# What not to Wear?! what the hell is this crap? **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [December 11, 2003, 11:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-not-to-wear-what-the-hell-is-this-crap/218334 "2003-12-11T11:41:28Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![paulberserker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c4cdca/32.png) [@paulberserker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/paulberserker)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2003, 9:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-not-to-wear-what-the-hell-is-this-crap/218334/41 "2003-12-12T09:05:54Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by pugluvr \* > \*\*Har - **paulberserker** , you sound like my husband when he describes just how much he hates _Queer Eye For The Straight Guy_, a show which I adore and which he has renamed _Black Eye For The Queer Guy_. He has to literally leave the house when I’m watching it so that he won’t kick in the television set. BTW, do you folks in the UK get _Queer Eye_? It’s a massive hit here, so if you don’t get it, you will soon - it’s another reality make-over show for you to hate. \*\* nah, we dont have queer eye yet, but it can only be a matter of time. and damn right i’ll hate it. again, what fucking qualifys these fools to pass judgement on the general publics appearance?i really dont see how being gay makes you instantly more fashionable and able to tell other fools how to dress. i can honestly say the clothes i’m wearing now come to a total cost of about £60, including my trainers that cost £35 about 2 months ago. you could give me the £2000 to spend, and i’d get a similar wardrobe to mine now and spend the rest on lager and comics. meanwhile, in the Boondocks the other day they had ‘Thug eye for the Queer eye’, where gangstas show gay peeps how to rock the Fubu. now theres a program i’d watch… 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Kal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/9de053/32.png) [@Kal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kal)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2003, 9:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-not-to-wear-what-the-hell-is-this-crap/218334/42 "2003-12-12T09:21:41Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by paulberserker \* > nah, we dont have queer eye yet, but it can only be a matter of time. It’s on a Sky and cable channel - Living, I think. The trailers for it are enough to makeme want to smash the telly. ---
**Author:** ![alexandra](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e68b1a/32.png) [@alexandra](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alexandra)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2003, 10:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-not-to-wear-what-the-hell-is-this-crap/218334/43 "2003-12-12T10:41:46Z")
I like both these shows, haha. ---
**Author:** ![Tansu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/67e7ee/32.png) [@Tansu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tansu)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2003, 10:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-not-to-wear-what-the-hell-is-this-crap/218334/44 "2003-12-12T10:43:40Z")
I love Queer Eye. JFTR. T&S do give some good advice on style (and they don’t tend to insist that the customer/stylee/victim/stooge spends hideous amounts on clothes). I don’t condone the inappropriate touching, though. It would be delicious if someone were to respond by grabbing one of them by the twatflaps and twisting. ---
**Author:** ![Eva\_Luna](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/e495f1/32.png) [@Eva\_Luna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eva_Luna)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2003, 10:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-not-to-wear-what-the-hell-is-this-crap/218334/45 "2003-12-12T10:55:25Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by paulberserker \* > nah, we dont have queer eye yet, but it can only be a matter of time. and damn right i’ll hate it. Yes you do…I watched it myself at my friend’s house in Kent the other week. Don’t remember the channel, but I think it was Sky. It was my first time, too, because I don’t have cale at home…my friend loved it for her long-lost dose of East Coast gay culture. I don’t know why you react so violently to it; I think your main issue is that you’re taking it seriously, which is just _wrong._ Think of it more like _Cosmo_ it’s sheer make-believe. Why look at it as some poor schmuck who gets ripped apart by a bunch of pseudo-cool gay guys? The rippers are at least as sad as the rippee, and I’m not usually one for reality shows of any sort. And the fashion victim did honestly look loads better at the end, no prices of any purchased items were even mentioned, and his wife was very appreciative of the new look (they redid not onlythe guy’s wardrobe, but also his taste in interior design, and the wife loved it.) ---
**Author:** ![paulberserker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c4cdca/32.png) [@paulberserker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/paulberserker)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2003, 11:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-not-to-wear-what-the-hell-is-this-crap/218334/46 "2003-12-12T11:12:03Z")
I’ve not seen it. Not all of us are rich enough to have Sky TV. In any case, its hardly aimed at my particular demographic either. the IDEA of it bugs the fuck out of me though. You got dressed up nice by some gay guys. bully for you. Hi Eva! ---
