Weddings are one of my favorite events to attend, and whenever I receive an invitation, two things immediately come to mind: happiness for the bride and groom, and of course, what am I going to wear?
I’m sure I’m not the only one who feels this way because, let’s face it, we rarely get the chance to dress up. Personally, I spend most of my time in joggers and t-shirts, chasing after the kids. So, when the opportunity to dress up comes around, I embrace it. Like Bruno Mars says, “If I show up, I’m gonna show out.”
That’s how I discovered Rent the Runway back in November 2012 while searching for a statement dress for my birthday. I ended up renting a stunning Dolce & Gabbana dress that I instantly fell in love with. Since then, Rent the Runway has become my go-to whenever I need something special for an event.
Most of us spend anywhere from $50 to $200 on a dress we might only wear once, so renting a designer gown worth $250 to $1000 for a fraction of the price is a no-brainer.
For those unfamiliar with Rent the Runway, it allows you to rent designer dresses at a fraction of the original retail price. Since its launch in 2009, co-founders Jennifer Hyman and Jennifer Fleiss have revolutionized the rental market by making high-end fashion accessible to everyday women. They’ve since expanded their offerings to include maternity wear and various subscription plans, like “The Pro” for $29.95, which covers shipping and insurance—a great option if you attend multiple events a year.
I visited the Rent the Runway store in New York City, located at 30 W. 15th Street, which has a rotating selection of dresses for both casual and formal events. You sign in through an iPad to reserve a fitting room, and a stylist will help you choose dresses to try on. Having a stylist assist me made me feel extra special.
After trying on a few dresses, I eventually fell in love with the ‘Award Winner Gown’ by Badgley Mischka. I was initially hesitant because we all know how uncomfortable sequins can be, but once I tried it on, I was sold. The dress looked regal, flattered my figure, and, surprisingly, was incredibly comfortable. A tip: if you’re over 5’5” and wearing heels, go for the longer size.
I reserved my dress and went on with my day, but I recommend visiting a store if there’s one near you. While they may not carry everything available online, it will help you get a better sense of how certain brands fit your body, allowing you to make a more informed decision.
Their website is also easy to navigate, with a great selection of dresses for your next event. My first tip is to start by entering your event date so you only see options that are available for your specific time frame. Ideally, have your items shipped two days before your event to give yourself enough time in case you need to exchange them.
My second tip: always order a backup size, which is offered at no extra charge. You can also add a second style for $35 if you’re unsure about your choice. Be sure to read the reviews for each piece you’re interested in, as many people upload photos and leave comments about the fit. This will help you choose the right size or a backup.
Returning the dress is simple: just drop it off or ship it back by the designated date using the pre-labeled bag provided. However, keep in mind that if a dress goes missing, whether it’s your fault or UPS’s, you could be charged a late fee or even up to 200% of the dress’s retail cost. Make sure to return it on time and always ask for a receipt at the UPS store.
Aside from that, I highly recommend Rent the Runway for anyone wanting to wear a designer dress without breaking the bank. With a vast range of options and sizes, you’re sure to find something perfect for your next event. Just remember to read the reviews, pick a backup size, and schedule the dress to arrive a couple of days before your event to avoid any last-minute stress.
Have you ever rented from Rent the Runway? Save $30 on your first order by clicking HERE.
Wearing: Bagley Mischka ‘Award Winner Gown’ (find similar styles HERE) and Christian Louboutin shoes (find similar styles HERE).