Fashion, and just looking great in general, is tricky and time consuming.
Plus, somewhere during the day, there’s a chance a fashion catastrophe will strike.
A tomato stain on your sleeve.
But don’t worry we talked to several fashion experts and asked for their genius fashion disaster hacks.
Whatever the problem, we’ve got you covered.
Unstick the zipper
Talk about a fashion disaster!
A stuck zipper is no joke.
Sometimes the teeth get twisted and can keep you trapped in a dress.
Other times you step into a pair of skinny jeans, only to find the zipper won’t budge.
Yes, you read that right!
Fashion expertKatrina Szishshares this tip.
“If your zipper is stuck, grab a crayon, rub it on the zipperand voila!”
Another option is to grab your go-to lip moisturizer.
Apply a little to where it’s sticking, and the zipper should slide right up!"
you’re able to also avoid blisters by using a stick deodorant.
Rub it directly on the back of your foot, your poor pinky toe, and any bunions.
Another option is to apply the deodorant to the interior of the shoes and then slip your foot in.
Borgersen suggests tips for a variety of textiles.
“A stain remover pen is great for cotton/canvas.
Use a stiff toothbrush for suede-like materials.
“There are atonof handy little cleaning tools out there to help with this.
Rub gently to remove small stains.
Generally, stain remover pens are brilliant.
Another embarrassing fashion disaster is a stain fromdeodorant.
I always tend to spot them on the edge of my shirt after I’ve left the house!
Wind, rain, heat, and humidity can all tangle that perfectly coiffed look from the morning.
Pull out a couple of loose strands if desired to frame your face.
“Any number of ‘dos can disguise your greasy tresses.
If your hair is long enough, and has a bit of texture, try a top knot.
Just gather your hair at the crown of your head in a loose bun and tie with an elastic.
If some pieces fall out, that’s perfectly fine too.
Make that bra work
Here’s a fashion disaster we can all relate to.
Those pesky bra straps just keep peeking out.
Borgensen tells us that being prepared is important.
“Having the correct bra is an important tool in your wardrobe arsenal.
Invest in a bra clip to cinch your straps any which way you need.
you could use a safety pin, but it’s cold and sharp.
And long term, you’ll just stretch out your straps and ruin your bra.”
And what about if your cross body purse strap breaks?
I’ve used this trick a few times when traveling.
Throw together an outfit
Fashion disasters don’t always stem from a stain or tear.
Sometimes you literally can’t find an outfit to wear!
“Pull out some old blouses and find one that compliments your favorite black pants or skirt.”
If that doesn’t work, take a stab at mix and match.
“I recently paired a blouse with a big bow at the neck with a forgotten, fur-collared cardigan.
I put the cardigan over the blouse with the bow sticking out it worked!
I will be wearing this one again.”
If the weather is chilly, you might always grab a jacket.
When the clothing options are exhausted, try some flair.
“Jewelry, scarves, and handbags can really make your look.
If you are wearing a plain black top, add a few bracelets and an eye-catching clutch.
For a plain black dress, try a long necklace or a pair of earrings.
Adding a colored scarf over your shoulders with a monotone outfit adds contrast and will complete your outfit.”
And if all else fails, add a belt.
“An older dress can take on a fresh new look with a waist-cinching belt.
Mariana Leung, publisher ofMs.
FABulousand designer/consultant for many fashion labels, has these three tips for us.
Too busty for a blazer?
“Quickly remove the middle button and restitch it as close to the edge as possible.
Stitch a ribbon where the middle button was so the wearer can tie it as needed.”
Strapless dress refusing to stay up?
“Ribbon to the rescue again.
Tack or pin it to the front chest and convert it into a halter in an instant.”
Jeans suddenly too tight?
“Bloated suddenly in your new skinny jeans and can’t breathe?
Loop a hair elastic through the waistband buttonhole and loop it around the button.”
Carry these with you
Fashion disasters happen.
But, like any natural disaster, it’s possible for you to prepare for them in advance.
Put together a small bag with fashion necessities and keep it in your car or at your desk.
Mini silicone lint roller to remove pet hair or dust or lint.
Easy to rinse and reuse.
Mini emery boards for a chipped nail, quick de-pill or to quickly sharpen eye/lip liner.
Baby wipes to remove deodorant stains, refresh makeup and important when there’s no toilet paper!
That stain remover pen!
Snacks and a water bottle.
Nothing makes you feel (or look) worse than being hungry and dehydrated.”
Steck also suggest carrying a few key items.
“Safety pins aretheworkhorse of emergency fixes.
Also take along a needle and thread you DO know how to sew, right?”
She also recommends throwing a few travel packets of salt in your purse.
“When all else fails, just own the fashion emergency.
With confidence, you’ve got the option to pull off any rip, tear or spill!”
But what if it’s a mortifying one?
A nip slip at the holiday party, or your period stains your white jeans?
Refrain from making a big deal out of it.
Offer a quick apology if needed, and move on as quickly as possible.
Cover up that boob, borrow a change of clothes, or head home if absolutely necessary.
Most people have a short-term memory and are self-absorbed.
