(Today I am linking up with Tania on Wednesday’s Wardrobe.)
Now before you start getting too worried by the title,let me assure you that I’m not referring to clothing sizes when I say that two is best. Since I haven’t been a size two since I was a toddler, I am the last person to suggest that we all need to be that size!
While I’m on the subject, though, I have to tell you this quick story. I was in the dressing room during one of my rare forays into a “new” store and I couldn’t help but overhear the woman in the cubicle next to me yell over the door to the saleswoman, “Um, excuse me. Could you get me another size, please? This size two is waaay too big.”
You could almost hear the gnashing of teeth from all the other women (including me) who were lined up and down in the other dressing room feverishly struggling to zip up our much-larger-than-two selections.
Fortunately, I have discovered the truth that beautiful doesn’t come in a size. Beautiful comes from discovering all the ways you can let your light shine through the brightest. Whether you are a 2 or a 22, you are amazing and you are wonderful!
But I digress. . .
One of the style bloggers I follow wrote a whole description here but here is the concept (copied from her blog) in a nutshell. (Note: she is Australian so some of her spelling reflects that.)
Level 1
More formal wear – from business formal clothing to evening wear. 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 2
Everyday smart clothing that isn’t too bulky. Fabrics that can be laundered easily at home. Jewellery that is appropriate for every day wear. For example: stretch dark denim, high quality cotton, cotton/elastane, viscose, merino wool, ballet flats, pumps, loafers.
Level 3
Outdoor leisure – fabrics that are bulkier or chunkier or very informal. For example: Polar fleece, corduroy, distressed denim, lower quality cottons, gym wear, sneakers, Birkenstocks, Crocs, etc.
Note: This information is also helpful for men’s wardrobes.
It’s because of its versatility. It’s difficult to blend level 3 clothes with level 1 clothes, so those types of clothing (although necessary to own in limited quantities) won’t build your wardrobe as well as level 2 clothing.
This is not only helpful with daily wardrobe choices, it is especially helpful when traveling; many of the level 2 items you pack can be transitioned to a different level with a simple change in accessories, shoes, etc.
Here are a couple of examples from my wardrobe. (All items, including scarf, jewelry, and shoes, are thrifted and average about $4 per piece.)
It works great paired with jeans and sandals . . .
but it also works well as part of a much dressier outfit.
Here it is in a couple more outfits. ( I also paired it with a long denim skirt but forgot to take a photo.)
It starts off pretty dressy . . .
but then also lends itself to more casual styles.
(Note: Whenever you see a picture of me with my head chopped off, it’s because I was wearing no make up or–more probably–my hair was in a Medusa-like mess.)
Whether in jeans or skirts, a dark wash denim is a quintessential 2. The dark wash (no fading, streaks, or distressing) is slimming and (happily) forgettable; it can be worn over and over and basically disappear from view as the blouses and toppers and jewelry take center stage.
Here is the denim skirt dressed up a little.
And dressed down a little.
Even though most of these looks are a bit on the nicer side, the fact that the skirt is denim means you could also pair it with a cute t-shirt and some nice tennis shoes or sandals and be completely casual. And it’s all due to the magic of level 2 garments,
I was especially thankful for my denim skirt this past weekend. Our church hosted a large Memorial Day program on Saturday and I knew that everyone on the stage would have on some permutation of red, white and/or blue. Unfortunately, I never wear navy blue, and I have only one red (winter) garment.
I was at a bit of a style impasse until I remembered my white jacket and my (dark) denim skirt. I borrowed a scarf from Sarah for a little flair and then, as a finishing touch, Steve tucked one of his pocket hankies into my pocket. Voila!
Take a look at your closet and try to get an idea of whether it skews to a particular refinement level. If for instance, you have a lot of 1’s and 3’s, you might find yourself frustrated because nothing seems to work with anything else. If you have a good number of 2’s, then you are in a great place to mix and match to your heart’s delight.
Let me know if any of this has been helpful. Thanks for joining me on this thrifty style journey!
Find all the posts in this series: Small Changes Favorite Style Bloggers Stars and Understudies Proportions and Alterations. Mom Jeans In the Middle Patterned Pieces Two is Best
Another great post. So many of these outfits are just gorgeous!
I touched on my “base colors” in your packing-for-a-trip post, but I’ve not heard of the notion of having three levels of clothing – what a great thing! Most of my stuff is clearly Level 2, which shouldn’t surprise me. I do love, though, to mix Level 1 with Level 3 for a “surprise” look (think – sequined top & black flowy skirt with a denim or leather jacket.
My closet is black, blue, red, grey. For the summer I have a few hot pink, purple, and orange, things, and I love bold florals (but I don’t have any right now, after KonMari-ing my closet). I have a “secondary” base color that I use in addition to black, and it’s dark brown (just found a brand new pair of brown pants at Goodwill yesterday for $3 in my size!!!!). Brown is a great neutral, too.
