Wardrobe ER

Mishap: I was on my way to an interview for my dream job, and just as I was crossing the street, a truck ran through a pothole of dirty rainwater and covered me in mud from the shoulder of my silk blouse to the hem of my pencil skirt. I didn't have time to go buy a new outfit, so I had to go into the interview soaking wet and filthy.Advice: Always arrive at least 15 minutes early for an important engagement so you have time to make a pit stop at a nearby store should something happen.

Mishap: I was in Paris for the first time with my father, and we stopped at a café. On the way to the bathroom, I smiled at the cute waiter, who winked back. Back at my table, I tried to catch his eye, but he quickly looked away. Suddenly, the backs of my legs felt very cold, and I realized that I had tucked my skirt into my underwear. Let's just say that the City of Love was transformed into the City of Humiliation.Advice: If you're going to wear a short skirt, then check that everything is in place at least twice before you leave the bathroom.

Mishap: I saved up for months to buy the perfect prom dress. When my date and I were at dinner, I happened to turn my steak right onto the gown. My date was so sweet and insisted that we take pictures anyway. At least now I can laugh at the photos.Advice: Always take important photographs before you eat at a big event, because you never know if you'll end up sharing a meal with your outfit.

Mishap: I was running to work one morning in a pair of high heels that, in retrospect, felt a little shaky. Just as I was walking into my office, the heel on the left foot snapped, causing me to walk completely lopsided into an important meeting. I was fortunate not to have broken my ankle, but the incident shook me up and ruined my confidence.Advice: Always carry a pair of ballet flats in your purse when you're wearing high heels to work. If your feet hurt, or if your shoe breaks, then you have a comfortable alternative.

Mishap: I did a quick workout before I headed off to a dinner and when I was on the treadmill, beginning to sweat, I took off my shirt, expecting that I was wearing my sports bra. Little did I know that I was sporting my daytime lacy nude bra. Let's just say that I haven't been back to the gym in my building.Advice: If you know you plan on exercising, leave your gym clothes out before you go to work to alleviate any wardrobe mishaps when you're in a rush.

Mishap: It was the first day of summer, and I was wearing a new maxi-dress. While walking down the street, a lot of people were staring at me, giving me confidence… until a woman told me that the seam in the back had opened up, exposing my rear. I hid in a bagel store for ten minutes before venturing out on the street again, pinching the hole together until I found a dry cleaner with a tailor on staff.Advice: Whatever you do, don't leave your house without safety pins. Even if you can't prevent a tear, you can fix it quickly when you have them in your toiletry bag.

Mishap: I was so excited for the first day of my internship at a prestigious New York gallery that I ran out and bought a whole new outfit—which included a fitted pencil skirt. On my way to work, a man stopped me, and told me he could see my underwear through the back of my skirt. Fortunately, I had a cardigan to tie around my waist.Advice: Always err on the safe side when choosing attire for the first day of work—an exposed bra strap or a short hem speaks volumes, even over a good performance.

Mishap: In the week before my wedding, I had gone to so many dinners and food-related events that on the big morning, when I tried to zip up my dress, it would only go as far as the middle of my back. I completely panicked. Fortunately, my sister is a clothing designer, so she figured out a way to make the dress look as if my back was supposed to be bare.Advice: Cut back on the champagne, and have your dress tailored with a little bit of extra room, even if you don't need it. Besides, you'll certainly appreciate having the space for extra wedding cake.

Mishap: I was on my first assignment for a big publication to cover a party for a famous New York artist. I dressed in my favorite LBD and tights, but when I looked down, I saw that they had a huge rip. I was already late to interview the guest of honor, so I had to go into the event looking like a punk rocker!Advice: Always carry an extra pair of tights in your purse when you're going out for the evening—unless you plan on resurrecting the grunge look.