I Tried Rent The Runway's Monthly Subscription – Here's My Honest Review
Let me first say, off the bat, this is not a sponsored post. And let me also say that, I decided to try Rent The Runway, honestly, because of my “mom bod.”
After having both babies within just 16 months of each other - ouch - I was feeling weird about my body. I’m not even sure how to describe it because I was so proud of my body. I carried to healthy babies, delivered them both, and somehow managed to still squeeze into my jeans (high-waisted, ya know for support). I also nursed both babies for 6+ months each so not only was my belly expanding and deflating at an alarming rate, so were my boobs over the past 3 years (if you count pregnancy time and nursing for both babies).
After having Harper (my first), I literally got rid of half of my closet. I got rid of clothes I was holding onto from college, that were “trendy” and that were not going to fit into my nursing mother lifestyle for the next year. Then, after Grant, we moved across the country and I did another closet purge. So, now, I’m at a bare minimum with my clothes and was almost pursuing a “capsule wardrobe” if you will - just not intentionally.
BUT, I’m a 3w4 on the Enneagram, which basically means that I like to stand out, be a little different, and have nice things (in a nutshell).
The “Problems” With My Wardrobe
NOTE: I’m highly aware these aren’t real “problems,” but more so just areas I’d like to improve.
I wanted unique pieces that complemented my wardrobe staples I currently had, but didn’t want to have them sitting in my closet growing more and more outdated.
I wanted to try some new fashion styles without having to pay an arm and a leg to pull it off.
I’ve wanted to look into more sustainable ways to pursue fashion, like renting, borrowing, and just purchasing high quality that will last.
My First Rental - WEDDING DRESS
So, I decided to give Rent The Runway a try first for a one-time rental just to get the lay of the land. I rented a gorgeous red dress for my coworker Danielle’s wedding in Florida in December. I thought it was the perfect winter wedding dress that would help boost my confidence a little for my first real event post-baby #2.
Honestly, this experience was 10/10. I rented two sizes (they send you the extra size free of charge) so I knew it would be a good fit. It arrived right on time to my grandma’s condo, and it came in a great bag that I just got ship right back. I felt amazing in the dress, like the real life red dress emoji.
My First Monthly Rental - The “Update” Plan
So then, after a successful first try with Rent The Runway, I decided to give the monthly rental program a try. It’s called the “Update Plan” for $89/month. With this plan, you get 4 items per month. Then at the end of the month, you can choose to keep or swap the items for new ones.
I decided to utilize this plan to its full extent and timed it right around the time that I was going on a work trip to Cabo, Mexico. I didn’t have a lot of warm weather gear that didn’t feel “frumpy” or “nursing mom” (thanks closet purge), and I knew I wanted to look cute on vacation!
For my four items, I got a bulky sweater (since I could wear it over anything on vacation and wear it in Michigan since I’d have the items for a month), a white crop top with flare sleeves a peplum flare, a red skirt, and a tank top style romper.
Overall recommendation & Opinion
I think I’m a rental convert. The whole process was really easy, made me feel confident in my clothes, but I love that now I don’t have to find another reason or occasion to wear those four specific pieces. I’m going to keep it going for another few months and rent more items, and I’ll update this post as I keep learning more about it.
In my next shipment, since it’s still winter here in Michigan (February), I’m going to be renting more winter looks like larger sweaters and I’m planning on trying out an expensive pair of denim just to give it a try. I’ve had the same jeans for (ahem) 5 years. So we’re in need of an update. If I really love them, I may even purchase them fully to be able to use my discount.
It’s also my birthday this month, and James and I are going to go out for a * fancy * dinner so I’m going to be renting one dress that will make me feel fun and flirty while we’re on our date night.
