Tips for Fixing Clthing & Fashion Problems

Tricks For Dealing With Your Wardrobe's Various Malfunctions

Q: Dear April Masini,

Sometimes I feel like a celebrity with all the wardrobe malfunctions I have! The worst is that I always seem to be ripping my hem while I'm at work (and never learn that I need to keep a sewing kit handy!). Is there anything I can do to fix a ripped hem in a pinch? Also, I have a lot of really nice shirts I want to wear to work, but the neck-lines are too low for the office. Do you have any remedies for filling in a too-low neckline?

Sincerely,

Wanting a Functional Wardrobe

A:

• Layer. Layer your  look with a camisole or tank top. Use a neutral or a bright splash of color. 
• Wear the right bra. The wrong bra can make a too-low neckline a disaster. A bra with proper coverage and support can make a too-low neckline not too low. 
• No necklace. A necklace will call attention to a too low neckline. Instead, wear a stack of bangles or a strong bracelet to draw attention away from your neckline. 
• Don't overdo the va-voom factor. If you're flaunting your neckline, don't wear a super short skirt and super high heels, too. It's overkill and won't present your most flattering look. 

• Tape. In a pinch, tape your hem. 
• Staples. Don't go plastic surgery on your outfit, but a few well placed staples on a non-silk garment (staples will run the silk and ruin the garment), will also work as a temporary measure. 
• Stay seated. Don't walk around and no one will notice. Find a great seat, and perch yourself for the duration of the meeting, party, or whatever it is you're at where you don't want your offending hem to be noticed. 

• In your makeup bag, carry some simple kid's chalk. For summer whites, that spill or smudge can ruin your day, but if you have white chalk with you, you can color over the smudge until you get to a dry cleaner. It works!

April Masini -- nicknamed "the new millennium's Dear Abby" by the media, is author of the best-selling books Date Out Of Your League and Think & Date Like A Man, the two (just released) step-by-step dating and relationship manuals, Ideas for a Fun Date and Romantic Date Ideas, and the critically acclaimed dating and relationship online magazine www.AskApril.com.

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