You’re a pet owner and everyone knows it because you’re covered in fur.

A wise person once said (and then put that saying on a t-shirt), "Cat fur is lonely people glitter." That's pretty cute, but that excess fur—whether it be cat or dog—isn't cute when you're going to work or heading out on that first date. Even though you love your pet, you don't have to put up with the extra layer when you leave the house. Unless you have a hairless pet, you have to deal with some level of shedding. If you're partial to dark colored clothing, it doesn't help your fashion sense—dog help you if you have a pooch or kitty with white hair. It's time to clean up your act and your ensemble. Here are a few tips on how you can keep fur off of your clothes.

Choose light-colored clothing

Perhaps you should forgo that little black dress and choose a lighter color. Fur stands out on darker hues, and that means a lot more work to keep them looking their best. Tan and gray are wonderful substitutions and because they're neutral, they go with any other color. And while we're on the topic of wardrobe choices, stick to smooth fabrics. Wool and sweatpants, made from soft or plush fabrics, attract more fur than smoother materials.

Keep your closet door shut

It's simple and it works. If you have cats, they somehow make it their mission to rub up against every item of clothing you own. I don't know how they do it—it's a tightly guarded cat secret. Keep your closet door closed firmly because all they need is a sliver to find their way in.

Invest in quality lint brushes and keep them at home/work/purse

Seriously. They should be everywhere. And not the cheap ones you get from the dollar store. As the owner of a white, long-haired dog and a fan of black, I use the Evercare line of sticky lint rollers—they pick up all the cling-ons. If you're in a pinch, wrap clear packing tape, sticky side out, around your hand and press the fur gently off your clothes.

Keep your house clean

This is a no-brainer. The less fur you have floating around your house, the less will end up on your clothing. Too lazy to constantly vacuum? It's time to get a robotic vacuum like the Roomba to do the work for you. And don't forget the furniture. Unless you have leather sofas and chairs, fur will stick to the fabric surfaces, which means it'll stick to you as soon as you sit down. I have a slipcover on my sectional. I wash it or wipe it down every week to remove unwanted fur.

Groom it out

Like I always say, "Better on the brush than on my butt!" By treating your dog to a brushing session a few times a week, you're able to remove dead hair before it falls off. You don't have to do it inside—take your pet out to the garage or backyard and let the fur fly! If you have a double-coated breed, use an undercoat rake to remove fur before it can be shed. When it's time for your dog to blow his coat, there will be less of a fur explosion in your home.

Latex gloves

Who knew that these inexpensive household items could help you get a grip on pet hair? Put on a pair to remove hair from upholstery—just wipe your palm across each surface. The fur will ball up and you can pick it off in a snap.

Plain old water

If you notice you've got unsightly fur on your clothing and you're empty handed, head to the nearest sink. Wet your hands lightly and run them over the area that's covered in fur. It'll ball up, ready for you to pick off.