Anyone watch "What Not To Wear" (TLC show)? Helpful, harsh- thoughts? - YouLookFab Forum

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Anyone watch "What Not To Wear" (TLC show)? Helpful, harsh- thoughts?

HelenInCanada

Veteran

Hello all!

I've watched several seasons of the style experts Clinton Kelly & Stacey London's 'how-to-stop-embarrassing-yourself-and-dress-well' show, and must admit to a few belly laughs now and then...as well as actual useful advice, especially in terms of dressing for your body type. The thing is, the shtick of the program - pretty much a formula - is that these two NY fashionistas are very harsh and insulting, making the candidate cry and doubt herself, and then in the end they are all huggy-huggy best friends, with the former clueless dresser (along with her breathlessly grateful family and friends) thanking them for changing her life and image for the better, yadda yadda. The segment where they toss the woman's entire wardrobe in the trash is pretty painful!

Anyone else enjoy the show? Do you feel the makeovers are on target in helping the participant look and feel much better - or are they simple imposing a style that doesn't suit the person's personality? Are these types of extreme changes in image hard to sustain? Just curious about any other fans' thoughts...

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39 replies

Latest reply was from

annette

I love the show but sometimes think they are not thinking of yher person's lifestyle. What MOTG wears high heels to the grocery store!?
Sometimes they are a little cruel or harsh, and it bothers me more with the ones they deem slutty and trashy than the just frumpy.

Anonymous

Ummmm, busted! I'm a WNTW junkie. The day we got TLC was the day I started trying to dress better and re-vamp my look. There was a time when I used to wish I could be on the show, and then I went through a period where I thought I had "arrived" after learning how to apply their formulas to myself, but now I see that I want to keep evolving.

Now I'm thankful that I *don't* have $5000 and one week to spend it! I need to ruminate on my style and learn more before dropping a lot of dough. For me, my small budget is a blessing in disguise while I am on a sharp learning curve! I'm sure C & S are experts at coaxing out someone's style and reading their clothing needs, and it looks like a process that they go through together with the participant, but sometimes the reveal outfits do start to look sort of predictable (but maybe that's just because I've watched each episode multiple times)!

goldenpig

(website)

Veteran

OK, I'll cop to watching WTNW as a guilty pleasure (that and Project Runway)...even long before I started becoming interested in fashion for myself, those were two of my favorite shows (in fact, pretty much the only TV shows I watch!)

I agree that Stacy and Clinton can be pretty harsh in their comments, but the before segments are pretty hilarious...there are some true fashion train wrecks out there! These people do agree to sign up, and most of them do seem to know what the show is about and what is involved...wardrobe trashing and all. At least they do seem to have some limits on what they make them do...like one of the women was crying in the chair before getting her haircut because she was afraid of getting her hair chopped off, so they kept her hair long. And I think the fashion advice they give is pretty good...I would follow most of it. They do try to keep their suggestions somewhat along the lines of their previous style, but just updated in a more fashionable way.

I'd be interested in seeing how they felt about the process...it seems like the transition is really rough emotionally and the change pretty dramatic. But (at least on camera) they seem happy with the end result. I have seen at least one "Post WTNW" show where they brought back some of their previous makeovers and they looked like they were still well-dressed. I always wonder if they go back to their old shopping habits though.

Before I went through my own rapid wardrobe transformation, I always wished I could have someone do that with my wardrobe, minus the humiliation, of course! Now I feel like I've pretty much done it with the help of YLF, in a much more positive way!

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

I used to watch it. When I was laid up last week I caught a recent episode. They're still using the same formulas, dark wash jeans, printed or color top and blazer. It's bit boring for me now.

HelenInCanada

Veteran

Busted indeed Claire - ha! I too actually wished I were a participant - $5000 to spend PLUS style experts to help me shop? SO there! If only it wasn't accompanied by psychological on-camera warfare! The show HAS inspired me to think more carefully and critically of what I am buying and why, as does YLF. So the internal editing is happening now.

I believe the series is the American version of the BBC original with Trinny and Susannah. I've seen a few of their episodes - they're definitely kinder & gentler, and get more into the psychological reasons for someone not dressing their best, or perhaps acknowledging someone is not so naturally visual/spatial and so needs guidance. Got to admit Clinton & Stacey get some zingers in that are absolutely hilarious, though!

I heard Clinton Kelly has got a style book out now - "Oh No She Didn't". I'll probably browse through rather than buy it - it may become dated if too fashion-trend-oriented.

HelenInCanada

Veteran

Annette: I agree - sometimes they are thinking too much about the Manhattan lifestyle as opposed to what may work in the client's everyday life - Stacey has an obsession with stilettos, for sure! And they do really put down the "sexy mama look" - sometimes for good reason, esp. when the person isn't a particularly overly promiscuous person, and wants to be taken seriously at work. It's just the image they want to help her think about conveying.

