To have great style, you must take dressing seriously. It’s a commitment, so for anyone who is time-poor, ambivalent or finds outfit planning tedious, personal style is a struggle. But over ninety percent of first impressions are based on what people see, not hear, making our appearance more important than we care to admit. Leveling up personal image is worth the effort and, in truth, easier than it seems. The key is finding foolproof wardrobe hacks that streamline dressing, express signature style and are easy to put on repeat. Here are five wardrobe hacks to try first:

1. Go monochrome
   Dressing in a single, solid color head-to-toe is easy and formulaic. It’s also elongating, which projects a quiet confidence — a useful non-verbal cue to leverage when needed. Plus avoiding prints, patterns and embellishments allows for more frequent repeat wearings. Use accessories to break-up and punctuate monochromatic color columns, like a decorative scarf wrapped around the neck, rolled as a belt or tied to a handbag.

2. Edit color palette
   If you find monochromatic dressing too limiting, try editing down to three colors only — two neutrals and one accent color. Pick one dark neutral, one light neutral and a fun, flattering pop of color that has range — a deep shade for cold seasons and a lighter, brighter tint for warm months. When a color palette is restrained but the full spectrum of its accent color is integrated, it gives the illusion the wardrobe is double the size.

3. Try one-and-done dressing
   One-and-done outfits are low-maintenance yet high impact. Stock your closet with universally-flattering wrap dresses in a variety of sleeve styles, prints, patterns and solids. Do the same with jumpsuits for weekly workwear, then utility suits for weekend wear. From there, pair with statement footwear to add flair and visual interest to each look.

4. Or two-and-done sets
   If one-and-done dressing is too simplified, try two-and-done matching sets. From cropped tops and skirts to buttoned-up blouses and trousers, matching sets run the gamut so find ones that suit your lifestyle, age and style sensibility. They pair well as sets or separates, so mix-and-match with core basics to maximize versatility. And for an evening or black tie look, consider a pair of high-style silk pajamas styled with statement jewelry — a chic, classic look at any age.

5. Create a signature style
   Creating a signature look is personal branding at its most powerful. Pick something — a bold accent color, statement socks, signature lipstick, a fedora — and wear on repeat. Eventually you will become known for it, others will expect it and you’ll engender trust by being consistent. It’s a great style hack that defines, elevates and accelerates personal image in a big way.

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