Now or Never

Look your best, feel your best

During the pandemic many of us have paid less attention to our looks. But can looking good make you feel good?

During the pandemic many of us have paid less attention to our looks. But can looking good make you feel good?

Before and after: Trevor and Ify spent 24 hours seeing if elevating their looks could also change their moods. Did it work? (CBC/Trevor Dineen and Ify Chiwetelu )

The pandemic has changed our lives in so many ways, but a big one is the way we dress and present ourselves. How much effort do you really need to put into your appearance if you're mostly working from home and wearing a mask everywhere you go?

On this episode of Now or Never, meet people who've discovered the power and joy of looking good — whether it's a knock 'em dead outfit, the perfect haircut, or celebrating the body they're in. 

When Ardra Shephard was diagnosed with MS, she was disappointed there weren't any images — in fashion or the media — of people using their mobility aids and looking stylish. So she decided to change the narrative.

Mpho Begin spent decades fighting her naturally curly, grey hair. But after years of relaxing, braiding, and dying her hair, her hair was literally starting to fall out. Then she discovered a virtual community of "Silver Sisters," who cheered her on as she started to reclaim her natural grey hair — and unlearn Western beauty standards.

When it comes to style, Tyler Nelson feels stuck. At the age of 30, he still wears the same plaid shirts and jeans he did in high school... and people are starting to notice. Now or Never stages a style intervention to get him out of his comfort zone.  

Growing up, Rajah Maggay didn't feel that connected to her Filipino identity. But one day this summer, Rajah put on a traditional high-shouldered Filipina dress and strutted into her work at Edmonton City Hall. Not only did it boost her confidence on a day she really needed it, it's also changing her relationship with her culture and her community. 

Blythe Bonnyman was born with a misaligned jaw, and for the past 29 years it's the one thing she's most self-conscious about. She slowly started accepting herself in all her uniqueness, but now an upcoming jaw surgery is about to change the face she's grown to love.

Erasmus McRae-Okine knows that a haircut can be a powerful thing, especially for folks who can't access them. Every week he shows up to a youth centre in Edmonton and gives out free haircuts — but it's not just about the cut, it's about the confidence that comes with it.

And Trevor and Ify decide to ditch their work-from-home uniform of sweatpants and hair bonnets for a day, and put on dress shirts and a fresh coat of makeup instead. Find out how their families reacted (spoiler alert: not the way you would expect), and if these instant glow-ups actually elevated their moods.