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 (or rather, a handywoman).
So whether your wardrobe is already in need of rescue or you're just looking to ready yourself for whatever lies ahead, read on for a refresher. These 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.)
#1. Unstick a Pesky Zipper
Rub Vaseline, crayon wax or the end of a graphite pencil along the teeth of a zipper to help it slide smoothly.
#2. Fix a Broken Flip-Flop
Use the plastic clasp from a bag of bread to fix a broken flip-flop.
#3. Banish Water Stains on Leather
Spray the stain with a mixture of cold water and vinegar, then rub gently.
#4. Get Rid of Red-Wine Stains
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.
#5. Fix a Painful Underwire
When the underwire of your bra begins to poke out, use moleskin to cover up the wire.
#6. Remove Sweater Pilling
Use a sweater comb, pumice stone, or pill shaver to help clean off your sweater, but never pull the pills by hand.
#7. Stretch Shoes That Are Too Small
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.
#8. Banish Deodorant Stains
Get rid of yellow deodorant stains by applying a mixture of baking soda, hydrogen peroxide and water to the pesky spots.
#9. Prevent Dark Jeans From Fading
Add ½ cup of distilled vinegar to the last washing cycle.
#10. Manage Your Closet
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.
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