Learn Lessons from Makeover Shows
Teens Style Tips From What Not to Wear, Tim Gunn and Real Simple
Nov 1, 2008
It’s impossible to turn on the television in recent months without stumbling upon one of the many makeover shows in existence, particularly on cable channels. It seems that every channel has its own version of the trend, taking frazzled or shabbily dressed women (and men) and turning them chic and organized. A teen girl may watch and think, “I want Stacey and Clinton to come to my house”, but the truth is, it’s easy to parlay the lessons from What Not to Wear and other shows into one’s everyday life.
What Not to Wear
This series has been on TLC since 2003 and still has new episodes that premiere most Friday nights. Its hosts, Stacey London and Clinton Kelly, focus on one style-challenged woman (or sometimes man) in each hour-long episode and, after throwing out their wardrobe, send them on a $5000 shopping spree in New York City – for one day by themselves, then the second day with their help. New hair and makeup follow, and by the episode’s end the participant has a brand-new wardrobe as well as newfound confidence.
Lessons Learned
- Don’t ignore your body type. Trying to squeeze into clothes that are too small, or drowning in clothes that are too big, is not a flattering look. Outfits are most appealing when they are tailored, fitted but not too tight. Make use of special sections such as petites or extra-tall.
- Buy outfits. The main problem with many of the women and men’s wardrobes is that they have numerous pieces of clothing, but none of them go together. Keep this in mind while shopping – “What do I have to wear with this?”
- Shopping should be fun. Buying clothes shouldn’t be a stressful event. Don’t spend more than you can afford, and if it helps, make a list of items you’re searching for before entering the store.
Tim Gunn’s Guide to Style (Season 2)
Season 2 of this Bravo series has been revamped a bit – the first season seemed like a barrage of free stuff for the participant. Although each women still receives a free designer dress and an accessory or two (as well as their new wardrobe items), this season is more focused on teaching each woman how to shop and how to dress.
Lessons Learned
- Co-host Gretta Monahan often takes the women on a bra fitting before buying any new clothes. Most women discover they are wearing the wrong size bra. Undergarments are extremely improtant for wearing flattering silhouettes.
- Tim shows each women their actual body shape on a 3D screen. This is a better way than simply looking in the mirror. A fancy computer program may not be in every hosuehold, but at least have someone take a few photographs of you in favorite outfits. It’ll be easier to tell if you’re dressing to suit your body shape.
- Before they head to the stores, Tim gives the women a list of 10 essential items they need in their wardrobe. This ensures that no matter what the occasion, they’ll have a go-to outfit.
Real Simple, Real Life
This Southern California-based TLC series helps women find organization in their closets, home offices, kitchens – anywhere that help is needed. (Previous episode have the team helping to clean out a woman’s packed garage; another taught a stressed mom some simple recipes.)
Lessons Learned
- Search the Internet for help. The Real Simple, Real Life website has pages of video tutorials for each of their main topics. Beauty & Fashion videos include everything from How to Clean Your Makeup Brushes, How to Organize Your Closet and What To Wear With Your Little Black Look.
- Ask for help. It took a team to clean out that packed garage – if your overstuffed closet is overwhelming, invite some friends over to help you sort out what to keep, what to donate and what to toss.
- Accessorize. Many women find it difficult to ease into wearing more creative outfits. A perfect way to start is by using funky accessories, from purses to jewelry to hats.
Tim Gunn's Guide to Style
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