The phrase Knowledge Is Power usually refers to fields of study or crucial information that, once made accessible, can lift a person out of ignorance and into empowerment. Traditionally, types of knowledge that lead to empowerment are academic (i.e., science, philosophy, literature, law) or practical information (i.e., how to apply to college or how to advocate for yourself with health insurance companies).
Yet rarely, if ever, do we see “Knowledge Is Power” applied to appearance, style, self-presentation, fashion or beauty.
Despite a significant body of social science research demonstrating that appearance does matter and a well-established, credible cannon of knowledge delineating the science and art of mastering appearance (developed by the Image Consulting and Fashion Styling fields), style does not get a seat at the knowledge-worth-knowing table. Never mind that research has repeatedly shown that a well-crafted appearance can lead to crucial improved life outcomes in both relationship and career domains–two areas humans’ value most. Instead, style is so often seen as “fluff,” a superficial interest driven by narcissistic self-obsession, when it is really a key component of human behavior that significantly impacts both relationship and career success.
What would happen if we elevated the importance of style and treated it as a body of knowledge that could empower us in all domains of our lives? To this end, we invite you to begin to think specifically and strategically about how style, appearance, fashion, and self-presentation could lead to better life outcomes for you. For example, What aspects of your life do you think could flourish more if you knew how to optimize your appearance? What are your short-term and long-term life goals and how might having mastery over your appearance support you in achieving these goals? What is one style/appearance related topic you would like to actively learn about and implement right away?
By considering these questions we begin to take style seriously, rescuing it from the realm of fluff and restoring it to its rightful identity: the aspect of human dignity pertaining to how we present ourselves to the world. Now that’s Style Knowledge that Is Power!