- I’ve been using Rent the Runway for two years and I love always having a new outfit to wear.
- To get the most out of my membership, I always read reviews before choosing rental items.
- I also like to choose pieces that would normally be out of my comfort zone.
As a travel writer, I always want to wear new outfits to post during my travels. However, I hate spending money on clothes that I get tired of quickly after wearing them a few times.
Two years ago, a good friend introduced me to Rent the Runway, a clothing rental subscription service with several membership options. My $144 monthly membership, which gives me access to 10 outfits each month, has been a game changer.
Here are seven ways I make my Rent the Runway membership count.
I like to choose pieces that would normally be out of my comfort zone
I like to rent pieces that allow me to have fun with my personal style. Kelly Magyarics
Renting is a great opportunity to try on pieces in styles I wouldn’t normally wear. This includes things like bright colors, bold prints, or uncomfortable stripes.
For example, I adored a bright, floral dress that gave me a 1950s housewife vibe, and I got tons of compliments on a fuzzy blue and brown cow print winter coat.
If I don’t like it, I’ll wear it once and return it. But sometimes, I end up discovering a whole new view.
When choosing a place to rent, I always read the reviews first
Before choosing items to add to my shipment, I always check the reviews first. Helpful user reviews include a rating on a scale of 1 to 5, photos and information about the reviewer such as the size they are wearing, their usual size, age, height, weight, breast size and body type.
I only rent items that have a 4 star review or higher, as reviews are pulled by members for reasons such as poor fit or quality.
I also look for reviews and photos of members of similar size and body type for a more “apples to apples” comparison.
Sometimes, I like to rent certain items for a longer period of time
Jackets are a great item to rent. Kelly Magyarics
To get the most bang for my buck, I like to rent outerwear because it’s versatile and often expensive. For example, one year I rented a black leather jacket that retailed for $700.
I loved it so much that I kept it for almost two months and even took it on a trip to Japan. Even though this meant I had to choose one less piece in subsequent shipments, I got a lot of use out of it.
If you find an item you like, I definitely recommend extending the rental period.
Promo codes make it more affordable to buy the items I love
Of course, this subscription service is all about renting, but if I fall in love with something, I can buy it. When I do this, I always check for promo codes, which can offer up to 40% off.
For example, I picked up a cute $238 Scotch & Soda linen sweater for $60 and a $275 Louna ombre sweater for $40. Since I had rented them, I knew they fit and looked good on my body.
Benefit from Rent the Runway’s accessories collection
I love adding a handbag to my Rent the Runway haul. Kelly Magyarics
There have been a few times when, for one reason or another, I just couldn’t find that last perfect piece to add to my shipment.
Luckily, Rent the Runway also offers accessories, including jewelry, sunglasses, and bags.
I rented a blue and white striped bucket bag, a minimalist leather cross body, and a black thong mini thong. Bags are a great way to add a bit of color or designer style to your wardrobe.
I like to use Rent the Runway for special occasions
Rent the Runway is great for special occasions. Kelly Magyarics
On a recent trip to Marrakesh, Morocco, the itinerary included a white party and a gala—neither of which I had a dress for.
I rented a white spaghetti strap dress with neon yellow piping and a stunning silk dress with high slits on each side.
Whether I need something for a wedding, party, holiday or cruise, the no-obligation aspect is perfect no matter the occasion.
I always use the chat feature when an article isn’t quite right
Although rental items should always arrive in good condition and ready to wear, there have been a few cases where items have arrived looking very worn or wrinkled.
Fortunately, every time I’ve chatted with Rent the Runway, I’ve been able to speak with a human representative, not a chatbot.
The company has always fixed the situation by providing a free rental item immediately or in my next shipment. Getting these extra rentals keeps me from “ruining” the pieces I can’t wear, allowing me to get more bang for my buck.
