Summer may be over but that doesn’t mean our social calendars are going to be letting up any time soon. My calendar is looking like I may not see the inside of my house until January 2023, and my biggest issue will always be… what to wear?!
Now, if you’ve read my previous column, you’ll know I’m a sustainable queen: I love wearing clothes I’ve already got and looking for new ways to fall in love with my wardrobe all over again, but for those days when I get that itch (you know the one I mean) for something new, I look to fashion rental.
I’ve been a huge fan of rental for many years and have got the chance to wear some very stylish pieces over the years. Not only do I advocate outfits to rent but I also rent out my own wardrobe, too.
The rental platform offering is growing by the day. Some are peer to peer based – this is where you rent from someone else, for example HURR and ByRotation. Other platforms offer outfits to rent directly from the brands, or via managed stock the platform holds, like Cocoon Club and Rotaro.
For me, I love knowing that I’m wearing a ridiculously expensive piece, that may not be in my price range, for the cost of a high street item. Getting to enjoy it, show it off and then return it, knowing that I didn’t spend a load of money on an item only to wear it once and have it sit in the back of my wardrobe, is the best.
I have compiled a guide to some of the best outfits to rent I’ve seen (and even tried) across different platforms:
Wedding guest rentals
When it comes to weddings, I think it depends on where you are going and what vibe the bride & groom wants. I recently wore this amazing Leslie Amon Swim dress for one of my best friend’s weddings in Italy.
Now a lot of people may not like the idea of wearing a short, bright dress which is also covered in feathers to a wedding, but the bride wanted her friends to be giving *showstopper*, so that’s what she got! You can rent this dress, too.
I tried this dress on at the HURR concession in Selfridges and genuinely didn’t want to take it off. For a formal or black tie wedding, this beauty should be on your radar.
For a more casual wedding, this Monika The Label dress will not only turn heads, but it’s incredibly comfy, too.
Black tie event dressing
I think this is one of the best ways for you to utilise rental platforms – it’s a great way to feel like Cinderella for a night.
A personal fave was this Preen by Thornton Bregazzi piece I wore to an awards ceremony last year. Talk about glam!
This may be the most show-stopping gown I have ever seen. At £38 per day for rental, you can wear this gorgeous, luxury fashion piece so make sure you take loads of photos…
These shoes were made for partying. The perfect addition.
Birthday outfits to rent
The best thing about fashion rental is that you feel like you’re playing dress up. Take this OTT black velvet frock. It’s all about feeling fabulous, especially for a birthday, so for my big 3-5 this year, I rented this Miscreants London dress from ByRotation.
You will be seeing this Barbie pink hue everywhere this autumn, rent this to stand out from the crowd on your birthday.
Jacquemus know how to do a slinky dress well, and this is no exception.
Date night looks
Whether it’s a first date or something more long term, you will find special outfits to rent that are just right for the occasion. This Selkie dress is the thing that dreams are made of.
For a more laidback date where you still want to look cute, a Peachy Den jumpsuit is definitely the way to go. These are so flattering.
Every time I see this dress, I just think ‘bombshell!’
Brunch outfits to rent
I love a day out with my best people and there is nothing better than a Saturday brunch. I like clothing that’s comfy, with lots of stretch for all the tasty food I’ll be inhaling.
This lilac dress from Hurr is fun, flirty and cute. Save it for your next brunch.
Rixo dresses are always a winner and this gorgeous, ditsy floral number is not only a timeless classic, but incredibly flattering.
It’s not all dresses on rental platforms. This bag from Cocoon Club is available on a subscription basis so you can rent it for the whole month!
Christmas party looks
It may only be September, but it is definitely time to start planning your Christmas rentals. There are some fab Christmas party dresses out there. I had my heart set on this amazing ILTA piece which I rented from HURR, last year which I wore for a Christmas party and it did not disappoint!
If you aren’t into the typical sequinned looks for Christmas, then try out this pink shimmery number, it’s very forgiving and definitely one to rent for one of the many Christmas parties you’ll be attending this year!
This dress is a work of art. If you have a particularly fancy party to attend, why not wear a Valentino couture gown for the night, for the same price of a Zara dress you will only wear once? I can guarantee no one will be wearing the same as you if you turn up in this.
Office outfits to rent
Finally, you can rent clothing for everyday use too, not just for special occasions. Sometimes your work wardrobe needs a little refresh, rental is a great way to do that. This two toned dress is stunning and smart enough for a more corporate office environment.
If there was an award for the best dressed in the office, this top would get you it.
Some of your favourite dress brands also make great separates and this Self Portrait dress is incredibly versatile, it’ll pack a punch in the boardroom.
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