GP: Another fan! It's true, the participant gets a taste of what is to come when they show the "hidden camera" footage, proceeding to hilariously and publicly rip the outfits apart, and then ask if she's up for a week on WNTW! Wonder how many have backed out? I can tell my style journey is somewhat progressing, because a few years ago, some of the "befores" would make me think, that's not so bad...what don't they like about it?, but now I can see how much real style can up the ante. It really is instructional...and we can take or leave their advice if we don't like how one outfit turned out. I find the makeup artist Carmindy quite talented, and some real beauty transformations were a wonder. I think they've got a new hairstylist in recent episodes who doesn't feel the need to chop everything off if it's not necessary!

Annagybe, I agree with you - they usually use the same formula of dressing - and I've seen hundreds of episodes! Perhaps they're going for a classic, slimming look rather than anything too arty or fashion-forward, to not date the show? Not sure...but the outfits are certainly not outlandish or daring (only to those who only wear sweats, maybe!)

Suz

(website)

Veteran

"Now I'm thankful that I *don't* have $5000 and one week to spend it! I need to ruminate on my style and learn more before dropping a lot of dough. For me, my small budget is a blessing in disguise while I am on a sharp learning curve! "

Wise words, Claire! I was realizing today how much I am evolving and how things I bought in the spring really don't work for the look I am aiming towards...and will have to be pitched! Fortunately, I spent very little on them, buying all at thrift stores or on super super sale, and a few are keepers, so not all is lost...but I can see how with a lot of money the cost could skyrocket.

I've only seen the show once, when I was visiting my brother, but I have to admit I laughed (even though I pretty much looked like that week's makeover subject.) I also blanched or winced more than a few times.

I think this type of rapid fire makeover is a bit like a crash diet. It might get you started, but for deep change, most of us need to move slowly.

NK

(website)

Helen, good call on browsing through the new Clinton Kelley book instead of buying it. I checked it out from the library last week and it takes maybe 30 minutes to read tops, plus, it's really mostly stuff you already know, like don't wear holiday sweaters unless you're baking with your grandkids, hem your jeans so they aren't dragging on the ground, wear a good bra, etc. Plus, if you think he's sarcastic and insulting on the show, he's about 10 times worse in the book.

I like the show and can see how it changes lives. That being said, when one of my sisters wanted to nominate my other sister because they're casting in her area, I told her I didn't think it was such a great idea. I think my sister would find it absolutely mortifying to have them criticize everything she owns and bash her hairdo and make up on television like that.

Ginkgo

Veteran

I used to watch both British original with Trinny and Susannah and think they are much more insulting than Stacy and Clinton. T and S would make people stand in their underwear in front of a 3-way mirror and keep the camera on them for several minutes while the victim would acknowledge their hideous body faults. It was excruciating to watch. However, I thought at the end of the makeover the woman would usually end up still like herself, only better, which to me is a desirable outcome.

I also used to watch the Australian version and recall one woman who was obviously very uncomfortable with the new hairstyle given to her, it was not "her" at all.

It would be scary to spend the $5000 in one week in a wild rush and realize a few months later that your style has already changed!

Carole

Veteran

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.

It's a good way to kill time when I'm on the treadmill!

HelenInCanada

Veteran

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 & beauty expeditions!

NK, it was wise of you not to nominate your sister - I agree that C & 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.

Gingko - wow, I didn't know the Brits Trinny & 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.

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!

Erin

Veteran

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.

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...

Jenava

(website)

Veteran

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 (-:

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

I love What Not To Wear - it actually inspired me to come to YLF :p

I enjoyed the episode about the medical student who dressed really shlumpily.

Lavinia

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.

Anonymous

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.
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.
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.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

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.

I've read a few recaps by participants after their experience, and I think it's worth noting that they all say that C&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.

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."

Oh, and I want to go drinking with Clinton -- I think he'd be a blast!

Janet

(website)

Veteran

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!"

Jonesy

Veteran

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).

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.

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.

Fruitful

Veteran

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".

I have seen Trinny and Susannah break down crying while seeing somebody's transformation.

Stacey and Clinton, in comparison with T & S? Utter snoozefest.

Jonesy

Veteran

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.

Fruitful

Veteran

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.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I watched the British version first, too, and I also enjoy T&S. They are definitely more brutal than S&C!

Anybody ever see Carlton Kressley's show, "How to Look Good Naked"? Interesting approach to the body image/fashion makeover concept.

Shu

Love it! And Claire, I still do wish for $5000 to spend on myself - I have actually asked F&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.

MsMary

Veteran

I'm another WNTW lover! I probably have a dozen episodes on the DVR right now! Some years ago I used Stacy & 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.

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.

HelenInCanada

Veteran

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.

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!

HelenInCanada

Veteran

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 & 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.

Kari

Veteran

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.
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.

Kari

Veteran

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.
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.
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.

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