I'm a former assistant stylist — here's what I use to stop wardrobe malfunctions

Anyone who has gotten painful blisters from a new pair of shoes knows just how much they can ruin your night. I always have a few of these padded heel bandages in my emergency kit for when I'm breaking in a new pair or just know I'm going to be on my feet all night.

(Don't wanna deal with the pain in the first place? Check out the most comfortable heels of 2024.)

A portable sewing kit is always a life-saver when clothing mishaps occur. This tiny kit comes with a variety of needles, threads and buttons, as well as a mini pair of scissors. It's TSA-compliant and small enough to fit in your pocket. The only thing I would add is a few more safety pins because you never know when you'll need more than one.

Banish deodorant stains for good with this tiny sponge. And it's not just white streaks of deodorant that the sponge can remove — it also helps get rid of dry stains from things like toothpaste or makeup, and it can help remove pet hair if you're in a pinch and forgot your lint roller.

Double-stick tape is one of my must-haves because it can be used in so many ways. It keeps plunging necklines and loose shoe straps in place, quickly fixes a hem, and so much more. It's hypoallergenic and doesn't hurt when I peel it off my skin, and it comes in a handy case to keep strips from spilling out everywhere.

As someone who spills something on myself nearly every time I eat or drink, a Tide To-Go Pen is always in my bag. The handy pen is compact, so it fits in even the smallest of my purses, and it gets stains out of my clothes so quickly.

If you have a pet or love to snuggle up in sweaters or blankets that shed, you already know the importance of a lint roller. Each of these rollers has 100 sheets that peel off easily, and the handle is comfortable in your hand. 

No one wants to deal with panty lines, which is why I always pack seamless underwear for outfits that might show what's underneath. Commando makes options that come in a variety of sizes, styles and skin tones. They're machine-washable and so lightweight and comfortable that it barely feels like you're wearing anything.

Can't wear a bra with your outfit but don't want your nipples to show through? These reusable covers are here to help. They're made with medical-grade adhesive that stays put but peels off gently, and they come in five colors so you can match them to your skin tone. They're also water-resistant and come with a storage box so they stay in tip-top shape in between uses.

If your outfit is a wee bit more forgiving, our expert picks for the best bras are worth a look — they include strapless and plunge options.  

This handheld steamer is totally worth the space it takes up if you don't want to waste vacation time ironing all your clothes. It heats up in seconds and removes wrinkles just as quickly. The water tank is big enough to provide up to 15 continuous minutes of steam. And even though it is a bit bulky, it weighs less than 2 pounds.

Yahoo's Kristin Granero put the HiLife to the test and was impressed: "For being so powerful, it's also incredibly gentle and fast (it took seconds to heat up and only a few minutes to de-wrinkle my skirt from front to back)."