What you wear is a great way to express yourself. Clothes can flatter and protect us, make us feel powerful, pretty, confident and safe.

Today, we know that fashion may be what you wear, but style is really about how you feel when you wear your clothes. These are the years to experiment, get shopping tips and see what styles are the most you.

That said, what do you need to know to bring home that super cute bag, those amazing jeans, that perfect jacket? How can you become the kind of shopper who never pays full price, but looks like she does? Where can you get shopping tips to scratch that trendy itch?

Here are some shopping tips to help stretch your fashion allowance and expand your shopping fashion know-how.

Recognize a Bargain

A bargain is an item that you would consider buying at full price but is reduced to a price at least 30 percent off. Don't make the mistake of confusing an item that is low quality and cheap with a bargain. Additionally, if you spend $10 on a T-shirt just because it’s on sale but never wear it, then you just wasted $10. That's not a bargain and doesn't follow good shopping tips!

Learn What's Legitimately on Sale

While many merchants at least double the cost of an item (They pay $20 for a sweater and charge you $40), some mark their retail prices much higher only to advertise them later (They pay $25 for a skirt, mark it $60, then promote it at 25 percent off at $48). Research the validity of that sale price by shopping around to get a feel for what it should sell for.

Explore the World of Secondhand Clothes

Vintage stores, consignment shops and flea markets are treasure troves of unique, inexpensive, timeless fashion finds. Many times, the items have been barely worn and look like new. It’s also a great option to accessorize for a new look: A fabulous brooch or belt will attract 10 times the admiring looks as the trendy shirt the whole world is wearing.

Don't be Overly Impressed by Designer Names

The most successful designers make mistakes. Use good judgment and taste to keep away from some of the ugly goods they dump in discount and off-price stores. Still keep in mind the other shopping tips to find what's really worth it. If you determine you have to have it and it’s a good value, consider purchasing it to add to your wardrobe.

Be Familiar With Who Sells What what

Finally, some stores sell a variety of brand name clothing at 20 percent to 60 percent off department store prices. They rarely have sales. Shopping there is like a treasure hunt: You never know what you'll find. If you're looking for something specific, you might be out of luck.

Discount department stores sell mostly their own private-label merchandise. Lately these stores have been taking a chapter from other stores’ playbooks and coming up with some exciting pieces.

Department stores charge premium prices and often have sales and clearance sections to compete with other stores.

Specific, specialty stores sell their own name brand at premium prices. The store design is generally on trend, they have sales on select items at certain times of the year and there is a variety of merchandise and sizes.

These should be a good foundation to expand your shopping expertise. Feel free to refer back to these shopping tips to get the best experience!