What Not to Wear

From LoveToKnow Reality-TV

What Not to Wear is a reality show that has aired since 2003 in the United States. It currently airs on TLC and features two hosts who critique wardrobes and give advice to participants so they can pick out clothes that make them look better rather than looking dated, frumpy, or plain.

What Not to Wear Cast

What Not to Wear features hair stylists and a makeup artists:

Clinton Kelly, Fashion expert
Stacy London, Fashion expert
Carmindy, Makeup artist
Nick Arrojo, hair stylist

When the show first aired in 2003, the hosts were Stacy London and Wayne Scot Lukas (who was a stylist to the stars). After the first season he was replaced by Clinton Kelly. Adam Harrington, the narrator, resigned after the show's run in 2008.

Show Format

Usually someone votes for a friend for family member who is in dire need of a wardrobe upgrade. Sometimes a major event is approaching, like a formal event or a wedding. Stacy and Clinton work with the participant over a two week period.

First Stacy and Clinton observe the applicant and then soon surprise them. The hosts then offer them a $5,000 gift card to purchase a brand new wardrobe from New York City stores. In return, the participant is not allowed to keep any of their existing clothes and must throw them out. The clients can say yes or no, but if they say yes, they get a makeover that may change their lives.

The first day involves Stacy and Clinton going over the participant's current wardrobe. The clothes are modeled and then evaluated on why they don't work, but most of the clothing is tossed. The criticism is sometimes cruel at first, but they always give valid reason on why something doesn't look good.

At the end of the first day, Clinton and Stacy go over three new outfits. The participants are given rules to follow when they go shopping but are given free reign over picking out the clothes for the first two days.

The hosts are continuously watching the participant and pop in for "surprise inspections" during the shopping trip. Stacy and Clinton look to see if their advice is being followed and then follow the participant to the last few shops to help them out.

Hair and Makeup

What Not to Wear focuses on more than clothing. Nick Arrojo styles the hair and Carmindy will do the makeup job for a mini-makeover. If there is a man on the show she will give advice for skin care, shaving, or soaps.

It's at this point that Clinton and Stacy stop critiquing and won't see the participant until the final showing.

The Final Showing

The client models three of the outfits that they have purchased in front of Stacy and Clinton and they give their opinions on how well they have done. Most of the time they like what has been done, but every so often they get frustrated because nothing they have said was taken into account and the participant is no better off than before they started the show.

After modeling for the hosts, the participant then shows off everything for their friends and family and/or attend the special event they were preparing for.

Criticism of the Show

What Not to Wear isn't without its criticisms. When the show first started, people believed that the old wardrobe is being thrown away for good. Sometime in the middle of the life of the show, Stacy and Clinton informed everyone that the show actually donates the clothing to charity.

Some people believe the comments that the hosts make are harsh. Yes, sometimes they are, but there is always a reason as to why don't like something. There have been a couple of occasions where Stacy has berated the participants because they blatantly decided not to take her or Clinton's advice and purchase whatever they wanted. This rarely happens and if you are looking for an uplifting show that changes lives around, then check out What Not to Wear..

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