(RealSimple.com) -- Here are nine common (and commonly ignored) dressing oversights -- and easy ways to fix them.





Problem: Incorrectly hemmed jeans





Solution: A good tailor





Don't cut off the extra length and at the same time lose the nice crisp hemline (marked by the recognizable yellow thread). "A good tailor should be able to preserve the original hem," says Guillermo Molina, owner of Guillermo Couture, in New York City. With very long pants, your tailor may have to cut off a bit of fabric above the hemline and reattach the original hems (with barely noticeable blue thread that matches the denim), but the task can usually be achieved by folding a hem up accordion-style and sewing it in place, so the original finished seam is in plain view.





Real Simple: How to dress for any occasion





Problem: Peds in plain view





Solution: Partial peds





Your secret weapon against blistered toes is a pair of Peds. But make sure they're truly a secret weapon. "Visible Peds are a classic faux pas," says Leah Feldon, author of "Does This Make Me Look Fat?: The Definitive Rules for Dressing Thin for Every Height, Size, and Shape" (Villard, $15, amazon.com). To avoid peekaboo nylons, skip the skimpy stockings altogeter or try Hue Toe Covers ($15 for three pairs, barenecessities.com), which cover only the front half of the foot. A bit of padding on the bottom provides a cushion and keeps the cover from sliding and scrunching into the toe of your shoe.





Real Simple: Avoiding wardrobe blunders





Problem: Unopened vent





Solution: Scissors





Jackets, blazers, and skirts often come with vents that are tacked together with thread. "Don't forget to snip the string once you bring your item home from the store," says JoAnna Nicholson, author of "Dressing Smart for Women: 101 Mistakes You Can't Afford to Make...and How to Avoid Them" (Impact Publications, $17, amazon.com). Besides being a potential source of embarrassment, a tacked-together vent may also increase your chances of ripping your garment when you take a large step or reach for something on the top pantry shelf.





Real Simple: Old clothing gets a second life





Problem: A gaping blouse





Solution: Velcro





Your favorite shirt was dried once too often, and now it's a bit snug, with buttons that appear to be hanging on for dear life. "You don't want your coworkers staring at your chest, waiting for a button to pop off onto the conference table," says Clinton Kelly, cohost of TLC's "What Not to Wear." To avoid this scenario, sew a small piece of Velcro between the buttons or use a piece of double-stick tape. That way your shirt will stay flush against your skin, buttons will remain attached, and your assets will be tucked away from Bob in Accounting's sight.





Problem: Cropped pants with boots





Solution: Taller boots





Once considered a summer-only staple, Capri pants are now available in thicker, fall-friendly fabrics, such as wool and tweed. But don't wear them with your lowest pair of boots. "Low ankle boots paired with cropped pants look dowdy, because they break up your silhouette," says Stacy London, cohost of TLC's "What Not to Wear." "Wearing high boots that completely cover the calves and a few inches of skin underneath the pants has a more elongating effect," she says.





Real Simple: New uses for things in your closet





Problem: Peekaboo lingerie





Solution: A nude bra





White underwear may seem demure and understated next to that rack of red lace skivvies in the department store, but it screams "Look at me!" when worn under white clothing. If you want your unmentionables to be unnoticeable underneath a favorite white T-shirt or blouse, wear a bra that is close to your skin tone (this holds true for all underwear).





Problem: Visible tag





Solution:
What should you use to open vents and pleats? What can you use to open vents and pleats? What should you use to keep your blouse from gaping? What is a blouse? Where should you take incorrectly hemmed jeans? What does a tailor do? What should you use to stop your blouse from gaping?
Scissors Scissors Velcro shirt A good tailor should be able to preserve the original hem," Velcro
question: What should you use to open vents and pleats?, answer: Scissors | question: What can you use to open vents and pleats?, answer: Scissors | question: What should you use to keep your blouse from gaping?, answer: Velcro | question: What is a blouse?, answer: shirt | question: Where should you take incorrectly hemmed jeans?, answer: A good tailor | question: What does a tailor do?, answer: should be able to preserve the original hem," | question: What should you use to stop your blouse from gaping?, answer: Velcro