'What Not to Wear' Stars Reunite for the Culturally Evolved 'Wear Whatever the F You Want'

By Emma Chance | TV | August 27, 2024 |

By Emma Chance | TV | August 27, 2024 |

We’re witnessing a significant shift in the landscape of makeover shows, reflecting broader changes in cultural shifts in fashion and personal style. While reboots and revivals are common across all genres — from scripted shows like Gilmore Girls and Full House to kids’ favorites like iCarly and Wizards of Waverly Place — it’s in the realm of makeover shows that we’re seeing the most meaningful evolution.

The poster child for this evolution is Queer Eye. This reboot reimagined the original’s campy approach into an uplifting, family-friendly affair that aims to transform not just appearances but lives and self-esteem. It’s a perfect encapsulation of how makeover shows are adapting to reflect our changing values around self-expression and individuality.

Now, Stacy London and Clinton Kelly, the stars of the iconic What Not to Wear, are joining this wave of change with their new Amazon show, Wear Whatever the F You Want. This title alone signals a dramatic departure from their previous approach.

What Not to Wear was known for its bitchy critiques of personal style, channeling the spirit of fashion’s original queen, Joan Rivers. While entertaining, it represented an era where adhering to societal norms and fashion “rules” was paramount.

The hosts’ new perspective is telling: “The world has changed a lot since the run of ‘What Not to Wear,’ and, thankfully, so have we,” they say. “These days, we have zero interest in telling people what to do, based on society’s norms—because there are no more norms!”

Now, they say, they’re done with all that. Fashion is no longer about conforming to predetermined standards but about self-expression. “Style is still an important form of communication,” the hosts add, “and we’re excited to show new clients how to align their personal messaging with their life goals. It’s time to celebrate individual style, not prescribe it.”

This evolution from prescriptive fashion advice to celebrating individual expression mirrors larger societal trends toward body positivity, inclusivity, and rejection of conventional beauty standards. It suggests a growing recognition that personal style is exactly that - personal. That sounds great, as long as they maintain their edge.