The End of an Era – What Not To Wear is Ending its Makeovers in July

The End of an Era – What Not To Wear is Ending its Makeovers in July

Since the US version of What Not To Wear debuted in 2003 on TLC, I’ve been a huge fan of the social services provided by the show.  While the past few seasons have for me shown the show has lost its luster with a misplaced focus on former celebrities that lost their way, I will miss the positive impact that Stacy and Clinton have had on fashion challenged individuals with low self esteem, a misunderstanding of what is appropriate, those with limited means, cancer survivors, those lost in another decade (or century), women who denied themselves to provide for their kids, and those with just plain abysmal taste. 

What Not To Wear gave us a new Cinderella story every week. Stacy and Clinton encouraged women to celebrate themselves and understand that dressing well and looking good is not a luxury, it is a necessity.  Looking good imparts a sense of confidence that affects the very core of our being. If we look good, we feel better and are better able to negotiate our lives. 

Despite what some think, fashion is not frivolous. From the earliest of recorded history, fashion has been an integral part of the human condition. What people wore and wear says a lot about that individual and their place in history or their place in the world today.  Some of us study fashion, search historical archives online, visit museum collections, endeavor to recreate the fashions of the past.  Fashion conveys socio-economic status, cultural identity, religious identity, what one does for a living, one’s hobbies or sports,  or how one wants to be perceived by the world. What one wears is part of that critical first impression that says to those one meets  “this is who I am”.

What Not To Wear and the WNTW team that also included Carmindy sharing make-up tips and Nick and Ted bringing out beauty with a change of hairstyle, brought joy, tears, and newfound delight to countless participants who found a revitalized self within, a new beauty, and new sense or worth.  I will miss What Not To Wear, but I also appreciate that it has run its course. Sayonara WNTW!