Hi Imogen!
I’ve learned much from your blog and in particular, the levels of refinement was helpful.
I’ve had a life adjustment and I live my life in durable/washable pants. I’m wondering about adding glamour in level 2, even with jeans as my base.
How would you add glamour and beauty when you are barely in level 2 refinement?
Thanks
Theresa
Here are my clothing rules:
Sturdy Awareness.
I like streamlining and routines. No nonsense. I’m a planner and analytical. I’m sturdy, unflinching, slow and tidy. I pay attention to details. I want to know how the story will end. I am opposed to over-indulgence. I’m interested in the mystery. I hide behind sunglasses. I could be a spy. Watchful, aware and wary. I want my clothes to be dapper, naturally polished.
My guidelines/daily questions:
1. H E R O
2. Core
3. Topper Color
4. Match earrings and purse
5. Brown Shoes
Look and Feel: Clean,open spaces,tidy,organized,Tommy Hilfiger mom
No: white backgrounds Yes: solids
No: horizontal line. Yes: Column
No: oversize Yes: skimming
No: Sleeveless Yes: Sleeves
No: bulk on top Yes: Light-weight
No: Belly detail Yes: shoulders and eyes
Purchases Beware
Watch out for too MUCH texture! (add jacket as I age)
Watch the length of the top. Dress in thirds.
Think Refinement #2, not 1 and not 3.
THE SOPHISTICATE. Your look is naturally polished: centred around earthy tones of chocolate, taupe and tan. You are prepared for anything.
Thanks for your fascinating assessment of your style. To add some extra glamour to your Level 2 Refinement outfits think about accessories and fabrics.
1. Add some shine
- rather than a matte bead, one that shines in the light.
- rather than a wool scarf, one with sheen such as silk
- rather than matte leather, a touch of patent instead
2. Fabrics can make a difference.
- fine merino wools and jersey over thicker, chunkier or lower quality wools and knits.
3. Consider your shoes
- leather over fabric
- slim soles over chunkier soles
- heels over flats
love these. not sure why I csnt create them myself
I’m totally in awe about how Theresa has broken down her style into guidelines and elements. Wow, well done. I wish I was as sure about what I want to look like.
Ditto what Julia said! I may really spend some time today trying to figure out my style as the OP has done.
Now that is great advice with excellent examples – it’s the style zone where I live. And sometimes I wonder why a sparkling piece of jewellery is just too much and I need something matte and vice versa. Ditto on the silk accessories. Great, great, great!
Question for the OP or Imogen: What is H E R O? As shown under OP’s daily guidelines. Not sure if it’s an acronym I don’t know or if she means wardrobe heroes. Thanks!
Thanks again Imogen for answering my question and your suggestions. Level 2…here I come.
HERO is not an acronym. I used capitals because I tend to wear boring clothes and need to remember how important it is to wear a standout piece everyday.
That’s great Theresa – I thought it may have been!
Could you do a post on different ways to style a cascading knit jacket/ cardigan (no buttons)? For example, whether/when/how to belt, etc?
I’m an hourglass-shape (with thickening waist), petite, slightly shorter torso than legs, D-cup that I don’t want to emphasize, INFJ relaxed style.
Thank you!