Ok, so the challenge is to pick a store and buy a single outfit. Sounds easy right?? Of course, it does! But after factoring the numerous shops, ever-so-changing fashion trends, long lines, and finding something that fits your personal style (and budget), all of a sudden turns into mission impossible.

Now, before freaking out, let’s try to simplify this process. First off let’s choose a place to shop. Every girl has a few shops that they frequently go to, starting with the least expensive as the easiest. These shops are usually the best in which to find your key pieces.

Key pieces are important because they not only build the outfit but also can be used to create many different looks. For example, denim jeans are a staple in most wardrobes. Jeans can be casual with a sweater or blouse, and casual or flat shoes. Jeans can also be dressed up quite nicely with a decorative blouse and/or jacket with heels. Other recognizable key pieces are tank tops, turtlenecks, khakis/slacks, basic skirts, and the “little black dress.?/font>

Now that we have our key pieces out of the way, shoes and accessories are next on the list. It is a good idea to save the high-end boutiques for these items. You are more likely to find better quality items at those shops. The important factor to keep in mind is to buy accessories as you do not want these things to fall apart. Although, when purchasing trendy items you might not want to spend too much on trends come and go very quickly. You wouldn’t want to waste hundreds of dollars on an item that will retire to the back of your closet in a few weeks!

Let’s start with the shoes! If you have a particular designer in mind, boutiques are the places to look. Large department stores prove to be more helpful if you have a broad idea of what it is you are looking for.

Now that we have shoes done, let’s complete this outfit with accessories! And what is one of the most common accessories that every girl must have? A handbag! Bags are the best ways to express style and creativity with your clothing. Many styles tend to reappear over and over time, so the latter is an inexpensive way to find a fabulous bag. Great places to look are thrift stores and vintage consignment shops for other accessories such as jewelry, hats, scarves, and gloves.

Now the only thing left to do now is to grab your credit card (or your parents? and start shopping! Hopefully, this information will help make your shopping trips a little less stressful, and make it a little easier to build outfits that can be mixed and matched for different looks.