Podcast Title: Sustain This!
Episode: How Our Style Has Evolved Over the Years
Release Date: November 12, 2024
Hosts: Alyssa Beltempo, Christina Mychas, & Signe Hansen

Introduction

In this engaging episode of Sustain This!, hosts Alyssa Beltempo, Christina Mychas, and Signe Hansen delve into a personal discussion about the evolution of their personal styles over the years. They explore how age, confidence, and life changes influence one's approach to fashion and mindful consumption.

Early Style Influences and High School

The conversation kicks off with reflections on early fashion memories, particularly during high school—a pivotal time for many in developing their personal style.

Signe Hansen shares her high school experience:

"High school is always a great starting point, at least for me, because I feel like that's where I moved away from home and you start managing your own money entirely and what you spend your money on, what kind of clothes you buy." [01:43]

She emphasizes how gaining financial independence allowed her to experiment more with her wardrobe:

"I was very experimental at that. I definitely had an emo phase where I had like a lip ring and some piercings." [02:20]

Christina Mychas echoes similar sentiments, discussing her early teens:

"My early teens career was very similar to Sina. Like a lot of band tees... super chunky streaky highlights... jeans and Harley tees were a big element." [04:29]

Experimentation and Influences of Music

Music plays a significant role in shaping the hosts' styles during their formative years.

Christina recounts her musical influences:

"I was more influenced by music like Red Hot Chili Peppers, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden." [04:47]

Signe mentions her first band tee was from the Backstreet Boys at age 12, highlighting the eclectic mix of her early style inspirations:

"My first band tee was a Backstreet Boys tee. I remember that when I was 12." [05:14]

The hosts discuss how music trends and band merchandise often dictate fashion choices during youth, leading to vibrant and bold style statements.

Transition to Corporate Style

A pivotal moment in the discussion is Alyssa's transition to corporate attire when she began her first job at a bank:

"I saw all these corporate women with shift dresses and matching blazers and wanted to emulate that by wearing color to the office." [07:21]

Despite initial experimentation, Alyssa found herself gravitating back to a more structured wardrobe:

"I started wearing what I liked—tailored trousers, button-up shirts, pencil skirts, and high-heeled pumps." [08:40]

This section highlights the challenge of balancing personal style with professional expectations, a common theme among many professionals.

Development of Signature Styles and Personal Identity

As the hosts grew more confident in their personal style, they began to articulate their unique fashion identities.

Signe explains her style evolution after styling sessions:

"My style words are soft, minimal, and cool. 'Cool' helps me integrate edgy elements like bad T-shirts in a more subtle way." [12:07]

Christina discusses finding her style uniform through decluttering:

"Decluttering helped me see patterns and through lines in what I truly wanted to keep, allowing me to curate my style more effectively." [22:23]

Alyssa reflects on her consistency and comfort with her style:

"Once I find something I like, I don't feel the need to experiment or seek other options." [25:32]

The hosts emphasize the importance of self-acceptance and owning one's style choices, moving away from external pressures to conform.

Evolving Styles without Excessive Shopping

Sustainable fashion and mindful consumption are central to the hosts' approach in evolving their styles without overindulging in shopping.

Christina offers practical advice:

"Start by experimenting with what you already have. Play around with proportions, silhouettes, and accessories to breathe new life into your wardrobe." [15:24]

She highlights the role of accessories, shoes, and even hair and makeup in transforming outfits without the need for constant new purchases:

"Accessories and shoes are great tools to evolve your style. They allow you to make significant changes without buying entirely new outfits." [15:24]

Self-Acceptance and Confidence in Personal Style

A key takeaway from the episode is the journey toward self-trust and confidence in one's style choices.

Alyssa shares her struggle and growth:

"It's okay if I only like a simple V-neck sweater. I'm happy with what I have." [25:44]

Signe reinforces the strength in personal contentment:

"It's a strength when you can be like, no, I don't need to try everything. Trusting yourself is empowering." [26:04]

The hosts encourage listeners to embrace their unique styles unapologetically, highlighting that true style evolution is rooted in self-awareness and acceptance.

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with an invitation for listeners to reflect on their own style journeys. The hosts encourage sharing personal stories and engage with their community through various platforms. They reiterate the importance of mindful consumption and finding joy in a curated, intentional wardrobe.

Alyssa concludes:

"We hope you join us again next Tuesday where we'll talk about so much more than clothes." [27:13]

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Signe Hansen: "High school is always a great starting point... what kind of clothes you buy." [01:43]
• Alyssa Beltempo: "I started wearing what I liked—tailored trousers, button-up shirts, pencil skirts, and high-heeled pumps." [08:40]
• Christina Mychas: "Start by experimenting with what you already have... Accessories and shoes are great tools to evolve your style." [15:24]
• Alyssa Beltempo: "It's okay if I only like a simple V-neck sweater. I'm happy with what I have." [25:44]

Key Takeaways

• Personal Growth Influences Style: As individuals age and gain confidence, their style naturally evolves to reflect their personal growth and changing life circumstances.

• Mindful Consumption: Emphasizing the importance of experimenting with existing wardrobe pieces and using accessories to refresh one's style without excessive shopping.

• Self-Acceptance: Embracing and owning one's unique style leads to more authentic and sustained fashion choices, fostering a sense of confidence and contentment.

• Sustainable Practices: Decluttering and curating a wardrobe based on personal preference supports sustainable fashion practices and reduces waste.

Join the Conversation:
Share your own style evolution stories and connect with the Sustain This! community on Instagram @SustainThisPodcast. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast on your favorite platform to support future episodes!