Image: Lucy Thomson for Hurr Collective
Party season is in full swing, and with each festive event comes the decision of what to wear. Could renting your party outfit be the most sustainable solution?
updated: 08.11.19
Many of us can relate to that feeling of looking in the wardrobe and finding nothing to wear when we have a big event looming. The desire to purchase something new on such as occasion can be strong, particularly when having a last minute panic. However, with one in 10 people claiming to throw out clothing after being pictured wearing it just three times, 300,000 tonnes of clothes thrown away in the UK alone every year, and 123 million clothes in London hanging in wardrobes unworn, buying a new outfit that will probably be worn only a handful of times is not a sustainable option for your bank balance or for the planet.
Organising clothes swaps with friends, or shopping in vintage or charity shops are two more sustainable solutions to your wardrobe conundrum – especially if you take something with you that you no longer wear to swap or donate. But there is now also another option – rental.
While renting tuxedos and fancy dress costumes is quite the norm, specialist rental companies are now offering everyday and designer partywear that will keep your wardrobe fresh without adding to the ever-growing pressure on our planet’s resources (and without the designer price tag – win win).
So before you head to the shops, check out these clothes rental companies to find your perfect party look:
Hurr Collective
Rent beautiful dresses, accessories and garments through Hurr Collective. Its extensive range of party dresses, sequins and Instagram-worthy brands will have you feeling fabulous at any festive party – with all pieces available to rent for anywhere upwards of two days at a time.
The Endless Wardrobe
The Endless Wardrobe‘s edits of clothes to rent range from holiday wear to party dresses, with beautiful Alexa Chung dresses to Free People skirts, these pieces can be rented from anywhere up to 16 days at a time – perfect for the multitude of christmas parties over the festive season.
My Wardobe HQ
Specialising in luxury fashion, My Wardobe HQ offers the opportunity to rent pieces from names such as Stella McCartney, Chanel and Vivienne Westwood at a fraction of the cost & in the most sustainable way. Follow in the footsteps of Arizona Muse who rented an Alexander McQueen dress from My Wardrobe HQ for the 2019 Green Carpet Fashion Awards, showing how rental can be perfect for any occasion.
By Rotation
Having recently launched its app, By Rotation speciailises in peer to peer rental, encouraging users to collect pieces in person and embody their mantra #whatsmineisyours. Rent anything from knitwear to party dresses, with the opportunity to rent brands such as Rixo London and Zimmermann for all your party needs.
Rent the Runway
US-based Rent the Runway was founded in 2009 with a vision of making women feel empowered and self-confident every day. Its subscription based rental service enables women across the US to rent a rotating wardrobe of designer pieces for work, weekends and beyond.
Wear the Walk
With London-based Wear the Walk, you can rent your dream dress for the Christmas party from just £60 for a monthly subscription. Book an appointment at their London showroom to be guided through their list of designers to help you find the perfect outfit.
Front Row
Offering next day delivery in central London (or same day if you order before 1pm), Front Row has stylists on hand to help you create the perfect outfit to rent for any occasion – even if you’ve left things to the last minute.
Girl Meets Dress
Hire designer dresses at up 95% of their retail price with Girl Meets Dress. Either rent as a one-off for a special event, or opt for an unlimited monthly membership for a revolving wardrobe without the environmental footprint.
For more inspiration, read our guide to dressing ethically – where to start and see Rosanna Falconer‘s ethical Christmas party looks to dazzle this festive season.