My Rent the Runway Unlimited Review

Last month my friend Lizzie texted me asking if I wanted to a chance to try out Rent the Runway unlimited for free, since she had one free month code to send out.

My response? ABSOLUTELY.

I have used Rent the Runway in the past, but only their typical rental service for a gala (I wrote about it here…still love the dress), so I was thrilled by the idea.

Currently my life is too casual for me to consistently use RTR Unlimited, but I would love to do it if I had more events to attend.

Let’s dive in…

What is Rent the Runway unlimited? How much does it cost?

• Rent the Runway unlimited is a monthly subscription service to rent higher end/designer clothing, bags and accessories. It costs $159 per month, but they are always offering some discount. The current discount is $80 off your first two months with the code YESPLEASE
• You can see more on their website here!

How does it work?

• Each rental/billing period is one month. For your first time you create your account, put in some personal information and then choose your first 4 items. They ship them to you via UPS 2 Day shipping in a garment bag and include a return shipping label in the bag.
• You are able to switch out the items as many times as you want throughout the month, but you first have to mail back the items you want to switch before you can choose your next ones.

What brands are available?

• They have some gorgeous pieces from all different designers and brands. Some of my personal favorites are: Diane Von Furstenberg, Clare V, Milly, Tory Burch, Joie, Mara Hoffman, Rebecca Minkoff, Vince and more.

Do I have to dry clean the items?

• Nope, Rent the Runway does that for you!

For my first round I ordered a blue Shinola satchel (here), a Milly sweater (here), a DVF dress (here) and a black cocktail dress. I would recommend trying the items on as soon as possible when you receive them, so if they don’t fit/you don’t like them, you can ship them back ASAP and get new items.

I struck out with 2 of my first 4. The black cocktail dress was gorgeous but I couldn’t get it zipped, and I am someone who should NEVER wear striped turtleneck sweaters haha. I packed the dress and sweater back into the garment bag, put the pre-paid label on and sent them back so I could choose new items.

You are available to pick your next items as soon as they receive the package of your return. It was a quick turnaround for me, and within a handful of days I received my 2 new items. This Clare V bag I shared in this blog post (love it) and this navy gown I’m wearing above.

Pros:

RTR Unlimited is cool because they are so many items available. Everything from full length gowns, to designer sunglasses, to premium denim is available, so if you’re someone who loves higher end items but can’t quite commit to them, this is for you. I liked that I could try on brands I’ve never worn and learn how they fit, so if I want to purchase something in the future, I have a better idea of my size.

You can purchase the items you rent at a discount (I saw discounts ranging from 10%-60%) if you love them when you rent them. I was SO CLOSE to purchasing the DVF dress…and I may still be having some regrets I didn’t.

You can switch out items multiple times per month.

If you really like an item you can keep it for multiple months (as long as your membership is still active!)

You can pause or cancel your membership at any time!

They have a wide range of sizes as well as some maternity pieces.

 

Cons:

You only get one size – so it may not fit ( when you just order for an event you get two sizes) — because of this I recommend reading reviews (and writing them to help other people out).

Some items you want may not be available if someone else is renting them.

The cost adds up. $159/month is a lot, especially since you’re not getting to keep any of the items.

Would I actually pay for this service?

The answer is YES, if I had enough events in one month to make the cost worth it. For example, my friend Natalie attended 3 weddings in November, and if that was me I would’ve absolutely rented just for the month, because then I could have 3 completely unique looks for the weddings at a lower cost than buying multiple dresses. Plus you can rent handbags, jewelry and coats as well, so you could really get your money’s worth.

I know plenty of people can and do use RTR Unlimited to switch out their casual and work clothes too, but for me personally $159 does not seem worth it. I already own plenty of day to day items I love and wear!

**There is also Rent the Runway Update, which is a smaller, less expensive membership option. Personally I have never tried it, but the monthly cost is $89, you are allowed the same 4 items as the unlimited, but are only allowed to swap out 1 of those items. Update also has less brands of items to choose from.

I know a handful of my friends have used Rent the Runway, but have any of you? I’ve always had positive experiences.
I was not compensated by RTR at all, but wanted to share my experience with you in case you’re in the market to try it yourself, so I hope this was helpful.

How do we feel about review posts? Let me know!

Happy Wednesday 🙂

xo, Maddy