When I first started sharing outfit posts on this blog a few years ago, it was in an effort to boost my self esteem and build body confidence. I'm not what I would consider an influencer by any means, but I feel like I've come a long way since those first posts. Now the goal is to share affordable fashion and help you use the clothes you already have in your closets. I've learned a lot about fashion and trends, specifically what works for me, and I'm finally comfortable in my own skin and clothes. So I wanted to take some time to share some of the things I've learned on this fashion journey.

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Shirt: StitchFix (similar) / Jacket: Levi's (similar) / Jeans: Walmart (similar) / Shoes: Old Navy

One of the most game-changing tricks I've learned is this: your legs look longer in pants or jeans when you can see both the waist and hem. Now this doesn't mean you have to tuck in your shirt all the way. All you really need is to be able to see the button. So try half tucking your shirt or tying a knot. See the difference it makes in the photos above? (Great tutorial on how to half-tuck.)

When I first started experimenting with fashion, I avoided ankle boots like the plague because I didn't really know how to wear them. I didn't know what to do with my pants - over the boot? Tucked in? Now, thanks to the fashion bloggers I've been following, I understand that ankle boots work best when you can actually see a little skin between your pants and the boot. So now I roll or cuff my jeans. (Read more about how to wear ankle boots here.)

Dress: Old Navy / Vest: ShoeDazzle / Shoes: Old Navy (similar)

Have you ever felt like an outfit isn't finished? Well, that's where the third piece comes in. Completer pieces like a vest, denim jacket, cardigan, scarf, or even statement jewelry can give any outfit that extra little nudge to feeling more intentional. (Check out these casual completer pieces for summer.)

Shirt: Target / Skirt: ShoeDazzle (similar) / Shoes: Marshall's (similar)

I'm petite with an athletic body type, meaning I'm mostly straight up and down. My waist is really high, like right up under my ribs, and not very defined. To top it all off, I have wider shoulders and hips. But I've learned how to accentuate my waist, or even fake a waist, so that my limited curves are more defined. It can be anything from tucking a shirt into a skirt, wearing a dress with a tie waist, or even color blocking. (Here are some more great tips.)

Shirt: Target / Skirt: Old Navy (similar) / Shoes: ShoeDazzle (similar)

One simple way I've learned to make outfits more interesting is print mixing, like in the photo above. When it comes to print mixing, I don't go overboard. I try to keep everything in the same color range (both my skirt and top in this picture are in the yellow family) and keep my prints about the same size.

Dress: Walmart / Shoes: Target (similar)

I think the most important thing I've learned, or maybe more fully embraced, is that fit is everything. If your clothes don't fit well, you won't look put together and you probably won't feel it either. Fashion is so subjective and trends come and go in the blink of an eye. So if I were to give one piece of advice, it would be wear what makes you feel good about yourself. If you're uncomfortable in your clothing, it shows.

Jumpsuit: JCPenney / Sandals: Old Navy

Sizing Note: I'm 5'2" with wide shoulders and hips. I wear a size 6/8 or M in most clothes and size 7 in shoes.