https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anyone-watch-what-not-to-wear-tlc-show-helpful-harsh-thoughts Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 05 Apr 2026 15:28:01 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anyone-watch-what-not-to-wear-tlc-show-helpful-harsh-thoughts/page/2#post-488803 Thu, 15 Dec 2011 18:35:35 +0000 Anonymous 488803@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm a WNTW fan, but don't watch the show as much as I used to. That's mainly because after years of being a SAHM, I now have a full-time job outside the home. While Stacy and Clinton can come across as cruel and heartless, I think the intention is to get these people to understand why their clothing choices don't work or are not appropriate, and get them to want to change. The show has been a big help for my teenaged and college-aged daughters, who need guidance on what to wear but don't always ask me. My daughters and I love the hair and makeup portion of the show the best. Carmindy is a miracle worker. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anyone-watch-what-not-to-wear-tlc-show-helpful-harsh-thoughts/page/2#post-488616 Thu, 15 Dec 2011 15:04:18 +0000 Turkey Vulture 488616@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I absolutely love this show, but I have a pretty wicked sense of humor and I laugh loudest when people are poking fun at me. Not everybody feels the same about friendly ribbing, I know. </p> <p>Like Claire, I started being aware of how my dressing habits were making me feel about myself and how they were making the rest of the world see me when I started watching this show. And for that reason, I love it, and still do! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anyone-watch-what-not-to-wear-tlc-show-helpful-harsh-thoughts/page/2#post-482558 Tue, 06 Dec 2011 23:23:49 +0000 Meredith1953 482558@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have watched WNTW for years. Most of the time I find it informative although a little predictable. Still their advice seems pretty solid. I also watch Tim Gunn's Style program. Very different approaches from both shows but I like them both even if Clinton and Stacy can get a little snarky once in awhile. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anyone-watch-what-not-to-wear-tlc-show-helpful-harsh-thoughts/page/2#post-480239 Sat, 03 Dec 2011 18:35:05 +0000 lynne 480239@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I wish they still shared with the audience the "rules" that they sent off with the participant. That part added a bit more education to the whole show. It helped illustrate why certain looks work and others don't . </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anyone-watch-what-not-to-wear-tlc-show-helpful-harsh-thoughts/page/2#post-480000 Sat, 03 Dec 2011 04:52:46 +0000 Adrienne 480000@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have learned a lot from WNTW but think the thrashing the people get is sometimes a little over the top. The 'super cute' stewardess with the powty lips was my favorite episode. I have often worried I would be nominated because sometimes the nominees really thought they looked good and sometimes I get over confident and think I have it figured out and then I see a photograph of myself and the words in my head say "What was I thinking?" </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anyone-watch-what-not-to-wear-tlc-show-helpful-harsh-thoughts/page/2#post-452509 Wed, 26 Oct 2011 21:10:16 +0000 Laurie 452509@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>In my preYLF days there was WNTW -- which I had never heard of until I visited a friend in Atlanta, wearing a suit after a business meeting a few years ago, and her 17 year old daughter walked in and said, "That's so What Not to Wear!" - meaning it as a compliment, as it turned out.</p> <p>What I love about the show is that they have real women of all sizes, and they really focus on trying to bring out inner beauty and improving self-esteem and self-respect. That message can never be too formulaic for me in our society. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anyone-watch-what-not-to-wear-tlc-show-helpful-harsh-thoughts/page/2#post-452457 Wed, 26 Oct 2011 19:44:12 +0000 HelenInCanada 452457@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Aw, how sweet Kari! Your Dad sounds like a hoot.</p> <p>Chewy, I have never seen a follow-up episode (wish they did that regularly - just a brief clip at the end of a new ep would be good), but MaryK mentioned that Clinton Kelly - on Facebook - revealed about 1/3 of past particpants don't keep up the new &amp; improved style - in fact, reverting to square one. There are many interesting characters I would like to check in with - the eccentric twin sisters ("Activate!") and the music school director, for example, and too many others to list! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anyone-watch-what-not-to-wear-tlc-show-helpful-harsh-thoughts/page/2#post-452077 Wed, 26 Oct 2011 01:21:42 +0000 chewyspaghetti 452077@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I used to watch both the American and British versions, but didn't have TV for a long time. Now that we just got TV again, I am getting caught up. I'm like Carole, though- I often fast forward the whole first half. The drama is what makes for good TV, though. I think the formula's stay mostly the same, because they generally have clients who have a modern classic style and are not very adventurous in their wardrobe. I wish they would do a follow up show- didn't they do that once? