Styling tool series: finding your style words & style persona | Episode 13 | Sustain This Podcast

What is the magic that makes someone “stylish” or not? We think confidence in oneself and owning your aesthetic preferences plays a big role. In today’s episode, Alyssa, Christina and Signe discuss the popular 3 Word Method - an idea made popular by the talented New York based stylist, Allison Bornstein - and how it can inform better slow fashion decisions.
MENTIONS
► Allison Bornstein: IG & TT: @allisonbornstein6
► Amy Smilovic: IG & TT: @amysmilovic
► Ramit Sethi: www.iwillteach...
► Part 1 Style Series: Colour Analysis Episode
► Part 2 Style Series: Body Type Episode
If you have any questions, topic requests or guests you'd like to see on the show, send us a DM over on Instagram @sustainthis_podcast or an email at [e-mail]
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SIGNE HANSEN
KZbin: / @useless_dk
Website: www.uselesswar...
IG: / useless_dk
TT: / useless_wardrobe
CHRISTINA MYCHAS
KZbin: / @christinamychas
Website: www.minimalist...
IG: / christina.mychas
TT: / christina.mychas
ALYSSA BELTEMPO
KZbin: / @alyssabeltempo
Website: msbeltempo.com/
IG: / msbeltempo
TT: / msbeltempo
If you loved this episode please share it on your stories and tag us! We love to see which episodes resonate with you and it helps to spread the word more than you know, xo

[@gabylozoya-zy3ki]

I’m 55, and a grandmother of 6! I love learning from all 3 of you. I lost my sense of style during COVID, and then menopause hit me, and my sense of style hit rock bottom, but thanks to you all I’ve been able to find my sense of style again, and it’s made me feel so good about myself! Thank you!

[@14MellyJo]

My three words are: minimalist, classic and clean. I would say my modifier is: soft. Having knowledge of this has made curating my wardrobe so much easier. Thank you ladies 💕💕💕

[@lorileslie8830]

Another great podcast (video)! I use clarifiers with my words. For example: feminine (not frilly), tailored (not stiff) and classic (not dated).

[@AlexLouiseWest]

Ah yes good idea!

[@tracypatil8841]

Great idea👍

[@goldengrace2833]

I'm finally settling on artistic (instead of maximalist), elegant and gentle. It's definitely helping my intentionality. I love that elegant and artistic are a little bit at odds with each other - it keeps things interesting and adds that tension you discuss.

[@melaniemcneil407]

I keyed in on the word "sporty" for myself but wasn't sure why that resonates with me. I looked up connotations for the word and it refers to things like active, energetic, adventurous, casual, youthful... That works! I want to convey all those things. So my 3 words are sporty, classic, and interesting.

[@carolcox9443]

I’m finding that my words work in all areas of my life. I’m an artist and designer, and most recently, I’ve redecorated my home, and embarked upon an abstract painting journey. My three words-ease, freedom, and edge, work perfectly within those areas, as well as with my wardrobe choices.

[@AlexLouiseWest]

Interesting and I can relate to that 🙂

[@tracypatil8841]

I love your 3 words❤️

[@muaythaigirl1612]

Loved this video (and the entire podcast series plus your individual channels!) ❤ I have been following all three of you for about the past year as I adjusted to working remotely permanently in a new job after having had a baby during the pandemic. Needless to say that when I started, my closet had a mix of solid pieces that I love and now wear often, the fantasy self pieces (including those that I wasn't going to get back into post-baby), the 'just in case' pieces that I realized weren't going to get used, and three pieces that are sentimental that I will never get rid of (even if I don't wear them often). Now, my closet is in a much better state and I've acquired some really cool and unique vintage or second-hand pieces that, with some help from an amazing seamstress, have closed the gaps in my closet or replaced items that I can't fit into anymore but are core to my style. Thank you for this podcast and your individual channels, and keep the fantastic content coming!

[@donnalebeau2888]

I have watched all of you for years - Signe - you were the first KZbin video I ever watched! As a mother of 3, Nonna to two little boys, former school principal - retired this month - I look forward to watching your videos and being thoughtful about my purchases and my style and how my style may adapt as I embrace this new chapter in my life! Thank you!

