Style is something some people are born with. When I think of that statement, the greats come to mind. The Hepburns (Audrey, Katherine), Coco Chanel, Jackie O., Twiggy, Marilyn Monroe, Bettie Page, Madonna. Let's not forget the men! The Jameses (Dean, Bond). Frank Sinatra, David Bowie, Cary Grant... Elvis. These lists can all go on and on, and depending on who you're talking to, they can include people from all walks of life and all eras in time. Those people who just step outside and no matter what they have on, they just ooze confidence and coolness. Everything they put on looks as if it was made for them. You want to know them, you want to have coffee with them, you want to ask them how they do it.

So if you aren't one of those people, and don't have the opportunity to sit down for a chat with Frank or Audrey (or anyone even remotely like them), then what? Are you just forever doomed to be either unfashionable, or forced to walk into the mall and buy what the stores tell you is "in" right now? Even if you really feel ridiculous in a romper that looks like it was made for a five year old, or bright pink leggings? (Anyone out there as horrified as I am to see the early '90s making a return??) The truth is, if you don't want to put in the effort and you don't really care, well... probably. And that's fine. But if you do care, and you secretly wish you could walk out to lunch this afternoon and turn heads like the hidden showgirl, runway model or drugstore cowboy deep within you really wants, you can. Or at least you can do away with the ritual of frowning at yourself every morning as you sigh and pull on the same pair of pants you wear 3 times a week. That kind of behavior benefits no one.

The real secret to pulling anything, literally anything, off is confidence. If you're a Sex and The City fan, you will remember some of the crazy things that Sarah Jessica Parker would wear as "Carrie" on the show. A pink tutu... a fanny pack.... a men's shirt with a belt around it and a pair of heels. All things that, actually, even she looked kind of silly in from time to time. But still, she became a style icon, did she not? The key was that she wore those things with confidence. Yes, it was a TV show and Carrie isn't real, but nevertheless I still believe that if YOU believe in what you're wearing, other people will, too.

The way to gain confidence is to wear things you actually love. Many of us actually don't even know what we love when it comes to fashion. Or rather, what we love on ourselves. Sounds weird, but it's true. It was especially hard for me, even during school while studying to become a fashion designer. In my first semester it would come down to a final project and I could never get my ideas sorted out because I just had too many. I loved everything! But would I love everything on me? Could I see myself walking down the street in a Heatherette skintight sequined unitard? Getting married in the Alexander McQueen bird feather dress? Probably not.

The easiest way to tackle style woes is to ask yourself, what DO I like? Think of the most beautiful, most stylish person you know of, real or fictional. Why do you like that person? What draws you to them style-wise? How do they dress? What kind of things do they wear, and why do those things look good on them? Are the clothes anything special, or do they just fit the person really well? Is the outfit all that complicated or do they just have on a really great belt that would change everything once removed. Do you hate the current trends? Not that into high-waisted skinny jeans or "the boyfriend blazer"? Well, I have some words of wisdom. You don't have to buy them. And you won't be unfashionable if you don't.

There is evidence of this. For the past few years, as a poor college student, I never had money for new clothes. I would cringe as I looked into my closet while going out to meet my friends at some hip NYC bar. I knew they'd all be wearing the latest whatever, and here I was with all this "so two years ago" stuff. So I had to constantly improvise. I had to try a whole lot harder! I learned to combine unexpected things, like a vest with a dress or using a scarf as a belt. I made necklaces from unexpected items like fake flowers and paper clips, and used cloth belts as wrist cuffs. And you know what? I got more compliments on the way I dressed because I was forced to use my brain a little.

For example, it's summer and you need shorts, but the lengths this season are not what you're into. Don't be afraid to go discount shopping. Find a pair of pants that are on sale, and chop off the legs to a length you love. Can't hem? That's what is so great about shorts and summer! Just roll em up, and bam! New shorts.

Also, a good tip for guys: My fiancé is always asking me what he should wear when we go out. I love him, but his wardrobe leaves a little to be desired. Generally what I have to work with are a whole lotta t-shirts. Okay, still easy. Go with the basics. Black t-shirt and jeans. Hot every time. It's a no-fail, I'm serious. (Banana Republic makes some really good ones for about $15. Yeah, you can get a black t-shirt anywhere, but these seriously last forever.)

So really, it's not so much about trends as it is about being creative and being yourself. As long as you can do that, you've got style. I will continue to bring you more suggestions on how to do this. In the meantime, go check out the Salvation Army on State St. If you've never been there because you don't like the idea of wearing clothes that someone else wore, go anyway. Even if you can afford new clothes. Even if you think it smells weird in there. It does, but it's still treasure chest-esque amazing. The last time I was there I found a pair of never-worn pink leather ankle boots. They cost me $8.00.

Kelly Tinsley is an Ann Arbor-based fashion designer who blogs about fashion and style for AnnArbor.com. You can visit her web site at Kellylynne.com, email her at kellylynnetinsley@gmail.com, become a Facebook fan of her designs and follow her on Twitter.