**Author:** ![TeaElle](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/8491ac/32.png) [@TeaElle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TeaElle)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2003, 11:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-not-to-wear-what-the-hell-is-this-crap/218334/47 "2003-12-12T11:32:28Z")
_Queer Eye_ isn’t just some guy getting “dressed up nice by some gay guys.” They get a full makeover, hair, skin care and wardrobe, plus an apartment makeover. And information on food and wine, and music and other elements of style. It’s a life makeover. And like it or not, those gay guys know their stuff, and with the exception of the fashion aspect, most of what they do, say and know is not subjective at all. But what the hell do I know, I’m just a daft bint who likes Susannah and Trinny. ---
**Author:** ![paulberserker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c4cdca/32.png) [@paulberserker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/paulberserker)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2003, 11:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-not-to-wear-what-the-hell-is-this-crap/218334/48 "2003-12-12T11:44:03Z")
They sort out peoples entire lifestyle? It is my opinion hair care and ‘metrosexuals’ and allowing anybody, never mind whether gay or not, to dictate what your lifestyle and dress sense should be is for weak minded fools. Can’t anybody sort themselves out anymore? I dress how the fuck I want and anybody who disagrees with my style can kiss my grits. Style makeover shows are for sheep, herded in by TV demographics and the fact being gay/pregnant/possibly editing a fashion mag at some point makes you a fucking unimpeachable god of fashion. men’s grooming and tight t-shirts? Bollocks I fear for my Telly should I ever have the misfortune to catch this program. ---
**Author:** ![Eva\_Luna](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/e495f1/32.png) [@Eva\_Luna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eva_Luna)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2003, 11:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-not-to-wear-what-the-hell-is-this-crap/218334/49 "2003-12-12T11:48:08Z")
**paul,** I think you’re missing the point. Haven’t you ever been curious about what other people might do with your raw materials? Think of a makeover as like playing dress-up; someone else might see something in you that you haven’t seen yourself. Hey, I’m not exactly a fashion model, but sometimes it’s fun to try something different - it doesn’t mean you have to stick with it after the show is over. Do I think I look nice when I occasionally dress up a bit? Sure, but most of the time I stick to jeans and comfy shoes, as you saw. A bit of change can be just some lighthearted fun - you don’t have to take it as personal criticism. ---
**Author:** ![paulberserker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c4cdca/32.png) [@paulberserker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/paulberserker)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2003, 11:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-not-to-wear-what-the-hell-is-this-crap/218334/50 "2003-12-12T11:57:51Z")
the idea of wearing what someone else wants me to offends me. I’m not sure why. But I think I can judge for myself what I look good in. I fucking rock when I wear a suit. I don’t particularly want to watch insecure or volunteered people coerced into what some fashion nazis idea of fashion is. Dressing up is stupid. ---
**Author:** ![Tansu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/67e7ee/32.png) [@Tansu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tansu)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2003, 12:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-not-to-wear-what-the-hell-is-this-crap/218334/51 "2003-12-12T12:24:05Z")
Careful, or a glossy mag may want to sign you up for an “ironic” “edgy”, mayhap even “honest” and “refreshing” I Hate Fashion column. All the more so if they can market “Dressing Up Is Stupid” T shirts off the back of it. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![paulberserker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c4cdca/32.png) [@paulberserker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/paulberserker)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2003, 1:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-not-to-wear-what-the-hell-is-this-crap/218334/52 "2003-12-12T13:11:47Z")
ooh yeah, dream job, working for The Face or Dazed & Confused. remember, Dead is the new Black I thoroughly hate \*Wallpaper magazine ---
**Author:** ![TwistofFate](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/cdc98d/32.png) [@TwistofFate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TwistofFate)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2003, 1:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-not-to-wear-what-the-hell-is-this-crap/218334/53 "2003-12-12T13:28:04Z")
I have seen a few episodes of QEFTSG. Basically, they take an average schmoe, dress him up like he’s a model, redo his house into something from the current edition of _Expensive rooms its impossible to actually live in_ magazine, Slap 9 different exfoliating moisturizers on him and then try and get him to impress women. Because of course, all women want in a man is that he looks like a) He’s rich b) he was dressed by fashion consultants and c) his apartment is in this seasons colours ---
**Author:** ![Tansu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/67e7ee/32.png) [@Tansu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tansu)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2003, 4:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-not-to-wear-what-the-hell-is-this-crap/218334/54 "2003-12-12T16:13:36Z")
Or they do up the house the way the missus secretly wants it but can’t be bothered to do it herself. I enjoy the show as light entertainment - maybe I should keep gender, class and economic politics to the forefront of my mind when watching it, I don’t know. ---
**Author:** ![TwistofFate](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/cdc98d/32.png) [@TwistofFate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TwistofFate)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2003, 4:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-not-to-wear-what-the-hell-is-this-crap/218334/55 "2003-12-12T16:19:58Z")
Of course, it isn’t meant to be taken seriously, but I just wonder how popular it would be if it was a show about Straight guys dressing up Gays to be more attractive to other men. ---
