Being fashion-forward takes some serious shopping and spending. Many college students can’t afford to revamp their wardrobe every three months. Now you can pump up your closet for free. It’s all about what you wear and how you wear it.

Your basic white tank top can be paired with almost anything. Choose a pair of high-waisted jean shorts and some cool motorcycle boots. Then look for lots of necklaces of different lengths. All these elements will come together to make a look that is rocker-chic without being too over-the-top.

Try the tank layered under a denim jacket with khaki shorts or pants. Add a pair of Toms or Keds to complete this perfect prep look. A set of pearls will finish off the preppy theme. For an element of surprise, look for leather bracelets and vintage-looking pieces that bring a little edginess to an otherwise very tailored outfit.

Next, tackle the basic cardigan. Almost everyone has one. Jazz it up with a sparkly broach or an iron-on monogram. Don’t be afraid to add brightly colored belts to accentuate your waist when you’re wearing a cardigan. Paired with high-waisted jeans, this look is perfect for anyone with an hourglass figure.

We all have that too-sparkly or too-lacy shirt that doesn’t quite seem to fit into our daytime wardrobe. Wear it with a pair of distressed jeans and a denim jacket and it immediately feels more casual. Try not to do too much to your hair, either. A ponytail or just a basic headband will keep this outfit from feeling too dressed up.

That pair of basic white shorts you save for the summertime can be pumped up with tons of color. Choose your favorite pair of brightly-colored tights and a fun floral tank for a girly and fun daytime outfit. For a night out, opt for bare legs and add a black boyfriend blazer. Gladiator sandals or chunky wedges will both work with this style.

Every girl should own a little black dress. The “LBD” is essential to any wardrobe and can be styled in tons of different ways. Add a belt to bring attention to a small waist or a large necklace to bring the eye to a particularly beautiful neckline. Find the most colorful or unique pair of heels you own and pair those with the dress. The great thing about the LBD is that you can never go wrong with it.

The key to making any of these looks work is knowing how far to push the envelope. Think about completely contrasting styles and decide how much you can combine them to create a totally new appearance. Focus on your personality and what you like about different styles. Are you a rocker who loves pearls or a prep who loves black?

With these different combinations, chances are, you’ll find a style that fits you better than anything else out there.