In 2019, rumors circulated that the 12-season TLC hit What Not to Wear would get a reboot. As with many projects or rumored projects, this stalled during the pandemic, but now that the world is opening up again, the WNTW reboot might be a possibility.
Some fans, and even Stacy London, have questioned how successful a 2020s reboot would be, though. Especially after a global pandemic, style seems more relative and fluid than it did in 2003 or 2013. The work-at-home phenomenon may mean the idea of "appropriateness for the workplace" has evolved or does not exist. Or on the other side of the coin, the pandemic’s isolation and the changing face of style may mean people are actually more eager to be and feel "stylish" or "put together" again.
What would, or should, a What Not to Wear reboot look like? Discuss what issues it should focus on, who might be good candidates for a new show, and whether it should stick with the old format or some aspects, such as "rules" for appropriate clothing, should be retooled.
Okay first off, loved this show so much and had no idea they were discussing a reboot. I think if you were going to write an article about a contemporary reboot, it would be interesting to bring in a discussion of class. I recall the original show mostly restyling people who fit into very distinct visual aesthetics like punk, etc. to fit into a mainstream "look." Today, if we assume that mainstream looks are informed by celebrity style, the desired fashion is WAY out of budget for most people. Even fashion influencers online are constantly doing $500 Shein hauls, something that just wouldn't be sustainable for most people. Could WNTW navigate this? Or would everyone styled on the show be given style criteria that they couldn't fulfill on their own budget? – Sophia3 years ago
The monetary issue is a big one for sure. It kind of reminds me of the movie Confessions of a Shopaholic, where Rebecca Bloomwood is offered the chance to write a magazine column called "Affordable Fashion." The irony is, the magazine she writes for promotes a style that has women dressing in clothing whose cost could probably feed a developing nation. And no, I don't think WNTW was ever held accountable for recommending out-of-budget styling, nor would they navigate it well now. The argument there is, "Well, the contributors get $5000, so they don't have to worry about budget/once they buy these 'good' clothes, they'll never have to shop again." Which, one, what a laugh. And two, that brings up the question of who was or is "worthy" to appear on WNTW and have those budget constraints lifted from them, even if only a little. In a 21st-century world, I'm not sure I like that message. – Stephanie M.3 years ago