As for the person in the changing room, I’ve found that’s pretty typical of folks who have recently lost a lot of weight and are gloating over their accomplishment, to the detriment and self-esteem-battering of everyone else in the area. 🙁
Stefanie,
When I learned about the levels of refinement, it was an eye opener for me, too. But as you said, if you like to be eclectic with your style, you can happily mix and match levels 1 and 3 all day long with great results. That’s what so fun about clothes–they are a terrific way of expressing our creativity.
Hooray for your Goodwill find! It’s so much more exciting to find that one thing in your color and size at a thrift store than to go pick it off a rack with 30 others just like it. I so love the treasure hunting aspect of thrift store shopping.
It was interesting to read the list of colors you like to wear. Sounds like you have a closet that is well thought through. And you’re absolutely right about dark brown being a great neutral–I wear it all the time.
Again, you have, as they say, knocked it out of the park. Your outfits are so well put together and so hard believe they come from thrift stores. You have looked and found well!! I know of a woman who, many years ago, bought all of her clothes at Walmart and folks thought she looked like she had spent much money because she looked so good. Probably have said this before, but think that 85 – 90% of my clothing is from thrift stores. Not sure if it’s the Scotch in me, but I just can’t see spending a lot of money on clothing. Even have a Bob Macki top (Carol Burnett’s designer) that I got at a discount place. Always enjoy when you show us your fashions.
Sharyn,
Thanks for your very kind words. It is so much fun to get to mix and match all of my thrift store finds. I’m glad to know you love thrift stores just as much. I have Scotch in me too, so maybe that’s it! 🙂
Where are the best thrift stores in Manteo/Nags Head?
Sherry,
A favorite question to answer! 🙂
There is only one thrift store in Manteo; it’s called Hotline and is actually right across the street from our church on the main road running through Manteo. I have found a lot of good stuff there over the years.
My favorite thrift store on the Outer Banks is a little further north, about 20 minutes beyond Nags Head. (Well worth the drive.) It’s Goodwill in Southern Shores. It is large, spacious, clean, and all the clothes are arranged by color, which makes me very happy.
Another favorite is in Nags Head, right near TJ Maxx. It’s another Hotline store; they have several up and down the beach.
If you like designer consignment stores, there is a store called Flip Your Closet in Nags Head. They have very lovely things but I don’t shop there very often because the prices are not in my favorite four dollar price range. But the clothes and jewelry and pocketbooks are gorgeous.
There are half a dozen other stores up and down the beach; I make the rounds whenever I can. 🙂
Another great style post! I’m always impressed by what you can do with clothes. Thanks for sharing your knowledge in a practical, down-to-earth way!
Deb
Deb,
I’m always happy if I can be the least little bit helpful to someone. Thanks for the encouragement!
Wow, what a difference with that coral skirt when paired with different jackets. That really brings home what one can do with Level two pieces.
Very practical advice for all budgets.
Big issue I have is the need for long sleeve tops and long pants that are also cool fabrics in a hot humid climate due to severe bug bite allergy. All the sprays and potions do little good, but covering seems to work. But don’t want to look like the bee keeper or in a haz-mat type job. Looking for harem pants and other gauzy items.
Cath,
I know, right? Level 2 clothes are amazing in their versatility.
And no, looking like a bee keeper or a haz-mat worker are probably not the looks we are going for. (The descriptions DID make me smile, though.) 🙂
That has definitely got to be a challenge to find cool, body-covering items in a hot climate. You’re definitely on the right track with gauzy, “floaty” things, i.e., harem pants. I truly admire your can -do attitude in facing that clothing challenge.
jewellery : that’s a new one for me.
I think British folks say “jewelery”
and i’ve always said “jewelry”.
btw, sometimes size 2 is waaay too big for me, too. of course, there is an “X” on the right of the “2”.
Mrs. Pam,
I guess Australians have a whole different way of spelling it? I’ve never seen that spelling either.
Your 2 with an X beside it definitely gave me a smile today. 🙂
You always look good in everything you wear. I want to work on more outfits. I usually wear slacks or jeans (now Capri or crops) because I am retired. Wear dresses on Sunday morning to church. I have started changing tops with my one black skirt. Lots of black, navy, and brown slacks though I do have summer capris in white, tan, navy and black. They are especially good for travel. Thanks for all your tips. Must find some thrift stores here at Atlantic Beach this week. I have too many t-shirts.
Ann,
Sounds like you have a great selection of solid, basic pieces in your wardrobe–black, navy, brown, white, tan. Wow! Lots of mixing and matching fun.
Hope you find some thrift stores you love!