I actually felt a little lost this morning—I didn’t know what to put on! For the past 30 days, the Style Me April challenge has saved me from my morning “What do I wear?” dilemma.

At first I was afraid that the daily themes would make me feel constrained, but instead they fired up my imagination, forced me to take a closer look at my wardrobe, and become a more adventurous dresser.

Here are my takeaways:

1) Getting dressed up (and putting on a flattering shade of lipstick) has a real effect on your attitude, productivity, creativity—even your posture.

2) Making do with what you have forces you to be creative, resourceful, and can actually be a lot of fun.

3) Planning a few days’ worth of outfits in advance saves a lot of time in the morning.

4) Once in a while, dare to try a look that you wouldn’t normally go for, or try to mix up different pieces in ways you haven’t done before. You never know what magic will happen!

5) Your personal style will always be a work in progress. And that’s ok, because it means you’re growing and getting to know yourself.

6) A lady’s maid would be an awfully handy person to have around. In Downton Abbey days, this member of the household staff looked after her lady’s person and belongings, especially her clothes. Since few of us can afford one these days, we will have to be our own lady’s maid. This means keeping an eye open for holes, rips, loose buttons, as well as scruffs and scratches on shoes and bags—and attend to them asap. Acquire basic sewing skills, if needed.

7) As you get dressed, take a second to appreciate your garment’s colours, textures, quality. Somewhere, someone worked hard to make it!