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anyone-watch-what-not-to-wear-tlc-show-helpful-harsh-thoughts/page/2#post-452051 Wed, 26 Oct 2011 00:39:42 +0000 nancylee 452051@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Kari, that story about your dad is fantastic! So sweet. </p> <p>Janet, I do remember that Barbie doll flight attendant makeover on WNTW...so, so strange!</p> <p>Like a lot of you, I watched T&amp;S and then WNTW for years, but now that I've found YLF they all feel a bit formulaic.</p> <p>It seems like Stacey and Clinton used to be more adaptable style-wise in the beginning. Do you remember the two sisters from the Southwest who were really into yoga and natural living? I think S&amp;C did a great job respecting the sisters' lack of interest in mainstream fashion, and putting them into clothes that really fit their personalities and lifestyles. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anyone-watch-what-not-to-wear-tlc-show-helpful-harsh-thoughts/page/2#post-452032 Wed, 26 Oct 2011 00:09:25 +0000 tarzy 452032@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh my God, Kari. "While You Were Badly Dressed." I LOVE that. I would totally watch that show. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anyone-watch-what-not-to-wear-tlc-show-helpful-harsh-thoughts#post-452026 Wed, 26 Oct 2011 00:03:04 +0000 Kari 452026@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, and as an addendum - for a while, when I lived at home with my parents, we got my dad watching the show regularly with us, mainly as a way to spend time with his girls.<br /> He had trouble remembering the name at first - he started calling it "While You Were Badly Dressed" for a while - but then he started throwing out tidbits of fashion knowledge and advice in a way that really entertained us.<br /> For example, we gave him a button-down shirt and a sweater for Christmas a few years ago, and he said "Oh! Now I can try the *LAYERED* look!" We all thought that was hilarious and cute. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anyone-watch-what-not-to-wear-tlc-show-helpful-harsh-thoughts#post-452023 Wed, 26 Oct 2011 00:00:49 +0000 Kari 452023@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>i don't watch it so much now that I don't have TV - only when I catch it at the gym - but I share a gripe with Helen in Canada. While most of the style advice is fine, the outfits and fashion choices seem to be geared mainly towards East Coast/Manhattan business casual style, and are less flexible at incorporating current trends. That's not to say that I don't enjoy the show, but I feel like I learn a lot more from Angie, Imogen, Sally, and other stylist/style bloggers that help us identify trends (current, past, fringe) in a way that we can actually choose what to incorporate and what to bypass in our everyday style.<br /> That being said, I got a lot out of the show for a long period of time pre-YLF, and I definitely still like watching it from time to time. But it's no longer my primary style source. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anyone-watch-what-not-to-wear-tlc-show-helpful-harsh-thoughts#post-451769 Tue, 25 Oct 2011 17:17:06 +0000 HelenInCanada 451769@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>P.S. MaryK - I'd always wondered how many participants were able to maintain the new style quotient! 1/3 actually slide back to their original slump?....too bad! Let's face it - it takes personal motivation, effort, time, and $$$ (for the saavy &amp; smart cookies, less so!) The transformation needs to be genuinely wanted and accepted for the value it gives. It's an unfortunate waste of great clothes and advice...maybe they misread the person's motive or lifestyle. Hope they donate them to people who will actually use them! Grrrr. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anyone-watch-what-not-to-wear-tlc-show-helpful-harsh-thoughts#post-451766 Tue, 25 Oct 2011 17:09:47 +0000 HelenInCanada 451766@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So much great insight here about why WNTW is popular! Great to hear some were inspired to step up the stylin' after watching, rather than run in horror...lol. Also, interesting comparisons to Trinny and Susannah - I think "bawdy" is a good way to describe them! I think my impression from the brief glimpse I had of them was gentler than the reality, but I remember they were sharp as tacks and funny as hell. Speaking of the devils, I believe they have a series called "Making Over America" on TLC. Got to find out when it's on.</p> <p>There are so many style shows that have followed WNTW...hard to keep up with them all! How to Look Naked (Janet, I heart Carson Kressley! - though we also had a Canadian version of the show), Style by Jury, Tim Gunn's Guide to Style, Style Her Famous, etc.! A student of style paradise if you get cable! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anyone-watch-what-not-to-wear-tlc-show-helpful-harsh-thoughts#post-451716 Tue, 25 Oct 2011 15:57:07 +0000 MsMary 451716@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm another WNTW lover! I probably have a dozen episodes on the DVR right now! Some years ago I used Stacy &amp; Clinton's advice as a template to step up my game from "just plain awful" to "reasonably presentable." But I agree with those who say that once you've drunk the YLF Kool-Aid, WNTW and its rules and formulae seem a little predictable.</p> <p>I am a fan of WNTW on Facebook, and Clinton recently posted that out of everybody they make over, 1/3 stick to it all the way, 1/3 stick to it to a lesser extent, and 1/3 go all the way back to their "before" style. I thought that was kind of shocking and sad. