Five days a week we go through the same morning exercise of opening our closets and trying to pull together a polished yet stylish look. And if you're me...it's usually while I'm running late, trying to flat iron my hair, and look for my keys which I swear I left on the kitchen counter.

The reality is that great personal style (especially on-the-go) doesn’t happen in just 10 minutes in the morning. Being able to clearly articulate your style is the first step to guiding your overall look.

Many fashion brands create mood boards to help visualize who they are and who they aren't. It helps put parameters in place to determine what clothing, models, music, etc. are right for them (or as we say in fashion, “on brand”). In essence, you are building the brand of you. As you start, look to your wardrobe for cues. Most women tend to buy iterations of the same pieces over and over. Identify those repetitive items in your closet to help understand and determine what shapes, styles and trends you respond to most. Then create your own mood board of your ideal style from magazine images, street style photos and Pinterest.

Once you have a roadmap to your ultimate look you have a framework to start determining your best looks. Over my years as an editor and stylist, I’ve created three insider tricks that work to bring out your best by re-imaging what you already have.

1. “Boutique” Your Closet
Most closets are organized by rows of hanging items divided by category of clothing (i.e. pants with pants, skirts with skirts). While this method is extremely practical it creates an uninspiring styling condition, as it’s hard to imagine what items can work with other items in such a linear presentation—especially under the pressure of time. When we organize like this we tend to wear the same outfits we have always worn which leads to the inevitable statement of “I have nothing to wear.” So borrow a trick from some of the top fashion retailers and merchandise your closet in outfits. Hang tops and skirts next to each other that you want to try as an outfit that you’ve never worn before. Use your mood board as inspiration for layering and mixing prints and colors.

2. Start Backwards

Instead of starting your look by picking out a top or dress (that is how the majority of women get dressed everyday) begin with selecting a standout shoe or accessory and build a look around that statement piece. You'll be surprised at the unexpected look you might create.

3. Style Your Go-To Top 10

Spend time doing a mini-style out of your closet each season. Make a list of 10 places or activities that you’ll have to dress for over the next three months (big meetings, weekend shopping, date night, wedding, brunch) and find your perfect look(s) for each. Capture your favorite outfits in a #selfie and keep them filed away on your laptop so in the busy rhythm of daily life you know you have pre-planned looks to refer back to.