I’ve been a fan of TLC’s What Not to Wear since the show’s second season. I tuned in from time to time during the first season, but Stacy London was partnered with some long-haired dude that I thought was mean. Once Clinton Kelly came on board, I made it a point to watch. They had great chemistry and did their best to have a positive impact on the show’s guests. The two of them, along with Carmindy, Nick, and later, Ted, have made over hundreds of contributors who have run the gamut of fashion disasters. Their influence went beyond the clothes; they helped people tackle issues that were weighing on their self-esteem.

I was never on WNTW, but I wanted to be. And during the few seasons when the team worked with both men and women, I submitted a entry for Hubby. They didn’t pick him, but he sure needed it.

Despite the fact that no one from our household won a trip to New York and five grand for a new wardrobe, WNTW helped me find my own personal style. I learned much about what works for me:

Fit and Tailoring. Ill-fitting clothes are a disservice. Altering works wonders. If altering isn’t in the budget, I leave the item at the store.

Dark Denim. It’s extremely versatile. It works at the office, on a date, or while running errands on the weekend.

Jackets. I LOVE jackets. They add structure, balance out shape, and add a layer of interest.

Color, Texture, Pattern, and Shine. This is Clinton’s mantra. The right mix of these elements can make for a great outfit.

Five-Minute Face. Carmindy is a genius. She took the fear out of make-up and explained how a few choice products are all I need.

It’s not you. It’s the clothes. I walked into a J.Crew once and tried on every pair of pants in the store. Nothing worked, and I left feeling as if there was something wrong with me. When I learn to accept that it was a flaw in the clothes and not my body, shopping became a lot more fun, and I was open to trying new things with no hard feelings.

Thanks so much WNTW. No telling what would be in my closet if it weren’t for you.