[@marvawiebe4364]

I really like the ideas of considering your 3 words as styling tools or guideposts. They can really help to keep you from buying something you later regret, that you feel "I don't know why I bought this - it really isn't me." My 3 words are laid-back, natural, and flamboyant. The term laid-back means more to me than just relaxed, it includes a kind of cool, independent vibe. Natural is because I wear almost entirely natural fibers. The flamboyant piece is the little touch of pizazz that completes the my look.

[@kathyffarney-keck8593]

I love that you all delved into a more nuanced way of using the 3 words. I can identify one of my three words with 2 of my personal arctypes; the poet and the healer. I'm drawn to a loose and flowing style but in a minimal way. I don't like to be constricted.

[@IllustrateLucy]

I love this. I agree it’s so important that the words resonate with you, and it doesn’t matter if they’re obvious to others, it’s how you interpret them. For example, I think my words would be; comfortable, simple, elegant. But what elegant means to me and how it marries with my other two words becomes very pared back, it might not always be noticeable. I don’t think anyone would point at me across a bar and think, ‘that woman looks elegant.’ It’s more of an undercurrent to my other words and not just dressing as I stereotypically perceive to be ‘elegance’ because that would feel too costumey. I have to make room for my comfort and simple living side - also for someone else the word elegant might evoke bridgerton dresses, or sleek old money or old Hollywood starlet - it could mean any of those things. Even someone else with the exact same words would interpret them differently and their version would be unique ☺️

[@tracypatil8841]

So true, that's what I struggle with is your words being a little too much and obvious, they need nuance😊

[@colleencc7]

I started listening to this podcast fairly recently (spring 2024) but came back to this earlier podcast because you guys keep on referring to the “3 words” and I wanted to hear the original full discussion. I have had a pretty clear idea of my style for most of my life (in my mid fifties now) but I still can’t quite pin it down to *ONLY* three words! For the past several years though, I have been using an “imaginary” woman (which I have named, lol) as my own personal style icon and when I am trying to decide on a look or a piece of clothing in a store (or website) I ask myself if she would wear it. I now need to figure out “her” three words….. This concept is actually pretty brilliant though you guys - thank you so much for sharing this!

[@wlandhood]

How can you not love these girls? Each episode is like a tasteful bite. 🧁🥂

[@sandiscalmanini8096]

Love your series. Oh so many nuggets of relatable current fashion conversations you provide me. Please consider Interviewing MM designs about up coming runway likes and dislikes. The commentary all together would be so engaging and entertaining. Light hearted funny convo. I feel better on the daily getting dressed, getting my weekly rack ready, as well as, last minute outings for happenings away from home are fun not dreading because of you. I got the trifecta so my sustainable fashion wardrobe feelings No Buy year is extraordinary. Oh so much learning. sporty ♥️ feminine ♎️ relaxed are my 3 word style cornerstones.

[@visionofewe]

My three style words are warm colors, versatility (I work from home for over 8 years but I'm in grad school so my lifestyle and workwear may change), and texture (visual or actual). It was interesting how you all visualized/organized your three words. I visualize them in a venn diagram and the size of each circle or degree of overlap would signify the dominance/balance of individual items, a look, or or my current season closet. Not only does it help with purchases but also what to keep/get rid of. It saves me from purging even if it just checks one of the style words as I can match it with items that match more or the other style words. Great video ❤

[@jdavery9684]

I suspect that our three words don’t change so much over a life time but the way we interpret those words does. Eg. my words are cool casual and considered but the way I interpret cool at 59 is very different to how I would have interpreted it 20-30 years ago. Nowadays cool often just means not frumpy 😂

[@AlexLouiseWest]

Really good point.

[@suzan_bond]

Loved this one. Identifying my three words helped me buy less by having more hits and less misses in my wardrobe. It's also stopped the buying and returning cycle! Although I just recently identified my three words (timeless playful ease) looking back I can see the threads going back for many years. Now when I look in my closet I smile because I love my options. I also find it easier to make outfits.

