Make getting your wardrobe ready for the warm weather ahead the most enjoyable experience ever. Instead of the vague, unattainable goal of wanting to look your best, shift your focus to making the process of coordinating your spring/summer wardrobe more fun. Instead of simply shopping for something new, set a goal of being more creative.

Whether you are economically challenged at the moment or not, bringing more creativity into the daily act of getting dressed will yield rewarding results. Focusing on what brings you the most pleasure is good for your complexion, too, giving you that unmistakable glow that attracts others to you. This season in particular, fashion is all about being creative – mix bright colors; or, if neutrals are more your statement, mix interesting patterns and textures. Raid that overlooked scarf drawer and jumbled jewelry box. You already own many quirky, eclectic, and elegant accessories that can mixed in chic new ways.

Here are a few tips to get you started:

Invite a friend over for an afternoon of sharing ideas and inspiration. Compile your magazines and create a collage. Rip out your favorite looks and paste or tack them on to a big piece of poster board. Stand back and look at your results. You’ll be amazed by how you fabulously unique each of you are.

Make a Plan. You can’t ice and decorate a cake until you bake it. Think through your regular activities and jot down notes about the kinds of clothes you’ll need. Note the comfort challenges, such as unpredictable windy or rainy spring weather. Do you have a lightweight jacket or cardigan to protect you from the chill of summer air conditioning? List any special events or trips you have planned. Pay attention to what you need in order to be happy with your wardrobe.

Turn your closet into a playground. Get reacquainted with your spring clothes that have been put away or out of sight for awhile. Hang your favorite items on a rolling rack, grouped by color, and look over what you currently own. Create texture and interest by adding accessories, especially scarves, jewelry, and belts. Give yourself a refresher course on the state of your warm weather wardrobe. Put together outfits, and try them on when you have time. Make note of anything you truly need – sometimes one basic piece can create a dozen outfits.

Go For It! If buying new clothes isn’t in your budget, you can still work your wardrobe. Take a shopping field trip, looking around for ideas instead of focusing on the goal of buying something new. Come home and look at what you own with fresh eyes. Fashion always changes slightly every season, and you may have inspiration to mix things together in ways that are different than how you wore them last year.

The secret to Growing More Beautiful is to stay engaged. Seek out all the pleasurable ways to enhance your creative experience of getting dressed each and every day.