I've been using Rent the Runway to rent cocktail dresses and gowns (for a fraction of their retail price) for the past five years. I only realized it had been that long when RTR contacted me to help share the news about their fifth birthday! Seriously, I remember being on the list before it had even launched. And five years later, I still think it's a great idea. Here's why:
- Of the nearly 10 frocks I've worn from RTR, I've never rented anything that cost more than $50. The price range is vast, but there are lots of affordable options.
- I can imagine spending at least that much on a formal/cocktail dress for some of the events I've wore these to (fundraisers when I worked for a newspaper in Boston, formal weddings, my rehearsal dinner, etc.)
- I am the kind of person who is not a huge fan of wearing super fancy shit more than once. I know, I'm the worst. But when I rent a dress instead, I don't feel like a gross consumer by purchasing random stuff and only wearing it one time. I can send it back and it gets worn by someone else. That feels pretty good.
- Ordering clothes online can be tricky. Luckily, RTR allows you to choose an additional "backup" size of whatever dress you order; in other words, they send you two for the price of one. I order my first size based on that particular dress' sizing guide (it differs depending on the designer) and the reviews, and then also the next size up. I'm not gonna lie, it has saved me at least once, and I've never found myself in a situation in which neither dress fit.
- My younger sister Phoebe used RTR to rent her prom dresses throughout high school for no more than $75 each, sparing my parents hundreds of dollars and a collection of prom dresses that would have just gathered dust in her closet for decades to come. Plus, she got to wear a designer dress, an experience she really enjoyed. For prom, I'm convinced there is nothing better!
Anyway. That ended up a little longer than I meant it, but I've honestly been a fan of this company since day one. It was pretty cool when they became an affiliate partner on this blog a few months ago.
Long story short(-ish), it's their fifth birthday, and Rent the Runway is featuring a special collection with exclusive designs by Badgley Mischka (pictured above), Christian Siriano, Marchesa Voyage, Monique Lhuillier, Lela Rose, Kenneth Jay Lane, and Oscar de la Renta to celebrate. Head over and check it out! Use this link for a $20 credit for your first rental.
*This post is sponsored by Rent the Runway. Affiliate links may be used. All opinions are my own!
