Rental was probably my first experience of more sustainable dressing. Discovering the By Rotation app completely changed my relationship with clothes and became the first place I searched for an upcoming night out. 

Over the past few months, I have tried dresses and clothes that were way beyond my imagination (and budget) in an affordable and more sustainable way. 

Not sure on whether rental is for you? I think these beautiful outfits could change your mind.

LOOK 1 - The testing it out top

Before diving headfirst into full outfit rental, I rented this gorgeous Olivia Rose The Label top from one of By Rotation’s ambassadors. I couldn’t have had a better introduction to the app. 

This was a great way to ease me in, renting a top rather than a whole outfit.

This top fastens with a bow at the back, taking the stress off fitting away as there is flexibility in the design.

This top was a game-changer. Higher quality and more striking than anything from my fast fashion wardrobe, it gave me instant confidence. Rental also gave me the buzz of a new delivery.

I have the awful habit of wearing things once but with this top I felt no guilt. That was kind of the point. It also was my first time wearing something from Olivia Rose The Label, making it a great way to figure out my sizing in a brand I really wanted to try. 

Check out our full interview with founder Olivia Havelock here.

LOOK 2 - The Orange Dress of Dreams

This was the scariest one. The first time wearing a full rented outfit, but luckily it was amazing. The dress arrived and I have never seen a colour like it. I was so excited to wear it. 

Orange is a bold colour and not something you can wear every day, but for the first weekend of the world reopening back in summer, you go big or go home. The material of this silk slip Bec + Bridge dress was incredible.

Again, I opted for something with a lace up back to take away the stress of fitting. I also love the backless detail it gives the dress. I kept accessories minimal, making the dress the real focal point. 

The only thing is, you do need to consider where you wear rental. When it is someone else’s dress and needs to be returned, you don’t want to wear it somewhere that could be messy as it puts the dress at risk and can leave you feeling stressed rather than enjoying your night.

LOOK 3 - Button it up

So it’s time to talk about fitting. For Look 3 I rented a lovely With Jéan dress and for the first time, it had a real fastening. 

This gorgeous yellow dress is pure sunshine. It has some stretch in a jersey style fabric and buttons from hem to bust meaning it does need to fit properly.

What’s great about By Rotation is that you can chat to the outfit owner and ask them honestly about fit. They’ll be able to let you know their own experience of the dress and any feedback they have had. 

I spoke to the owner of this dress before confirming the rental and felt completely at ease when it arrived that it would fit. It did! And was perfect for a cocktail in the sun with friends. 

LOOK 4 - The full outfit

So once you get into rental you will find yourself wanting to rent everything. That’s exactly what I did while on a girls' staycation to Bath. My suitcase was full of beautiful rented items.

The real stand out to me was this Peachy Den Jumpsuit. When I first rented it, I was unsure. It was so different for me and completely outside of my usual super girly comfort zone. With the slim fit and zip fastening, it was risky and I didn’t know how I would feel.

Then it arrived. Oh wow. This was the item I never knew I needed. I felt sexy and comfortable in this jumpsuit. 

I now need to get my own Peachy Den jumpsuit, because I know it’s not a wear once item. It’s a real wardrobe staple. An everyday look that works perfectly for day to night with a quick change of shoes. 

I also rented this Loewe basket bag. It was an amazing price and the perfect summer piece to go with everything on my staycation. This bag had space for all my stuff and looked amazing with everything I paired it with. After a weekend, I’d grown quite attached when it was time to send it home. 

LOOK 5 - The Statement Day Dress

What rental is absolutely perfect for is that statement day dress. My most recent rental was another afternoon tea piece. A beautiful gingham dress from Daily Sleeper. 

I love red and Daily Sleeper was a brand I’d wanted to try for a while. To finish my weekend in Bath, I went for what rental is a dream for. A beautiful dress that will really catch eyes. 

An elasticated bodice and even came with its own matching bow, this dress reminded me just how easy and satisfying rental can be. Just keep talking to the owner and book your pieces well in advance to avoid disappointment. 

I can’t wait to share more rented looks soon. 

Written by Lauren Waugh

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