Sure, a lost button or red-wine stain could wreak havoc on your outfit plans, but armed with the right knowledge and know-how, these fashion catastrophes are surprisingly manageable. And while you may not consider yourself the most practical person just yet, these foolproof tips and tricks will transform you into a fashion handyman (err, woman).
So whether your wardrobe is already in need of rescue or you're just looking to ready yourself for whatever may be ahead, read on for a refresher. These 28 hacks can easily save your favorite outfits from total ruin. Because while you can't stop accidents from happening, you can stop them from spoiling the wardrobe you've worked hard to build.
Rub Vaseline, crayon wax, or the end of a graphite pencil along the teeth of a zipper to help it slide smoothly.
Use the plastic clasp from a bag of bread to fix a broken flip-flop.
Spray the stain with a mixture of cold water and vinegar, then rub gently.
To get rid of a red-wine stain, pour club soda on the stain and blot with a towel. Then wash (but don't dry) the garment, and repeat until the stain is gone.
When the underwire of your bra begins to poke out, use moleskin to cover up the wire.
Use a sweater comb, pumice stone, or pill shaver to help clean off your sweater, but never pull the pills by hand.
If your shoes are too tiny, try wearing a pair of thick socks with the shoes and then heating the tight spots with a blow dryer.
Get rid of yellow deodorant stains by applying a mixture of baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and water to the pesky spots.
Add 1/2 cup of distilled vinegar to the last washing cycle.
Use hangers to see which items you never wear by hanging everything up with the hooks facing one way. Flip the direction when you wear a piece. After two months, sell or donate the pieces that you still haven't worn.
Apply a mixture of baking soda and detergent to a toothbrush, and scrub.
If a lapel on your shirt or jacket just won't stay put, use a piece of fashion tape to keep it in place.
Turn the jacket inside out before you fold it and pack it.
Use baby shampoo to wash your delicate sweaters.
Store your jewelry in a ziplock bag to keep it from getting scratched or tarnished.
Cover the shoes in baking soda to help stop stinky feet.
Spray white shirts that tend to get sweat stains with lemon juice before you wash them.
Use clear nail polish to tighten up the hinges if they're feeling loose.
Rub some deodorant on your soles to help prevent blisters from painfully tight flats or sandals.
Sprinkle some baby powder over the oil stain.
Paint a layer of clear nail polish over the threads to keep a loose button from falling off.
Scrub your ring with baking soda or toothpaste to help it sparkle and shine brighter than before.
Use a safety pin to thread a hoodie string or waistband tie that has come undone.
Make a t-shirt feel vintage-soft by brining it for three days in a mix of one quart of water and 1/2 cup of salt.
If you don't have time to try on a pair of pants, wrap the waist of the jeans around your neck. If you can touch the two ends together around your neck, the jeans will likely fit.
When the end of your belt is too long and flapping around, use fashion tape to hold it in place. Bonus: one piece should last a few wears.
If you have a stain that just won't budge, use a cute enamel pin to cover it up.
Accidentally end up with white deodorant marks while getting dressed? Just rub a Gal Pal or other dry sponge on the spot to erase it.