**Author:** ![paulberserker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c4cdca/32.png) [@paulberserker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/paulberserker)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2003, 4:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-not-to-wear-what-the-hell-is-this-crap/218334/56 "2003-12-12T16:33:06Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Tansu \* > \*\*Or they do up the house the way the missus secretly wants it but can’t be bothered to do it herself. > I enjoy the show as light entertainment - maybe I should keep gender, class and economic politics to the forefront of my mind when watching it, I don’t know. \*\* you should keep gender, class & economical politics at the forefront when watching ANY televisual program. Especially Garden Force. Speaking of which, the other week i went on a 10 day bender and drunk immense amounts of high power lager. I lived in the gutter and found myself at the very lowest end of existence. But not once during this did I find Charlie Dimmock remotely attractive. Has anyone else found this to be true? ---
**Author:** ![Tansu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/67e7ee/32.png) [@Tansu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tansu)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2003, 4:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-not-to-wear-what-the-hell-is-this-crap/218334/57 "2003-12-12T16:34:27Z")
Are you sure you weren’t looking at Ray Parlour? ---
**Author:** ![paulberserker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c4cdca/32.png) [@paulberserker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/paulberserker)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2003, 4:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-not-to-wear-what-the-hell-is-this-crap/218334/58 "2003-12-12T16:42:10Z")
i dont think so. does he have long hair now? i know he doesnt wear a bra ---
**Author:** ![alexandra](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e68b1a/32.png) [@alexandra](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alexandra)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2003, 4:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-not-to-wear-what-the-hell-is-this-crap/218334/59 "2003-12-12T16:58:08Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by paulberserker \* > \*\*They sort out peoples entire lifestyle? > It is my opinion hair care and ‘metrosexuals’ and allowing anybody, never mind whether gay or not, to dictate what your lifestyle and dress sense should be is for weak minded fools. > Can’t anybody sort themselves out anymore? I dress how the fuck I want and anybody who disagrees with my style can kiss my grits. Style makeover shows are for sheep, herded in by TV demographics and the fact being gay/pregnant/possibly editing a fashion mag at some point makes you a fucking unimpeachable god of fashion. \*\* well, fine, say ‘no’ if you ever get asked to do a makeover show. It’s not like contestants are forced at gunpoint to have their houses made over. Most of them WANT clothes, a nice house, to learn how to cook (not a mad desire really.) I’d be offended if someone judged me on my clothes, but at the same time I’d like to be madeover by trinny and susanna, if I were middle-aged that is. ---
**Author:** ![moriah](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/b2d939/32.png) [@moriah](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/moriah)\ **Post date:** [December 13, 2003, 2:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-not-to-wear-what-the-hell-is-this-crap/218334/60 "2003-12-13T02:36:31Z")
The current hosts of the American version of WNTW are rather good, IMO (I didn’t like the original man-host). Yes, they are cruel-to-be-kind, but their advice is ‘spot on.’ Actually, anything they suggest to their victims would be an improvement because the victims are the most horridly dressed schlubs you could imagine. Why do people need others to tell them what to wear? Because they’re failing spectacularly at dressing themselves. It’s just a huge freaking blind spot in their lives. And almost all of them are ecstatic with the end result. WRT high cost of apparel: Since the clothes shopping is done in only two days, the shopping is necessarily done with a “if it looks good, buy it now, and to hell with the cost.” They have at times pointed out how to get cheap knock offs of designer clothes; but they don’t always have the time to find it. * * * QEftSG: Hey, this is an American original not stolen from a British series! QE is just basically a shock make-over program like the oh so many already out there. It’s the very fact that queer guys are making over straight guys that becomes the hook of the program. It’s not that queers are intrinsically more fashionable than breeders (although, got to admit that most of the men doing make-overs on these shows are queer already without it being made a plot point). The said queers are very personable and funny and competent. That’s what makes the hook a worthy hook. They defuse what might be straight-gay tension with humor and good results. The first ten minutes when they rush the straight guy’s living space and rummage though the mess with witty and sometimes risque one-liners is a hoot to watch. And if any straight men out there might think that this is too freaky for them, just try it once. It’s hugely popular with a straight audience in the U.S. In fact, there’s a retail bump the day after the showing of a new episode in the items featured on the show. Straight men are taking heed. Especially since cleaning themselves up a bit might get them laid more often. Peace. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-not-to-wear-what-the-hell-is-this-crap/218334.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-not-to-wear-what-the-hell-is-this-crap/218334.md?page=4)