Rent The Runway Reserve Is The Perfect Way To Find That Perfect Outfit!
My sister’s wedding was right around the corner and of course she was being a total bridezilla about my dress. All of her suggestions were insanely expensive, and I didn’t want to blow my budget on a dress I would never wear again. I needed something that would flatter my figure, but keep her (and my bank account) happy. I did some research on placating bridezillas, and discovered Rent The Runway, an online service that lets you rent designer formal wear as a solution to the “wear it once” black tie dilemma. If you’re like me and need something stylish to wear to a special event but don’t want to break the bank, here’s everything you need to know about this amazing service.
What exactly is Rent the Runway Reserve?
Rent the Runway allows you to rent from hundreds of designer brands for when you need to look your best — weddings, galas, holiday parties, company events — you name it. It’s like stepping into your own dream closet, but you don’t have to buy a thing; just a one-time rental fee for your perfect outfit.
How does it work?
Shopping online has never been more fun. Simply tell them your style preferences and size, and they’ll recommend hundreds of dresses, gowns, jumpsuits, etc. from hundreds of designer brands appropriate for any occasion. Summer garden party? Fall wedding? Winter holiday party? They got you covered.
If you’re an early-planner, you can schedule your delivery up to 4 months in advance, but if you leave things to the last minute like me, they make it easy to find something perfect on short notice. You can keep the dress for four days if you have a one-night event, or even up to eight days for a weeklong wedding extravaganza.
Rent the Runway makes returns easy, too. They give you a return-shipping label, and all you have to do is throw your items in their sturdy garment bag and drop it in the mail. Don’t worry about dry cleaning, just drop your dress in the bag and go
How can I be sure the dress will look good on me?
My favorite part about Rent the Runway is the customer review section on each product where hundreds of real-women (not models!) post in-depth reviews and pictures of themselves in the dresses. I’m a petite cut and am often worried about length, but thanks to Rent the Runway I didn’t have to worry about tripping over my flowy skirt while walking down the aisle. On the other hand, my cousin needed something that works with a large bust, and found it really easy to find a strapless gown that worked for her based on other users’ reviews.
Do they have accessories?
Absolutely! From sparkly heels to elegant earrings and a cute clutch to top it all off, I was completely styled from head to toe without having to leave my couch. Their stylists help curate complete looks, so if you’re a little bling-challenged like me, you can get a red carpet look styled for you.
What if I spill champagne on my dress?
My biggest concern about renting was that in the course of celebrating, I might stain my gown. Luckily, Rent the Runway has a crack team of dry-cleaners so you don’t have to feel guilty about the standard wedding wear and tear.
How much does it cost?
It varies, starting at $30. I personally chose a Badgley Mischka gown that retails for over $500 and I paid just $100 to rent it (see below). My cousin, however chose a hip Trina Turk jumpsuit that only cost her $30! They really have something for everybody, no matter your budget or body type.
Rent the Runway made my bridesmaid shopping experience seamless and let me enjoy my sister’s big day, without costing an arm and leg. I got tons of compliments on my dress, and danced the night away in style. If you’re tired of shelling out a month’s rent on a dress you’ll only wear once, check out Rent the Runway
Update: Rent the Runway is offering our readers 20% off your first order.
