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Let's face it: making fashion choices can be tricky. Not only do we have to juggle the ideas of trends, classics and personal style; oftentimes we also have to dress according to the situation. Your job might require business casual, while an evening out requires formal wear. And the weekends are a whole different story.

Everyone wants to look nice, but frankly sometimes it seems as though the effort required just isn't worth the results that we get. It's no wonder that many, many people simply throw up their hands and stop trying to pick the right clothes.

But the world of fashion doesn't have to be so complicated! The key to dressing well (or, at least, dressing better) is to remember a few simple rules. Whether you're shopping for a whole new wardrobe or just trying to pick an outfit out of your existing closet, the basic guidelines listed below will help point you in the right direction. Once you learn these key rules, you'll feel more inclined to branch out and add some personal touches to your look, thus developing a personal style built on effective basics that can take you anywhere.

Rule Number One: Buy Clothes That Fit.
The most major basic rule that people break when it comes to choosing the right clothes is buying (and wearing!) things that are too small or too large for their bodies. Some of us refuse to recognize the fact that we're no longer a size we used to be, and we squeeze ourselves into things that aren't designed to hold us. What people don't realize (or won't admit) when they do this is that the general public doesn't see the number on the size tag inside the clothing... all they see is your body over spilling its clothes and looking much larger than it really is. Not to mention how uncomfortable it can be to wear things that are too small- you don't want to forever be hitching down your shirt or wiggling into your pants.

Similarly, wearing clothes that are too large can also create an optical illusion that is the opposite of what the wearer is trying to achieve. Most people who choose to wear clothes that are too baggy are trying to disguise something about their bodies that they don't like. They dread the thought of someone seeing their tummy or their backside, so they choose large shirts and drapey pants that hang over the area and "disguise" it. Ironically, all that loose extra fabric creates the opposite effect- it makes for a large silhouette and gives the look of someone who is sloppy all over.

The key is to dress in clothes that hug your shape without restricting it. It's really that simple. Keep in mind that someone "seeing" your flaws is better than hiding your entire body in a piece of clothing that is too large for you. Also remember that it's not worth fretting about the number on the size tag. Considering how different every manufacturer of clothing is nowadays, the numbers really don't have much meaning anyhow. And it's far better to be a well-dressed, flattered size twelve than it is to be an uncomfortable and under-dressed size eight.

Rule Number Two: Accentuate the Positive.
This one is really simple, but it's amazing how many people get so caught up in the negative aspects of their bodies that this rule slips right by them. Everyone has a part of their body that can be considered an asset. Maybe you have great curves, or a tiny waist, or fantastic calf muscles. Maybe you feel like your best asset is your face. Whatever it is, dress in such a way that those positive areas are accentuated and become the focal points of your outfit.

This doesn't mean that you should neglect the rest of your look, and it certainly doesn't mean that if you have a great stomach you should wear a crop top! But if you have great legs, wear a flared skirt and eye-popping high heels; if your smile is fantastic, wear a bright scarf around your neck to draw the eye upwards. Slim-fitting tops with pockets and seams in the right places can bring attention to a narrow waist or an hourglass figure. This rule goes hand-in-hand with the one about not wearing things that are too big for you; you want to find certain areas of your body and dress them to show them off a little. No matter how many negatives you think your figure has, there is part of it that deserves a little attention. And dressing to accentuate your assets is a surefire way of creating a confident, pulled-together fashion statement.

Rule Number Three: Quality Matters.
I'm not going to be a clothing snob and suggest that the most expensive clothing is required in order to create a nice wardrobe. In fact, quite the opposite- you can build a great look with discount and used pieces just as easily as you can with a gold card at Von Maur. What I do mean is this: you can buy your clothing cheap, as long as it doesn't look that way.

Acrylic and rayon clothing, which can usually be found in the Juniors' department, has a way of looking a little cheesy when it's used to build an adult woman's wardrobe. Avoid pieces that are made of too much artificial fabric, or those that have poor craftsmanship such as loose or crooked seams. Remember that it's better to buy a used piece of good quality clothing than it is to spend the same amount on a brand new, cheaper version of the same item. Personally, I'd much rather have a J. Crew sweater from a thrift store than an imitation sweater from a discount store, one that would fall apart the first time I laundered it.

You should also remember to take good care of your clothing. Even inexpensive items can work if they are properly taken care of, but you can quickly make good clothing into bad if you wash it wrong or let it get damaged. Invest in a few quality pieces, or scour the used markets for a few high quality scores, and then take care of the items in such a way that they keep their looks and functionality for a long time to come. When your clothing looks good and well cared for, your entire look gains a level of polish not otherwise possible.

The world of fashion can be overwhelming, even for those of us who don't want miracles but just want to look nice walking into work every morning. With a few key rules in mind, you'll find that dressing well is easy- and choosing the right clothes for your body and lifestyle will make you feel more confident and self-assured in no time. After all, knowing you look good is the real key to looking great.