Weddings are one of my favorite events to attend, and when I get an invitation, two things immediately come to mind: first, excitement for the happy couple, and second, the inevitable question—what am I going to wear?!
I’m sure I’m not the only one who feels this way because let’s be real, we don’t often get the chance to dress up. Most of my days are spent in joggers and a t-shirt, chasing after the kids. So when an opportunity to dress up comes along, I jump at it. As Bruno Mars once said, “If I Show Up, I’m Gon’ Show Out.”
That’s exactly how I discovered Rent the Runway back in November 2012 while searching for a statement dress for my birthday. I ended up choosing a stunning Dolce & Gabbana dress that I absolutely loved. Since then, Rent the Runway has been my go-to whenever I need something special for an event.
Why spend $50-$200 on a dress you’ll likely wear once when you can rent a designer gown worth $250 to $1000 for a fraction of the price? It just makes sense to me.
For those unfamiliar, Rent the Runway is a service that allows you to rent designer dresses for a fraction of their original cost. Since its launch in 2009, co-founders Jennifer Hyman and Jennifer Fleiss have revolutionized the way we think about fashion rentals, bringing high-end clothing to everyday women. They’ve even expanded into maternity wear and offer various subscription plans, like ‘The Pro’ for $29.95, which covers shipping and insurance—perfect if you have multiple events a year.
I had the chance to visit the Rent the Runway store in New York City, located at 30 W. 15th Street. The store features a rotating selection of pieces for casual or formal wear. You can reserve a fitting room through an iPad, and I was lucky enough to have a stylist help me pick out some options, which made me feel extra special.
After trying on several dresses, I fell in love with the ‘Award Winner Gown’ by Badgley Mischka. Even though I was initially hesitant about the sequins (because they can be uncomfortable), the moment I put it on, I knew it was perfect. It flattered my figure, felt surprisingly comfortable, and was well worth the $70 rental fee. A tip: If you’re over 5’5” and plan on wearing heels, opt for the long version.
While the store doesn’t have everything available online, it’s still worth visiting to see how different brands fit your body. They also offer personalized styling advice, with a stylist curating pieces based on your preferences before your appointment.
Navigating the Rent the Runway website is easy, with plenty of options to choose from. My first tip is to enter your event date, so you only see dresses that are available when you need them. I recommend having your items shipped two days before the event to give yourself time in case something doesn’t fit or you don’t love your choice.
Another great feature is the ability to order a backup size at no extra charge. You can even add a second style for $35 if you’re unsure about your selection. Also, don’t forget to read the reviews for each item—many people upload photos, which can give you a better idea of how the dress will look in real life.
Returning your dress is simple: just drop it off or ship it back by the designated date using the pre-labeled bag provided. One thing to note—if the dress goes missing, whether it’s your fault or UPS’s, you could be charged a late fee or up to 200% of the dress’s retail cost, so make sure to return it promptly and always get a receipt at the UPS store.
Despite this, I highly recommend Rent the Runway. It’s a fantastic service for anyone looking to wear a designer dress without the hefty price tag. With so many options and sizes available, you’re sure to find something perfect for your next event. Just remember to read reviews, order a backup size, and schedule your delivery 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’ (similar styles HERE) and Christian Louboutin shoes (similar styles HERE).