[@AlexLouiseWest]

Love this. My main style word is sea, which for me includes Natural-Ethereal essence, cool muted palette, loose structure and an attempt to minimise my environmental impact. But for someone else it might mean nautical stripes, which don’t work on me.

[@danishpastry6137]

Just discovered your podcasts, which is crazy as I watch all three of you on you tube! I love how you say that's its not just the word, but what that word means to you. One of my words is timeless, purely because I feel classic feels too conservative. My others are relaxed (but casual could be an option), and intentional (because I like to repeat style elements). I love the idea of dialing up or down on the style elements, and the style personna (I definitely have a hobo vibe in the summer, but never in the colder months).

[@sandiscalmanini8096]

❤ you 3! My style words are Sporty, feminine and svelte-fitted.

[@MoonlitSunflower]

It might be helpful if you expand on this. The ideas that come to mind for me are casual, comfortable, and feminine. Casual and comfortable are the dominating key words, femine is how I like to dress when I dress up. I like a flowy skirt with a casual top or a cardigan, tank, and leggings with boots. Jeans + t shirt + cardigan. Colorful long sleeve + jeans. So much of this just sounds casual and comfortable. I don't know a more descriptive word / label to use. I think what has been the most useful styling tool for me is thinking of the clothes in my closet as a wardrobe and how they interact with each other rather than just buying individual pretty pieces. Thinking of my colors has been really helpful, too. Primarily, I think of blue as the anchor color in my wordrobe, but I still enjoy other jewel tones like emerald green and burgandy. It is nice to consider how these colors work together. In general, I think the jewel tones look better when they're not mixed (at least with clothing.) So it's good for me to have black tank tops and cardigans to mix with them. I'd be happy to wear an emerald green earring with a sapphire blue top, though.

[@AlexLouiseWest]

I like that last idea about the earrings and the top 🙂

[@tanyal7122]

Love this conversation. ❤

[@jennifercarr8858]

My three words, after so much deliberation, are effortless, refined and earthy. With modifiers of whimsical and vintage. Still trying to figure out these show up in my wardrobe and how to keep new purchases in line with them

[@debrawells-hopey1980]

I've been thinking about this!! I think 40% minimal (3 peices tops, no ruffles or florals) 40% modern (not trendy, but I think of modern as a Scandi/tailored vibe) and 20% quirky - like an unusual bracelet or maybe an exaggerated cat eye...

[@natashadavies9569]

I love the three word method as a way to consider your style (mine are perhaps boyish, quality and moveable): i won't get much wear out of an item for bottoms if i have to fret about its hardiness, i wont touch anything not 100% natural fibres unless the addition is for stretch and i feel most feminine in items which arent too girly). Because the words can be so broad through i rely more on concepts than adjectives when it comes to playing and also not making shopping errors. My concept words, that reflect the outfits i feel most me and good in, are French Cowboy with the band. Concept words remind me of the stories Amanda Harlech and John Gallinano used to tell to inspire his collections

[@brendaashton6428]

Great video ladies! Super helpful. Comment re: the bohemian dress. I agree with Christina. I think the decisive piece is "What is the dominant descriptor of the item?" If it is too strongly aligned contrary to your vibe it doesn't matter what other terms you can apply to it. If it is more subtle, then you can dissect it for its component traits. Just love listening to your varied approaches to style.

[@vickyw1740]

❤loving all the series so far plus your own personal you tube videos are all fabulous, love listening to real honest advice and have learnt lots from you all.👏

[@bogdem9610]

I remember that dress and my first thought when I saw it on you was no. For me I saw the colour as being wrong on you, but maybe it was in combination with the other aspects you mentioned. . Loved this conversation. I think through a bit of trial and error (frills and lace - what was I thinking!) our style words are innately there and we do figure them out. Mine are classic, minimal, relaxed (hence no frills and lace in my wardrobe).

