Welcome to the Nothing To Wear edit, where each week, we delve into the topic we spoke about on the podcast, just for subscribers. If you want to support independent women's media, become a Mamamia subscriber. Get an all-access pass to everything we make, including exclusive podcasts, articles, videos and our exercise app, MOVE.
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This week's episode of Nothing To Wear is one of my all time favourites.
I chatted with stylist and seamstress, Hayley Burton, who has tailored looks for Pink, Rhianna, Ariana Grande, Justin Bieber and Taylor Swift.
She shared a hilarious story about the time she personally hand-sewed Drake's fly shut (while he was wearing the pants!!) but more practically for us everyday folk, we talked about both at-home and professional nips and tucks that'll make your clothes sing.
Watch: Did you know your outfit should start with your shoes? Post continues below.
It reminded me that it's the tiny details or little tweaks that can make a massive difference to your outfits.
I've been known to try my hand at hemming or come up with creative ways to use pantyliners, so I've compiled a list of my favourite little last-minute wardrobe tricks, in no particular order.
1. Securing sleeves.
I like the look (and functionality) of a pushed-up sleeve on blazers and some jackets, but they just don't stay in place.
To keep the scrunch where I want it, I use sleeve garters, like these Home Mart 3 Pairs Anti-Slip Shirt Sleeve Holders, $12.95, which are hidden under the fabric once in place.
The only downside is they can stretch and become too loose after a while, in which case I grab some Jumbo Hair Elastics, $4.50, which do the same job.
Examples of times I've used this trick from my camera roll. Images: Supplied.
2. Create a custom cinch.
I have a lot of oversized jackets and blazers, but sometimes, the proportions of my outfit would look better with a cinched-waist.
Sure, I could use a traditional belt, but for the times I want the silhouette to make the statement and not the belt itself, I use a men's fabric tie.
Most of mine are plain black, navy, beige or burgundy and I've picked them up for $2 at thrift stores, but places like Kmart have affordable options.
Added bonus? You can secure it as tight or loose as you like.
3. How to remove fluff from your clothes.
I have two long-haired cats who love to nap in my wardrobe, so fur and fluff removal is basically my second career.
I hate fiddling with those ineffective lint rollers with peel-away tape, so instead I use a Double Sided Lint Remover, $17.45 for two, to give my clothes a once over.
I also have a few Portable Folding Mini Lint Brush, $7.63, stashed in various places like my car and handbag for all the times I discover more fluff once I've left home.
Listen to the latest Nothing to Wear pod episode below, post continues.
4. Turn it around.
I only tried this popular trick recently and I was surprised I actually really liked it.
To get more wear out of your favourite cardigans, try putting it on backwards. It gives the illusion of a regular knit jumper at the front while adding interest to the neglected side of most outfits - the back.
I'll admit it doesn't work with all cuts, with the best ones being a neckline that isn't too low (a round neck is easiest) so you can still wear a bra when it's buttoned up behind you.
5. Fixing foundation faux pas.
If I was to be defined by a single item of clothing, it would probably be a white t-shirt.
My favourite is the Uniqlo U 100% Cotton Crew Neck T-Shirt, $19.90 (because I'm always asked).
I pop a square satin scarf over my head to stop makeup transfer when putting it on, but accidents still happen.
I was recently served an ad on Instagram for the Love Basiq Smudge Wipes, $21 for a pack of 20 individual wipes, and I clicked so fast to buy.
They're brilliant and effective and I now have a few wipes in my handbag at all times.
@lovebasiq I wish these existed sooner!!!
♬ original sound - lovebasiq.
6. Get familiar with fabrics.
If you're packing for a holiday or know being in transit will cause creases, get to know which fabrics are crinkle monsters.
Synthetic fabrics are often vilified (for various reasons) but I find them great for durability. Polyester blends have a high wrinkle resistance, as does nylon.
After studying my favourite wardrobe staples that never need an iron, I discovered most of them are a rayon-polyester blend.
7. Wet your clothes (a little bit).
While on the topic of creases, this little trick is a game changer. Have you heard of spraying your wrinkled table cloth with water to relax the lines?
It also works for (some) clothes! I now travel with an empty little spritz bottle and if I want to wear something I CBF ironing, or I forgot my travel steamer, I'll lay it on the bathroom floor and give it a mist. Let it dry for a bit and as it does, the creases will be far less obvious. Feature Image: Supplied
Read more fashion tips from Leigh:
'Allow me to explain how these "old-fashioned" shoes will revolutionise your wardrobe.'
'The best wardrobe staples for cosy, chic and comfy winter weekends.'
'My very best tips for shopping on a budget.'
Feature Image: Instagram @elizabethguerreroo / Supplied.
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