Stop paying full price for items you only wear once.
It’s no secret that fast fashion is a wasteful industry. And if you’ve recently watched the viral Brandy Hellville documentary on HBO, you now know it’s worse than we originally thought. The feature depicted the unhealthy relationship we have with overconsuming. If you watched in awe as piles of clothing up to nine feet deep were uncovered on once-stunning beaches, where petroleum-based fabrics float out to sea, posing serious threats to marine wildlife and the quality of our oceans, you might be feeling a need to change any habits that contribute to this.
Introducing eco-friendly practices into your everyday routines is something everyone should be doing. But it’s also natural to want to switch up your wardrobe. We’re not here to shame you for adding new pieces to your arsenal, but there are more intentional ways to do it, especially when you need an item you’re unlikely to wear again — think Mother of the Bride gowns. That’s why we should take advantage of what already exists rather than constantly buying new, which is where clothing rental services come in.
Rent the Runway is a clothing network that’s been around since 2009, making it one of the first and most prominent online rental platforms to date. Because they’ve been around forever, their virtual closet holds over 10,000 garments, handbags, and jewelry in a variety of sizes from just about every brand you can imagine.
Don’t let the idea of wearing clothes that others have worn before gross you out, though. Everything has been washed and inspected to make sure it looks and feels brand new before it goes out to a renter, so you can rest assured you’ll never receive an item that’s damaged or stinky. Rent the Runway allows you to snag designer items from Vince, Christian Siriano, Marc Jacobs, and more at a serious discount, so you end up saving money and wearing a piece you may not otherwise have been able to afford. You can also pay a subscription fee and pick out several items to rent for a month if you want to create a rotating closet of pre-loved, borrowed goods.
To give you even more incentive, you can save 30 percent off your first rental of $50 or more with our exclusive code KCM30. So ease your fashion-loving conscience and prep for summer events with our top selections from their newest collection.
The Best Clothing Rentals for Spring and Summer
Aidan Mattox Stretch Satin Mermaid Gown
Rent the Runway
Picture this: You’re at a destination wedding celebrating loved ones, the wind is in your hair, and a soft breeze is giving you a major model moment while blowing this satin number behind you. Katie wore a similar dress a few years ago, and we haven’t stopped thinking about it since. It has a strapless bra-friendly neckline, so you don’t have to mess with pasties, and reviewers say it doesn’t cling uncomfortably to the body like column gowns have a tendency to do.
Veronica Beard Wright Dress
Rent the Runway
Shirt dresses are one of Katie’s favorite one-and-done wardrobe staples, but they can be boxy and shapeless if you don’t find the right fit. This one has a twisted detail at the waist that breaks up an otherwise stiff silhouette, and reviewers say the fabric is form-fitting without being too clingy or tight.
Levi’s Iconic Jumpsuit
Rent the Runway
Katie’s also a huge fan of jumpsuits because of their ease of wearing. Despite being made from denim, this classic one from Levi’s isn’t too heavy, and there’s a hidden internal drawstring you can use to accentuate your waist if you want to.
3.1 Phillip Lim ID Shoulder Bag
Rent the Runway
Designer handbags are a major investment, so consider renting one as a test drive before throwing down your hard-earned cash. Multiple reviewers said they loved this straw number so much they sprung to buy it after renting it, proclaiming it’s an amazing summer bag with plenty of space for the essentials.
Mignonne Gavigan Rentata Double Collar Necklace
Rent the Runway
Gold and pearl necklaces cost hundreds of dollars, but if you just want to try one on for size, renting is the way to go. Think of it as borrowing from a high end jewelry house with a minimal investment and no security detail. The necklace’s double chain and pearl design is extremely on trend right now. And despite looking chunky, it’s lightweight.
Saloni Vida Green Floral Dress
Rent the Runway
The silk used for this midi dress will feel like butter on your skin, and the tropical floral print is perfect for those rare events when you need something summery yet formal. The ruching on the backside shows off your assets, but you’ll still feel comfortable and covered.
Rixo Kristen Maxi
Rent the Runway
This block-printed dress is what modern prairie girl dreams are made of. It’s flowy and frilly without feeling overly sweet, and reviewers say the fabric is extremely soft. We imagine this one with a pair of wedges and a straw bag for a sunset event.
Joanna Laura Constantine Mismatched Chain Earrings
Rent the Runway
Wedding season is in full swing, and adding new accessories to a dress you already own can make all the difference. Chunky gold earrings like these make a statement against any outfit. Each earring is set asymmetrically with pearls, adding an unexpected twist to your look.
Proenza Schouler White Label Flou Wrap Dress
Rent the Runway
We’ve all struggled with straps that are too short or too long, which is why having a dress with adjustable ones is a game changer. Not only will it allow you to create the neckline you want, but these straps actually wrap around your waist to help accentuate your curves. Win-win.
Altuzarra Watermill Tote
Rent the Runway
Three words: Perfect vacation bag. Instead of paying $500 for a tote bag, consider renting this for your next trip. It’s big enough to hold all the fun souvenirs you find at a local market, but you can also use it as a personal item on your flight to and from your destination.
Eudon Choi Short Sleeve Linen Blazer
Rent the Runway
Katie has been loving the linen vest trend, but if you don’t want to show as much skin, this short-sleeved option is the compromise between a vest and a traditional blazer. The neckline is deep, but not so much that you’ll be overexposed (and you can always layer beneath it), and the longer length will cover your backside if you choose to wear it with a tighter pant and don’t want to worry about visible panty lines.
Club Monaco Ribbed Johnny Collar Polo
Rent the Runway
Seventies fashion is back and better than ever, and this polo proves it. Its ribbed material makes it stretchy and easy to move in, but the collar gives it some extra polish to keep it from appearing too casual. Reviewers say it looks great with jeans and trousers and the neutral color and pattern make it easy to style with items you already own.
Thakoon Collective Lightweight Sweater
Rent the Runway
A styling hack that we should’ve tried sooner? Wearing a buttoned-up cardigan as both a top and an additional layer interchangeably, making one piece way more multi-functional. The thicker knit on this one keeps it from being see-through, and reviewers say it doesn’t gap around the bust area. That said, if you have a larger bust, some recommend sizing up just in case.
