Life is full of unforeseen glitches. You’re running to a meeting and you snap your heel. You reach up and a button on your trouser comes loose, or your bra straps start to show while wearing your favourite cocktail dress. It seems like wardrobe malfunctions always occur at the most inconvenient times …. just ask Janet Jackson!
Here are the top 10 suggestions for solving your common fashion emergencies:
10. My poor pilled sweaters
Don’t just stand there pulling lint off yourself! These can be removed either with a lint sandpaper (rub across sweater to remove pills) or a razor. Sticky tape works well for this too. Leggings and coloured tights are in full force this winter, and it’s all about experimenting with patterns and different lengths. If you are starting out, you can find some cheap leggings from shops like Valley Girl or Hipster.
9. Oops, I snapped my heel!
As Mentos-sy (remember the commercials?) as it may be, snap the other heel off & dash to the nearest shoe store!
8. Eww, makeup stains!
Baby or make-up wipes are ideal for removing or reducing makeup stains on clothing. However, do not try to remove any stains from silk – go to a dry cleaner.
7. Can you see my pantyhose runs?
A small run-in pantyhose can soon develop into a full-fledged tear. Use clear nail polish over the run to stop it from spreading.
6. Where did my hairpins go?
Dancing your head away in a concert can make your hairpins come loose and go missing. You can’t do much other than stepping out of the ball just to buy some new ones around the corner. So tuck those stray hairs behind your ears for a smouldering sexy look.
5. My hems have fallen!
For a make-do hem in a hurry, use Hollywood tape or Res Q tape. This is double-sided tape specially designed as a temporary fix for clothing.
4. Noo.. not my bra straps!
There is nothing more annoying than forever having to pull your bra straps back up onto your shoulders. Use some double-sided tape to avoid slipping straps. Cut and re-sew the back straps further in toward the centre of your back, or purchase bra clasps – these are attached at the back and pull the two back straps together, however you will need a second person to do this for you.
3. My most uncomfortable: Static Cling
This often happens with skirts. For a fix on the run, rub hand cream into your thighs (through pantyhose if necessary). The best way of preventing static cling is to spray “anti-static spay” to the inside of your skirt. You can buy this at supermarkets in the hosiery section and in the lingerie section of department stores.
2. My zipper is stuck
First run a lead pencil along the teeth, if this does not work rub a bar of soap or a wax candle onto the problem area. With a little manipulation, the zipper should come unstuck.
1. Can I leave my buttons loose/frayed?
A loose button can quickly turn into a missing button. Dab the top of the button with a little clear nail polish to prevent it from completely falling off. Re-sew it back on firmly ASAP.
Remember to wear your leggings as if they were tights…leggings worn as pants are not a good look unless you are going to the gym.
You can extend the wear from your summer wardrobe. Dresses and short shorts look great over leggings. Team them with a pair of boots (long leather or short slouchy are in right now) and a waisted belt for a truly hip look. Have fun with it and mix and match items until you find a look that says “You”.
For those who aren’t blessed with super skinny, toned legs, wearing leggings underneath shorter outfits can be much more flattering and you will feel more confident.
Leggings look great under long tops or shift dresses. Try a sweater dress with a cute scarf to keep you warm and looking great.