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What Not to Wear
2003 · TV series · 45 min episodes · 12 seasons
Friends and family members nominate a candidate that they consider poorly dressed and ask the show to make over the "fashion victim." Fashion Police Stacy London and her partner ambush the candidate and make them an offer-- they are given a $5000.00 budget for a new wardrobe, which they must purchase in New York City boutiques over the course of two days, but only on the condition that they allow Stacy & her partner to critique, and in most cases throw out, their existing wardrobe.
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3 comments on Hacker News
This may sound daft because it’s overwhelmingly focused on women’s fashion, but the basics are universal; watch some episodes of the American version of What Not To Wear. Concepts such as quality, matching and “going together” and the role of color are all presented in a way that works for either sex. Plus it’s sort of entertaining which makes the learning process memorable and less painful.
A couple of common pitfalls to avoid are wearing baggy clothing that doesn’t fit, going monochromatic because hey black and black match, right? I’d also recommend, basic as it may be, cleanliness and quality being paramount. Something a little boring or a bit outlandish is forgivable in most cases if it’s not cheap, dirty. To start off find some basic, well fitted clothes and don’t worry about lots of color and styles, but focus on one or two accent pieces to add a personal touch.
Shave. If you have a beard or mustache, keep it well trimmed and be honest with yourself if it looks healthy or sort of weedy. If the latter, lose it. Keep your hair properly cut, stay clean, and try to find a fragrance that works with your body, and then use it sparingly! Wear comfortable shoes, but make sure they’re clean, and in good shape. Get some decent socks and make sure they match your shoes. Invest in a suit, preferably tailored, and a couple of nice silk ties, and learn how to tie them. Even if you don’t wear it often, it’s good to have in the bag. Have at least one truly nice pair of leather shoes, keep them in good shape.
Above all, start looking at people and thinking about how what they’re wearing and how they’re presenting themselves makes you feel about them. I’m not talking about being judgmental, just aware.
> your charisma will improve making the "better clothes" a kind of self fulfilling prophecy.
The TV show "What Not To Wear" has some dramatic makeovers that greatly improve people's self-confidence.
I seem to remember an HN story about a fashion blog for geeks, but I can't find it now. If someone were to create one, a good name might be "DressCode". :)
This is a great idea, the last (mostly) unexplored frontier. But the approach seems somewhat simplistic. Have you watched a large number of episodes of What Not To Wear? If not, I would strongly suggest you do to learn why people get stuck with bad wardrobes.