[@stylestrategywithdee]

Ladies, this was a very insightful and fun listen! I am not a minimalist but I am an intentional shopper. This gave me a good video idea for my channel. Keep the excellent content coming! ❤

[@LisaThinksALot]

I definitely feel like my style words have built up throughout the years -- and now that I've got all three layering up, I really feel like I've nailed it

[@lizzy240515]

Another azmazing video! I always learn something new from all three of you ladies! I can't narrow it down to three words just yet but my words so far are casual, timeless,effortless, minimal, feminine, classy, and chíc🙂 When I'm shopping I usually just think about all of my words and see which word or words that piece of clothing goes with and how I can make multiple outfits with what I already have. This helps alot and prevents me from impulsive shopping.

[@zuzzzap]

Thanks to the 3 of You I recently came up with my 3 words, which would be: colourful, laid back and (somewhat) chic :) Love Ya Guys!

[@Patricia-te2we]

Love this! Thankful this time for the algo. I subscribe to all 3 of you.

[@tinylittlebutstillalion4101]

Yes, i was like, what Instrument does signe play 😂😂 so glad you asked. Love your Podcast and all of your channels. I have been subscribed to All of you for years, i think Signes channel was the first, because i am danish but live in switzerland❤

[@suann9790]

Do you follow Naja Sierra too? She is also danish and lives in Zurich and has a channel about her style journey 😊

[@tinylittlebutstillalion4101]

@@suann9790 hi, yes i do, i think that she does it in a different way, but i still find her wiews interesting.

[@agelessglamournotyourmamas688]

I think my three words now are comfort, put together and feminine. Not sure put together is a word on its own but I think chic fits as well. Thanks!😊

[@flamingofan5411]

I definitely have one word, Chill. To me that is a mix of casual, minimal, and cool, but always with messy hair.

[@MPOTX]

Thanks. Great topic!

[@janicevin4207]

I also like interior design and decor so I am influenced by the words to define interior decor styles: I decided I am a casual chic japandi! I like the minimalist Scandinavian style with some influences of Japanese style in the shapes…

[@pdk9903]

I tried the 3-word method, but I feel I'm better off with more descriptors; I would now say my style is "casually masculine and joyfully quirky". Love this discussion, thanks for the great content!

[@Ophelia441]

I agree…and I also do a pretty substantial pivot depending on if it’s spring/summer or fall/winter. Vintage 70s California Romanticism is my spring/summer vibe and 1920s British Librarian/Academia is my fall/winter vibe.

[@pdk9903]

@@Ophelia441 this is so accurate! My style mood defo chsnges with the seasons a bitm I'm more preppy casual in summer and relaxed jeans-centered in winter. 😊

[@yayak6799]

I’m borrowing bombshell. I used to say sultry but I think I like bombshell more. Because the hair. Lol. Bombshell, dark feminine (not girly), and earthy.

[@elizabethguilford7310]

I'd be curious to hear if anyone style words or modifiers tend to change with the seasons? I think my three style words would be eclectic, effortless, and edgy. But in the winter when it's cold, I love to throw in some sporty elements too.

[@Nushka23]

Mine do too. I think my three words generally are smart, casual and elegant, but in the summer I’d definitely add in ‘free’.

[@mariawelling4194]

Please let us know where to find the Eagle tee-shirt. It's awesome.. Thank you!

[@martinevanheijnsbergen8929]

You mean, the t-shirt Signe wears often? That’s a shirt from Anine Bing. Try Vestiaire collective or Vinted. Maybe they have it second hand.

[@christianegrimard6555]

Ok Signe you have to come to Toronto one day and I will reserve my color session with you even If I have to drive the 6 hours ride of care to participate… come on girls you can organise that event…❤ we want to meet you in real life, before the pandemic Alyssa you had organise an event in Montreal to meet you ! Let’s do it 🙏🙏🙏

[@elizabethwaldorf9275]

Sometimes we can't see ourselves as clearly as someone else (with a critical eye) is able to. It would be fun to hear you describe each other's three words. Or what is one additional adjective can you give to each other? You might discover something new about yourselves!

[@BettyJeffers-rz6ug]

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[@nicolemoreland6257]

📦