One fantastic tool in your style arsenal is the concept of “levels of refinement.” This principle helps categorize clothing into three distinct levels, allowing you to pinpoint where different pieces fall in terms of formality. Let’s break them down:
Cracking the Code of “Levels of Refinement”
- Level One – More Formal Wear: The top tier in terms of formality, level one involves clothing suitable for formal business and formal evening occasions. This is where you find structured pieces, more refined fabrics, and an overall polished look. Fabrics that need special care (dry cleaning is a clue)! Jewellery that is very sparkly or formal. For example: silk, satin, superfine wool suiting, fabric with sheen or shine or that are see-through. Diamonds, pearls, fine bejewelled sandals.
- Level Two – Everyday Casual to Smart Casual: This is the space where many of us live our lives. It’s the balance between casual and polished, including outfits perfect for most workplaces and day-to-day activities. Fabrics that can be laundered easily at home. Jewellery that is appropriate for everyday wear. For example – stretch dark denim, high quality cotton, cotton/elastane, viscose, merino wool, ballet flats, pumps, Gucci style loafers.
- Level Three – Outdoor Leisure: This is the most relaxed level, encompassing attire suitable for casual outdoor activities. Think walking, gardening, or a laid-back weekend. Fabrics that are bulkier or chunkier or very informal. For example – Polar fleece, corduroy, distressed denim, lower quality cottons, gym wear, sneakers, birkenstocks, crocs.
Keeping It Balanced
When aiming for a smart yet not overly formal look, striking the right balance is everything. Avoid going overboard by mixing too many level-one pieces together, such as satin shirts, sparkly necklaces, and formal shoes, as this can quickly push you into a realm that feels too dressed up.
On the other hand, be mindful not to slide down into level three by pairing your look with overly chunky or rugged footwear. Finding that equilibrium between casual comfort and subtle sophistication is the key to a stylish outcome.
It’s easy to mix levels of refinement that are next to each other – Levels 1 and 2 or Levels 2 and 3, but Levels 1 and 3 don’t mix so easily together (unless you have a creative or rebellious personality you’ll find it hard to carry it off).
If you want to dress up your jeans, find something level 1 to wear with them.
Want to dress down a dress? Try a level 2 jacket such as a denim jacket to make the outfit feel more casual.
It’s easy to wear two levels at once such as from Level 2 with either Level 1 or Level 3 items. It’s much harder when we’re combining items from refinements Level 1 and Level 3 unless you have a creative or rebellious personality style. So if you are wearing sneakers, this is not the day to wear your Level 1 shrugs and boleros. Wear them with a pair of fabulous jeans fabulous and make sure that your shoes are also level two rather than being level three shoes. A pair of boots or ballet flats – something more refined on your feet.
To upgrade the level of your t-shirts – go for a cotton/elastane mix rather than just a pure cotton, and ensure they they are very fine in their texture. Look for tops with some detail at the neckline as this will give them top a more formal appearance and so work better with your jackets.
A fabric like grey marle (bottom row of the pic above 2nd from the left) is associated with sporting clothes, so is a lower level of refinement than the grey top on the right which has a slight sheen and a smooth surface.
With your satin skirts – think about finding a viscose or cashmere cardigan rather than a lower level more casual cotton one so that you more closely match your level of refinement.
Where to From Here?
Creating a versatile wardrobe is not about owning countless items but about making smart choices and having the right clothes that work in harmony with you. By understanding your unique colour palette, embracing your signature colours, and learning the art of coordination, you build a wardrobe that is not only versatile but also a true reflection of your personal style. Remember, fashion is not just about clothing; it’s about expressing your unique identity with confidence and grace. When you dress in a way that feels like the best version of you, no matter the occasion, whether it’s casual or more formal, you feel more confident.
If you’d love to discover your ideal colour palette, you can get a personal colour analysis here with me, and if you’d like even more, get your colour analysis with my 7 Steps to Style program which also includes body shape analysis and everything you need to know about building a stylish wardrobe that works for you, your personality and your life and includes ongiong support and a wonderful community too!
Further reading:
Great post Imogen! I was having a similar problem with my style and now I know the exact reason and the solution! Many many thanks to you xx
Of all of your work, this article is among the information that is helping me the most. It’s proving to be a big key to solving wardrobe confusion for me, helping making a lot more sense out of what I have and what I’m trying to do (be comfortable, express myself through and get enjoyment from my clothes). Such a simple concept and yet massively helpful, thank you.
This is so helpful! I can see that I have level 2 and 3 clothing, but I want to dress more in level 2 (having *always* dressed in level 3).
Great post. This helped me identify that most of my wardrobe is level 1and 2. Level 2 being my daily wear outfits, which is fine for the city I live in. However from this I determined that the reason I struggle when packing for a beach or casual holiday is because I do not have the appropriate level 3 clothing. Although I would wear these only infrequently I still need to fill this gap to make holiday packing easier. Thanks again Imogen for a really useful post.
Thanks Max – it’s great to figure out where your wardrobe holes are and why!
When dressing up or dressing down an outfit (Level 2), should all accessories at once (shoes, bags, etc.) belong to the same level of refinement?
Yes keep the accessories the same level, this can help to create a coordinated look rather than haphazard appearance
Very helpful. I will try and keep to level 2, to make most items versatile. The exceptions are pearl or diamond stud earrings which I believe can be worn at all levels.
Would be lovely if you could do a “Levels of Refinement” post for men one day.
It’s the same concept for me (but I don’t write for men here), black tie and formal suits – level 1. Smart jeans, collared shirts to polo shirts – level 2. Outdoor leisure – track suits, sportswear, sneakers, polar fleece, flannel shirts – level 3.
Good morning Imogen. Would you say a Polo Shirt for a woman is still level 3 or could it be level 2?
Thank you so much for all the work you do here.
Polo shirt when well fitted is level 2, but at the “sporty” end rather than the “smart” end
Thank you, Imogen. I love to travel light, and this post is helping me to wrap my head around my packing list. I use “travel” bottoms, normal tops, and accessories. I don’t want to look like a tourist, and styling “travel” clothing for level 2 can be a challenge, but careful shopping and tailoring are a big help. This post has helped me work out the reason why my choices click or dont’t work. This will help me with planning and shopping! Your posts on balancing Yin and Yang are key, too.
Yes this really helps when packing to remember to pack in the right level of refinement.