Rent the Runway Makes High-End Fashion Affordable

This New Year’s Eve, Rent the Runway: Dressing Like a Diva on a Dime

By beckygarrison | December 19, 2011 at 7:51 am

Sophie Theallet Patriot Contrast Gown

Jennifer Hyman and Jenny Fleiss got the idea for Rent the Runway after they met at Harvard Business School. When Hyman saw her sister struggle with trying to put together a fashionable ensemble out of her closet full of clothes, she had an idea: What if women like her sister who were on a modest salary could have access to the designer duds when they had a special night out?

In 2009, these women took their business skills and love of fashion and launched Rent the Runway. With the recession in full swing, women were becoming increasingly concerned about their budgets but yet they still wanted to rock the room when stepping out for a formal event or other special occasion. While they targeted their business to college and young adult women, many of these styles can also be worn by older women.

Budget-minded fashionistas who might want to give Rent the Runway a try can sign up for free.

Choose from 25,000 dresses from 150 designers. Rentals range from $40 for a Halston Heritage Magenta Floral Drape Dress to $400 for a Sophie Theallet Patriot Contrast Gown. Sort for dresses based on one’s age, body type, preferred color, dress styles, occasion or designer. Stylists are available via phone or chat to help with any questions.

Then add some accessories – jewelry and a dressy handbag to complete the look. If need be, buy lingerie and shapers for a smooth and polished look.

Once the dress and all accompanying items have been selected, pick the date the item needs to arrive. Keep the rental for 4 or 8 days and then mail it back. When ordering, go with the option where you can order a second size for free. As sizing can vary from designers, having two sizes of the same dress will ensure that one of them should fit. A full refund offered in the rare event none of the dresses will work.

Thanks to Rent the Runway, women can avoid the hassle of having a closet filled with barely used bridesmaid dresses and outdated formal wear without going to a special event looking under dressed. As Fleiss said, “This is the only way to rationalize inserting new items into your wardrobe on a weekly basis.”