Princess Diana's Hack For Avoiding Wardrobe Malfunctions Is Brilliant
The late Princess Diana played the role of pioneer a lot in her life. The first royal bride to work a wage-earning job like everyday people before entering the family and the first to forgo a custom engagement ring by selecting one from a ready-to-wear catalog, Diana also introduced plenty of innovations to the world of fashion. Along with cementing the popularity of wearing bike shorts with crew necks, she passed down a neat trick to avoid major wardrobe malfunctions in the cleavage department. When Diana exited cars, nearly always to an onslaught of prying photographers, she would hold her clutch against her chest to shield her body from their lenses. There never should have been a need for this, but there was — and the hack is a true testament to Diana's resourcefulness (and enduring middle finger to the press).
Most of us won't ever need to protect ourselves from paparazzi with the clutch hack, but it's a good trick to remember whenever you wear a low-cut silhouette or even a dress or top where the neckline might move without you noticing. Even if your go-to is a crossbody or shoulder bag rather than a clutch, you can still hold it during risky moments — like getting out of a car — and wear it properly when you have more control over the situation.
Other ways to avoid a cleavage disaster
Princess Diana wasn't exactly known for her risky clothing (other than that revenge dress), but her clutch hack is a classic example of how even the most innocent pieces of clothing can move beyond your control. Similarly, even otherwise conservative dresses aren't always safe from every angle. Whether you love a plunging neckline or just want a little insurance with your general wardrobe, there are several tools you can use for protection besides Di's nifty clutch trick. In fact, a whole market has evolved around it.
Fashion tape is perhaps the most effective product to force your outfits to behave. Double-sided tape can stick your garments to your skin to avoid gaping and moving, while single-sided body tape can secure body parts in place, à la Kim Kardashian. There's also a lot to be said for specialist bras. No matter what kind of cut you're working with, there will be an undergarment out there to give you peace of mind, whether it's a deep-plunge bra for those V-neck pieces or a wire-free bra for skin-tight bodycon dresses. Along the same lines, you can use pasties to avoid nipple-related malfunctions if you're not looking for a lift as well.
Prepare for wardrobe malfunctions in advance
Whether facing a sea of paparazzi or a handful of royal in-laws, Princess Diana knew to be prepared for wardrobe malfunctions. She positioned her clutch where she needed it and sometimes even strategically walked in certain directions to avoid photographs she didn't consent to. Similarly, your best protection against wardrobe malfunctions is to be as prepared as possible. Along with bringing a clutch and knowing where to hold it, plan ahead with a wardrobe malfunction kit.
"Always carry safety pins and a needle and matching thread," celebrity stylist Phillip Bloch told the Daily Mail following the 96th Academy Awards in 2024. In your kit, which can really be just a small pouch in your purse, Bloch recommended bringing Band-Aids to ward off foot blisters. "I also recommend carrying Shout wipes in case you spill something and Listerine mints in case you eat something bad."
Despite your best efforts, wardrobe malfunctions are still likely to happen now and then. If the unavoidable occurs — whether a spillage or an unfortunate peek-a-boo moment — the best thing to do is play it off gracefully. Do what you can to fix it, laugh it off, and move on. And remember that even princesses have outfit mishaps from time to time no matter how much they prepare.