Looking Good Isn't Just for Celebrities and Beauty Queens - Embrace in Your Everyday Life

In a world filled with glossy magazines, glamorous red carpet events, and perfectly curated Instagram feeds, it's easy to fall into the trap of believing that looking good is a privilege reserved only for celebrities and beauty queens. However, the truth is far more profound and relatable—it's about confidence, self-expression, and embracing our unique style in everyday life.

Having spent a decade in the media and pageant industry, I have witnessed countless transformations - development of inner virtues and outer glow-ups. It's easy to be misled into thinking that appearances or style or image or personal branding (I may use these terms synonymously) are only important for the surface value, and exclusive for public figures. Let me share with you how I have seen the power and value of looking good be translated in real life, through my own stories and those whom I have come across.

*This is a AI-generated image

Dispelling the Myth of Looking Good isn't for Your Everyday Life

The common misconception that looking good is frivolous or shallow couldn't be further from reality. Wanting to look good isn't just about vanity; it's about feeling good, which then leads to exuding confidence and positively impacting our interactions and experiences.

Even with this being said, you are perfectly fine for being vain and wanting to look good, even for its frivolous reasons. The appreciation for beauty is instinctive, and some may argue it's for survival. After all, throughout history, humans have been drawn to aesthetics as a sign of health, vitality, and genetic fitness. Let your quest for beauty not be condemned by the restraints of society and embrace this journey for what it is—a celebration of self-expression and personal confidence.

So, let's debunk this myth together and explore how looking good benefits individuals from all walks of life, shaping your confidence, interactions, and overall well-being in profound ways.

1. Professionals: Making Waves in the Boardroom

Imagine yourself stepping into a high-stakes boardroom meeting. Would you prefer to fade into the background or seize attention with your confident demeanour and impeccable style? Professionals who dress well not only feel more confident but are also perceived as more competent and trustworthy by their colleagues and clients. Let me help you see things clearer here. If you are a K-drama lover, visualise how your favourite Chaebol ((재벌) refers to a large conglomerate or business group in South Korea) oppa, or unnie, dresses and styles themselves as they walk into the boardroom and have all colleagues swooning after them. Think or watch the latest blockbuster show, "Queen of Tears," if you need a reference. My Hyun-woo oppa and Hae-in unnie~

*Queen of Tears poster (Twitter/tvN)

This concept, commonly known as power dressing, is a strategic approach employed by executives and professionals to project an aura of authority through their appearance, garnering attention and respect. A refined appearance is akin to superheroes donning their iconic costumes—it symbolises identity and makes a commanding statement, much like what you would aim for in a boardroom setting.

2. Job Seekers: Dressing the Part for Your Career

As someone navigating the competitive job market, your appearance plays a crucial role in making a lasting impression. Dressing professionally for interviews and networking events not only boosts your self-assurance but also signals to potential employers that you take yourself, and the work, seriously. Studies indicate that job candidates who dress well are more likely to receive job offers and advance in their careers.

Dr. Robert Cialdini's Seven Principles of Persuasion include the "Principle of Liking," which emphasizes the importance of similarity, compliments, and cooperation in building rapport. Applying this principle to dressing for your next job interview or networking event involves researching the dress codes, brand colours, and style preferences of the company, while also incorporating your personal style. By doing so, you will naturally show up with more confidence, demonstrating your attention to detail and sincerity, qualities that resonate positively with employers.

*Dr. Robert Cialdini's Seven Principles of Persuasion (Influence at Work)

3. Students and Young Professionals: Building a Habit

Whether you're a college student or a young professional, your appearance can influence how you're perceived by peers, professors, and potential mentors. Dressing well isn't just about following trends; it's about cultivating confidence, self-respect, and a positive self-image.

Truth be told, my staple wardrobe during my university days consisted of FBT shorts (a popular brand of sports shorts), tees, and flip flops (which I "upgraded" to Birkenstocks slip-ons at one point). It was comfortable, especially when school felt like home in the dormitory. However, as I moved out of the dormitory and started traveling longer distances, I gradually became more dressy and learned about styles and personal grooming (yes, you can learn to be stylish). The changes were incremental, involving little bits and pieces of experimentation and utilizing my time and resources to build a more professional or less casual wardrobe. Taking the effort to dress up every morning for school undoubtedly helped me show up more attentively and focused during lectures—it's also a mood lifter! Try doing this tomorrow as you dress for school or work; dress with intentions!

4. Individuals in the Dating Scene: Making a Stylish Entrance

Can you guess how long it takes to form a first impression? 5 minutes, 30 seconds, or maybe just a split second? Regardless of the time frame, we all have an internal system that curates a first impression. According to studies, within the first seven seconds of meeting someone, a person will conclude if you are confident, interested, trustworthy, aloof, friend, lover, or foe.

In the world of dating and relationships, first impressions matter. When you feel good about how you look, you naturally radiate confidence and authenticity, making you more attractive to potential partners. Picture this scenario: you're waiting in a cafe to meet your date for the very first time. Someone shabbily dressed walks in versus someone who is well-polished, neat, and kempt. Who would you be more keen to keep the conversation going with? As you expect this of others, others will similarly expect the same from you. Of course, there are other cues to making a good first impression (which we can discuss another time), but for now, let's start with dressing well to make a stylish entrance!

5. Everyday Individuals: Self-Care and Empowerment

Beyond professional settings and social events, looking good is an act of self-care and empowerment. Taking pride in your appearance, experimenting with fashion, and expressing your unique style are powerful forms of self-expression and self-love. Ultimately, you are doing this not for anyone else but yourself. After all, who are you going to spend the rest of your life with? Yourself!

Discover the joy of dressing up for everyday moments, from grocery runs to family gatherings. Looking good shouldn't be reserved just for special occasions but should serve as a daily reminder of your worth and individuality. As Gillian Dunn said in one of my favorite TED talks, "Don't let your candle melt in your closet." Her talk, "Change Your Closet, Change Your Life," is a motivating reminder that life is too short to save your "special" outfits for "special" occasions.

Conclusion: Embracing Your Style Journey

In conclusion, looking good isn't a luxury; it's a mindset, a form of self-expression, and a celebration of individuality. Whether you're dressing for success in the boardroom, navigating the dating scene, or simply embracing your personal style, remember that confidence is your best accessory. Learning a trick or two about making yourself look good and feel better will be your first step, and maybe for some, a reminder to keep going on this journey.

So, go ahead—rock that outfit, flaunt that style, and own every moment with confidence and authenticity. Because when you look good, you feel good, and that's a beautiful journey worth embracing every day!

Now, who's ready to slay the day in their favorite outfit? Let's do this! 💃🕺