If you’re not renting your wardrobe, you’re really missing out! Before last summer, I had never rented clothes before and my only exposure to the idea was from the Sex And The City movie – remember Bag, Borrow, Steel?! That all changed this past summer when I attended 3 weddings back to back.
Rather than buying new gowns for each or re-wearing dresses I already had, I decided to venture into the world of renting via Rent the Runway. Little did I know, it would be a game changer! This is NOT a sponsored post, I’m just genuinely obsessed with RTR and wanted to share why I started renting my wardrobe, why I love it so much and why you should consider it too!
HOW IT WORKS
Wardrobe rental is as easy as it sounds. Simply select your items, wear them and return them! Rent the Runway offers thousands of styles and a wide array of top designers. There’s something for every occasion from ball gowns to beach wear to work wear and everything in between, even accessories!
Items are shipped in a cloth garment bag that is durable and easy to transport. I’ve used it to pack my entire wardrobe when I’ve gone on trips and it’s so convenient! When it’s time to return, simple place your garments in the bag, tuck the shipping label that’s provided in the front pocket and drop it off at your local UPS store. It’s as simple as that!
And don’t worry about items not fitting. You’ll get a free backup size when you rent an individual item and can even select a free second style on your first rental!
They also take care of dry cleaning and you won’t be charged for minor wear and tear.
Now, I’ve only ever used Rent the Runway, but the idea is the same with other platforms. However, I have looked into the others like Le Tote, The Ms. Collection (offers styles for both men & women) and Style Lend, but I’ve found that they all fall short either in price, variety, quality or user experience in comparison to Rent the Runway.
WAYS TO RENT
Each time I rented dresses for those three formal occasions, I found myself tacking on items to my order, which started adding up. So when I discovered Rent the Runway offers subscription options that allow for more items and flexibility all for one low monthly fee I was one happy gal! Here’s a breakdown of their rental options:
RTR Reserve – This is the one time rental option when you just need something for a special occasion. You can rent for 4 or 8 days and you’ll get a free backup size. You’ll also get to add an additional item for free on your first order. Rentals start at around $30.
RTR Pro – For a $29 annual fee, Pro members enjoy free shipping, free insurance and $30 to put towards a rental during their birthday month.
RTR Update – This is the monthly subscription and the one that I currently have. With Update, you get to select 4 styles each month. If something doesn’t fit, you have 48 hours to exchange an item, you’ll just be charged a flat shipping fee of $12.95.
At the end of each month, send back the items you want to exchange or you can keep the pieces you love (at a members only discount). This subscription is $89 a month, but you get your first month for $69. And you can now add additional pieces for $25 each. You can also pause or cancel your subscription at any time.
RTR Unlimited – As an Unlimited member, you can select a max of 4 styles at a time, but you can swap out pieces whenever you want. You’ll also have access to exclusive designer pieces available only to Unlimited members. This subscription is $159 a month, but you get $80 off your first two months. As with Update, you can pause or cancel your subscription at any time.
WHY I LOVE IT
It’s perfect for travelers/bloggers – Part of my job as a travel blogger is to take photos of myself in the destinations I visit. And naturally I want to look my best. Renting my wardrobe has alleviated so much stress and makes the packing and photo shoot planning process is so much easier. I no longer have to worry about digging through my closet to find photo-worthy outfits (that I also haven’t worn recently). I can just rent specific pieces that perfectly match my destination and that I feel fabulous in. It’s great!
It just makes sense – Rather than regularly dropping hundreds on an outfits that I’ll only get a few uses out of, I can instead wear designer items for a fraction of the cost. And better yet, I never have to worry about repeating a look. It just makes so much sense!
It’s environmental friendly – If you’re mindful about sustainability, renting is the way to go! It limits the resources and waste that to go into producing new garments. Que the corniness – now that’s fashion you can feel good about!
It gives me freedom to experiment – It may sound a bit cheesy, but renting my wardrobe has ignited a passion for fashion in me. I get excited to try different looks, take risks and push my boundaries. I have greater freedom than I would if I were buying pieces I intended to keep. With renting, if I don’t like something I can just swap it out!
I feel fab without breaking the bank – While I’ve purchased a few high-end staple pieces over the years, I have mostly viewed spending money on designer clothes as a waste. But now I can essentially play dress up with thousands of dollars’ worth of designer pieces each month for just $89 bucks. You can’t beat it!
Great customer service – I’ve had such a great experience dealing with the folks at RTR. Whenever I have a question or need to edit an order they are always extremely helpful. Great customer service really goes a long way!
User friendly – Rent the Runways is so easy to navigate and fun to use. Both the site and the app are great, the reviews and photos from users help with size selection and there are plenty of filters to help narrow down your search. But my favorite thing has to be the ability to curate looks and save them to lists. When I’m ready to swap, I just head to my saved looks and make my selection. It couldn’t be easier!
I get that wardrobe rental isn’t for everyone, but there are a ton of benefits that fit a variety of needs. Because I love Rent the Runway SO MUCH I’m offering you $30 off your first order! Just use this link to access your discount. Enjoy and happy renting!
Have you used a clothing rental service? Which one did you use and how did you like it? If you’ve never rented your wardrobe before, is it something you would try? Share your comments below!
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