5 Pieces of Gok Wan's Style Advice That Still Stand Up Today

Ah, Gok Wan. What was fashion in the early '00s without his advice? He didn't just make the word "bangers" acceptable for talking about our boobs, but his incredibly successful show, How to Look Good Naked, which started in 2006, was a phenomenon in the Noughties and was a real tonic for people who wanted to feel good about themselves. The show, for the unaware, helped women with low self-esteem and gave them back their confidence without resorting to lipo (or other extreme or costly procedures and processes).

While the aim was for them to eventually feel confident enough to show off their body naked (remember the runway reveals at the end?), they also got some incredible tips on how to dress for their body shapes. As viewers, we got to take the advice too. The question is, do Gok Wan's fashion styling tricks hold up in 2018? In short, yes. After bingeing on the old-school show, I've come up with five key pieces of advice that we can still use today. That's the power of Gok's work. Keep scrolling for more.

#1: Understanding Your Body Shape Is the Key to Finding the Right Jeans

Despite the fact that the show was broadcast a considerable time ago, that doesn't mean his advice hasn't held up to scrutiny. Case in point is this video in which he tells us exactly which jean shapes work for which body types. For example, those with a long torso and short legs will find that high-waisted skinnies will "lengthen them out." Other important nuggets of advice include avoiding distressed or embellished jeans around the thighs if that's an area you want to flatter (it'll only draw attention to it) and wearing flares if you're pear-shaped, as it'll balance out the rest of your figure.

#2: Embrace Your Figure, Whatever Your Size

The thing that Gok always got (and gets) is that people often don't feel confident about showing off their figures. But whatever your size, Gok wants you to feel happy with your shape and offers up some great advice whether that's finding your perfect swimwear, lingerie or just understanding that swamping your body in baggy clothes doesn't necessarily make you feel and look confident.

#3: Tailoring Is Your Friend and Will Help You Look Incredible

While we're all about the suit in 2018, he knew that there was a good reason for wearing tailoring in 2009. Smart black trousers, for example, would nip you in at the waist and flatter your shape. And as always, a smart yet classic trench coat will also add serious class to any outfit. Two vital pieces that everyone needs in their wardrobe.

#4: You Need the Right Underwear for Certain Dresses

Whether you're wearing a body-con, midi, or A-line dress, underwear will help make the outfit. But Gok's not talking about wearing stuff that will make you feel uncomfortable and sucked in. His advice is that there are certain pieces of underwear better suited to certain dresses. For example, if you are going to wear a skintight frock, then you're going to need seamless knickers (M&S does some great ones), a prom dress requires a strapless (and supportive) bra and you'll need a multiway bra for a backless dress.

#5: When Shopping in the Sales, Only Buy Pieces You Actually Need

Yes, Gok has great advice on how to dress, but he also has solid tips for shopping in the sales, which are invaluable. The greatest takeaway? Never shop for impulse buys, make a list of items you actually need and ensure you find those wardrobe staples that will genuinely last you.

Now you'll have to excuse us, as we're off to finish watching the rest of the series…