As the host of UK show How To Look Good Naked, Wan is an expert in body confidence, helping women the world over appreciate what they have and fake what they don't.
With 93% of Australian women reportedly unconfident that the clothes they buy suit their body shape, we asked Wan why he thinks we're so critical of our personal image.
"It's a universal thing," says Wan. "It's because women are unsure what they should look like due to of the rise of celebrity magazines and celebrity culture. We're told we have to look a certain way, and we know that's virtually impossible for most of the population."
Wan says body confidence starts with taking an "honest" look at yourself in the mirror. "Understand that your body belongs to you and you should treat it with the upmost respect. Clothing and accessories and all the stuff that goes on top of your body means nothing unless you know your body."
So how can we ensure that the clothes we covet will suit us? Gok explains that trend, style and taste should always be considered after your body shape, and that you also need to make sure you're buying a piece of clothing you'll wear at least three times.
"If you don't know what body shape you are, you should definitely visit the Body Shape Calculator at westfield.com.au," says Wan. "You input your details for your bust, your waist and hips, and it calculates your individual shape instantly – in just moments. It's a tool that every single person should use to determine their individual shape – it is easy, very effective and will change the rest of your lives when it comes to shopping."
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Speaking of shopping, swimwear season is imminent. So what are Wan's top tips for buying the correct one for your shape?
- Round and luscious apple-shaped ladies: stick to one piece swimsuits which keep the tummy tucked in and offer support around the bust to keep it lifted.- Bottom-heavy pears: go for bikini tops with thicker straps and ruffle detailing to add bulk to your smaller top half and create a sense of proportion.
- Ladies with hourglass figures: make sure your ample cleavage is kept in line with a bikini or one-piece that has plenty of support around the bust (that means no string bikinis!).
- Boyish rectangles: create the illusion of curves by choosing one pieces with horizontal stripes of varying thickness or bikinis with frills on both the top and bottom to add width and emphasise your waist.
- Top heavy inverted triangles: go for halter necks and boy short bikini bottoms or pieces with extra detail on your bottom half to create a more balanced silhouette.
In terms of spring/summer trends, Wan says we should embrace Navajo – "all your patchy global traveller stuff," he explains. In addition, he adds, "everyone feels a little more vibrant as the weather heats up, which makes Colour Pop the perfect summer trend.
"Go bold and make a knock-out statement in clashing bright hues that will turn heads! Floral is also big with romantic prints, floaty dresses and pastel palettes to get heads swooning. Head to toe White is a winner with a clean, sophisticated finish and Lady-like can't be beaten for its stylish 1950s feel. Maxi-skirts have made a comeback and say hello to 70s Disco Glamour – both trends are huge this summer! Mixed Prints and Graphic Stripes will also be popping up on everything from skirts to shirts this season.
In terms of must-have items, Wan says we should definitely be binning our sports sandals, storing our jumpsuits and buying some cigarette trousers.
"Lady-like is great for moments when you want to dress up," explains Wan. "Think Jackie O at her very best. Cropped jackets, pencil skirts, pleats and cinched in waists with gorgeous belts will flatter those of us with inverted triangle, hourglass and rectangle figures."
Finally, what's Wan's advice for those dreaded "I have nothing to wear days"?"Dive into your wardrobe," he says. "There will be something hidden in there! Keep it basic, and make sure it reflects your mood."
Gok talks fashion tips and tricks.
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