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anyone-watch-what-not-to-wear-tlc-show-helpful-harsh-thoughts#post-451660 Tue, 25 Oct 2011 14:30:25 +0000 Shu 451660@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Love it! And Claire, I still do wish for $5000 to spend on myself - I have actually asked F&amp;F to nominate me - you're clearly much more evolved! We haven't had cable in years though, so finding it when I'm staying at a hotel or something is a big treat. Their formula is predictable, and I actually haven't seen a ton of helpful advice on how to dress an hourglass (maybe I've been away too long?), but I really enjoy watching the process, how diffent people can look at the end, and it was one of the first things that helped me realize that I'm interested in fashion and was actually inspired to dress better by it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anyone-watch-what-not-to-wear-tlc-show-helpful-harsh-thoughts#post-451642 Tue, 25 Oct 2011 14:04:13 +0000 Janet 451642@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I watched the British version first, too, and I also enjoy T&amp;S. They are definitely more brutal than S&amp;C! </p> <p>Anybody ever see Carlton Kressley's show, "How to Look Good Naked"? Interesting approach to the body image/fashion makeover concept. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anyone-watch-what-not-to-wear-tlc-show-helpful-harsh-thoughts#post-451612 Tue, 25 Oct 2011 13:11:01 +0000 Fruitful 451612@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jonesy - bawdy is the exact word I was in search of! It's very British and it's a form of class levelling. Almost conspiratorial, like "we're all in on the joke together, girls!" Love it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anyone-watch-what-not-to-wear-tlc-show-helpful-harsh-thoughts#post-451609 Tue, 25 Oct 2011 13:03:42 +0000 Jonesy 451609@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, I agree that Stacey and Clinton are rather "white bread" in comparison to Susannah and Trinny. They are very entertaining, bawdy, and frank--I love them. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anyone-watch-what-not-to-wear-tlc-show-helpful-harsh-thoughts#post-451603 Tue, 25 Oct 2011 12:50:11 +0000 Fruitful 451603@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Maybe I'm too much of a fangirl, but I ♥ Trinny and Susannah, (except for their recent ODing on collagen/botox)! I have found the way they talk about women's bodies to be a case of using shock-based humour to create some objectivity; I have seen them often talk about their own bodies in the same way. Conversely, they will use the same brazenness to tell someone (no beating around the bush) she has attributes like "great tits"; legs etc. Someone who's obviously, say, a size 16, once they get her into a properly fitting bra and she criticises herself for back fat, they'll say "What back fat? I don't see back fat, all I see is your tiny waist".</p> <p>I have seen Trinny and Susannah break down crying while seeing somebody's transformation.</p> <p>Stacey and Clinton, in comparison with T &amp; S? Utter snoozefest. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anyone-watch-what-not-to-wear-tlc-show-helpful-harsh-thoughts#post-451592 Tue, 25 Oct 2011 12:26:29 +0000 Jonesy 451592@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, I remember her. She was quite memorable, with that omnipresent duck face she had going on, and that voice (and the part about seeming completely divorced from reality and her inner life).</p> <p>My SO and I watch the show regularly. I am most fascinated by the psychological transformations that usually occur; they start off with the typical "I never allow time or $ for myself" or "I'm still clinging to some happier time several decades ago" or "I refuse to grow up even though I'm 35" or "I wanna look sexxxxy for my man" or "I hate to shop; it's a wast of time and I can never find anything to fit me" then they usually discover that they can grow and change, become someone new, take themselves seriously, make time for themselves, etc. The clothes/hair are sort of a means to an end, not the end, if that makes sense. </p> <p>We always skip through Carmindy--she drives me batty. I don't think Stacey is that harsh--she has mellowed quite a bit over the years. And compared to Susannah and Trinny, they are super warm and fuzzy. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anyone-watch-what-not-to-wear-tlc-show-helpful-harsh-thoughts#post-451585 Tue, 25 Oct 2011 12:18:35 +0000 Janet 451585@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>BTW Did anyone see that episode with the flight attendant with the over-the-top "super cute" Barbie style? Whoo-eeee. When they tried to probe into why she hid behind all the hair and makeup, she just said, "Too deep!" </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anyone-watch-what-not-to-wear-tlc-show-helpful-harsh-thoughts#post-451582 Tue, 25 Oct 2011 12:14:31 +0000 Janet 451582@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm a fan, and even though the "rules" formula is a bit predictable, I do appreciate that they try to take the participants' lifestyles and personalitiles into account when helping them find new looks.