but other tweaks – such as adding darts or changing a neckline – can make a big difference.

Look after your clothes

Ironing something makes you look 100% more put together. If you’re in a rush, hang your clothes in your bathroom while you have a hot shower. If you spill something on your self, clean it up as soon as possible and take it to a dry cleaners if you’re not sure. Don’t keep dirty clothes in your closet – it attracts bugs, and protect stuff your handbags with tissue paper to help them keep their shape.