How many times have you bought an outfit you thought you absolutely needed and ended up barely wearing it? I know I have, and admittedly, it’s not the best feeling when you realise the amount of money and resources you have wasted. So if like me, you are looking for a budget-friendly option, it’s renting your clothes.
But, why rent when you can buy, right? We list it down for you:
Trial run
Think of renting like a test-drive. Fashion, especially luxury fashion, can prove to be less than easy on the pocket. To be fair, the idea of a trial run before actually making a big investment with your hard-earned money can seem daunting. So whether it’s that dream lehenga or a new luxury bag you’ve had your eye on, giving it a real-life trial might help you make the right decision.
Mix it up
Don’t you wish you could have a new wardrobe every month and wear something different on all occasions? We get it, and it doesn’t always have to cost you or the environment as much as it does. Renting on-trend pieces and pairing them with your wardrobe staples is a great way to mix things up and look fashionable always.
Easy on the pocket
Let’s face it, any opportunity to save the big bucks is a welcome change and renting is just the golden opportunity you need. The rent on any designer piece will cost you a fraction of its actual market value. It’s safe to say that you’ll afford to sport various designer bags at the price of one.
We agree, renting is great, but if you can’t wait to get started, but what are the best places to rent clothes and accessories from? Here’s our curated list:
Stage 3
With a wide range of occasion wear for both men and women, Stage 3 ships all across India and stocks designers like Payal Singhal, Sabyasachi, Abhinav Mishra, and a lot more.. If there’s someplace to find your next wedding outfit, it’s here!
Flyrobe
Flyrobe not only has a great online presence in over 30 cities, but also stores in Mumbai, Delhi & Bangalore. They have a great curation of many coveted Indian designers like Anita Dongre, Shantanu & Nikhil and Sabyasachi. So whether you’re looking for a gown, lehenga or saree, you’ll be spoilt for choice at Flyrobe.
The Source
This one’s for everyone Mumbai-based! The Source is a small rental store in the by lanes of Pali Hill, Bandra. You can find everything from a chic pantsuit to a traditional bridal lehenga all in one place. They also have a unique and varied curation of accessories which the cherry on top of that cake.
Ziniosa
Buying a luxury bag can be a huge step towards new fashion choices. But here’s how you can make a fool-proof choice. Ziniosa has a curation of the most popular bags like the Gucci Mormont or the Sabyasachi Nani Bucket bag. They also have great jewellery to rent for weddings without burning a hole in your pocket by buying new pieces
What to keep in mind
Pay attention to the condition: Rental websites and stores always mention the product condition and tend to specify any minor scratched of flaws in them. It’s important to go through these details to make sure you’re okay with what you’ll get. You may also need to make sure your rental isn’t more damaged that it’s claimed to be.
Keep it safe: Treat your rental piece like you would your own. Any damage you cause to it might cost your rental store more than you think. After all, why would you want to spend money on damaged pieces? So make sure you keep your garments or accessories safe from unnecessary damage.
The Fine Print: Remember to take a good look at the terms and conditions of your rental purchase. While the basic structure remains uniform, which involve a refundable security deposit and rent based on the rental duration, make sure to look out for the finer details. For example, whole Stage 3 has a uniform 3-day rental policy, The Source is open to customizing the number of days you can rent for.
The Rental Hack: A quick tip to remember is to always take pictures as soon as you receive your garment or accessory. This way, in cases of pre-existing damage, you’ll always have them to go back to for reference.
So what are you waiting for? Get renting and tell us if you enjoyed it as much as we do!