</p> <p>I've read a few recaps by participants after their experience, and I think it's worth noting that they all say that C&amp;S are really very nice in person. I'm pretty sure the producers tell the participants at the beginning that there will be some trash talking of their wardrobes because snark makes for good TV. However, I think it's really important to note that they are criticizing the clothes, not the person -- in fact, they often try to coax the partiicpants into realizing how beautiful they really are. Almost every participant I've ever seen on the show has some sort of self-confidence issue hiding beneath the bad fashion. </p> <p>I learned a lot from it years ago, and I still enjoy watching, but I think it's particularly helpful to people who don't know about PPL or that everything in an outfit does not need to "match." </p> <p>Oh, and I want to go drinking with Clinton -- I think he'd be a blast! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anyone-watch-what-not-to-wear-tlc-show-helpful-harsh-thoughts#post-451562 Tue, 25 Oct 2011 11:15:07 +0000 Anonymous 451562@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I used to watch it a LOT till the cable company dropped TLC from their standard package. Yeah, it gets a little boring in the end, since is the same Formula . Nice fitting jeans, nice tops/blouses + a blazer. Heels can be comfy. No muffin top. bla bla bla. I like it though, and find that sometime a bit of tough love is necessary to get things done. Also , I read a blog post of a girl who went there and she seemed excited and not down about everything.<br /> I have bought the book ( kindle version ) and it is actually fun . I thought I would never do such style mistakes but I was guilty of pills on sweaters.<br /> I also liked his easy formula for a dress : V-neck , defined -high waist, flared skirt! ( Or something like that). It's a fun read of course, and yes he is the sarcastic type , but I take it lightly. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anyone-watch-what-not-to-wear-tlc-show-helpful-harsh-thoughts#post-451537 Tue, 25 Oct 2011 09:41:12 +0000 Lavinia 451537@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I enjoy Jay Manuel's Style Her Famous show much better than WNTW, because Jay is always gentle in pointing out the negative aspects of the "before". I also liked him in the Next Top Model series, where he came across as the most human of the judges and most sincere. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anyone-watch-what-not-to-wear-tlc-show-helpful-harsh-thoughts#post-451484 Tue, 25 Oct 2011 04:08:09 +0000 lyn* 451484@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love What Not To Wear - it actually inspired me to come to YLF :p </p> <p>I enjoyed the episode about the medical student who dressed really shlumpily. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anyone-watch-what-not-to-wear-tlc-show-helpful-harsh-thoughts#post-451482 Tue, 25 Oct 2011 04:05:33 +0000 Jenava 451482@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love the narrative, but all the candidates end up looking pretty much the same in the end, which I hate. I mostly just watch it to see what Stacy London is wearing (-: </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anyone-watch-what-not-to-wear-tlc-show-helpful-harsh-thoughts#post-451458 Tue, 25 Oct 2011 03:29:52 +0000 Erin 451458@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am a watcher and I have been for years. I quite like it. I do think that they take the lifestyles into account but don't forget that they only show a few "looks". And they are usually including the big night out outfit in the 3 looks and then the last one is also a party outfit. I find that they do help them to get quite a few basics too.</p> <p>I have seen Stacy on quite a few other shows but I have never seen Clinton do his own thing so I'm surprised to see him releasing a book. I too will be reading that one in store... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anyone-watch-what-not-to-wear-tlc-show-helpful-harsh-thoughts#post-451447 Tue, 25 Oct 2011 02:50:31 +0000 HelenInCanada 451447@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz, NK, gingko, and Carole, you all make good points. If our style is evolving, who's to say we would be happy with $5000 in rushed clothing purchases months from now? I'm going to hope the participant only uses a bit of that money during their transformation week on WNTW, and then is allowed to keep the rest for further shopping &amp; beauty expeditions!</p> <p>NK, it was wise of you not to nominate your sister - I agree that C &amp; L often cross the line, taunting their victim until the tears flow! The entertainment value of that is uncomfortable! Needing very thick skin is an understatement! I much prefer the tact and gentle diplomacy of YLF. </p> <p>Gingko - wow, I didn't know the Brits Trinny &amp; Susannah are far more cruel! As I mentioned, I've only seen a couple of episodes. I shouldn't sing their praises til I've seen more - whoops! Sounds like some of their methods are just downright "Carrie-like" mean! Not good.</p> <p>Carole - I often cringe at some of the emotional breakdowns shown during the transformations! I think many realized their skin wasn't so thick after all. I do agree though that the transformations are often incredible - and the person usually looks thrilled, so that is a great payoff! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anyone-watch-what-not-to-wear-tlc-show-helpful-harsh-thoughts#post-451424 Tue, 25 Oct 2011 01:42:48 +0000 Carole 451424@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have to admit I love to DVR What Not To Wear. I race past all the parts in the beginning that drag on and can be kind of embarrassing for the participant. I often thought I would love to nominate myself, but I don't have thick skin and would probably cry on camera! I love the hair makeovers and am usually blown away with the fabulous transformations. </p> <p>It's a good way to kill time when I'm on the treadmill! </p>