Haute when rented!

Today’s fashionistas are a happy lot, thanks to this new trend which gives fashion-conscious individuals a chance to rent coveted designer outfits and dazzle.

If you’re clued in about what’s trending on social media, it’s very unlikely for you to have missed this latest trend — the rise of outfit rental apps. City bloggers and fashionistas vouch by its practicality, while a volley of others feel it doesn’t quite add up to the ‘feel good’ factor — as these outfits come with a deadline in terms of its return. But again, there’s no taking away from the fact that the recent past has seen the rise of dress rental apps and ventures like none other.

Blogger Aswathi Balakrishnann, who has amassed over 60k followers on Instagram shares, “As an influencer, there’s always the pressure of being viewed — it is stressful to ideate and conceptualise sharp content and visually appealing pictures every single day. There’s an absolute need for options and dress rental apps help me with just that.

I’ve been a user of FlyRobe, a dress rental app, which supplies designer wear at your doorstep. Honestly, in terms of affordability, convenience and options, dress rental apps are the way forward. People are going to comment and take an incisive look into what you’ve worn. There’s absolutely no room for compromise, especially when it comes to outfits that you choose.”

Adding how it’s practically impossible to spend on ostentatious outfits, she adds, “If I were to actually buy every outfit I wore at a shoot, I would have to spend nothing less than Rs 30,000-Rs 40,000 on outfits alone. And, more than the money it’s the fact that these clothes go to waste as nobody wears such heavy designer wear on a daily basis.”

Stylist and fashionista Rinku Chatlani, who recently promoted a brick and mortar store that deals with dress rentals believes it’s also a fabulous way to keep up with the times. “Most of these apps and stores which facilitate the renting of clothes are quite savvy and have stylists and professionals who keep tabs on what’s trending and what’s not. I like this app called Date the Ramp, which is specially targeted at youngsters wanting to experiment with their sense of style without spending a bomb. So, it’s easier to get exactly what’s in this season on such platforms. I also like the flexibility factor which makes things easier in terms of de-cluttering, as I don’t have to take on the burden of keeping something in my wardrobe for long.”  

Sneha Ratnatota, a young entrepreneur, however, feels the platform calls for extra caution. “Agreed, but it’s completely subjective. I personally wouldn’t want to give away an outfit that I wore for a special occasion, as there’s a sentiment involved with everything associated with a big day. There have been instances where people hand over special saris and traditional wear to their children and grandchildren. However, I feel dress rentals work for casual dos, but again, you need to be cautious about what you choose and from which app/store.”

Things to keep in mind while renting a dress
Always rent out things in advance if you wish to rent it for a special occasion. This is because most rental apps have millions of users carting similar products. So, it’s all about being an early bird to get the dress (in this case).
Always settle for a designer or brand you know.
Pay heed to the instructions. Most of these apps charge extra for shoddy returns.
Always rent out things in advance if you wish to rent it for a special occasion. This is because most rental apps have millions of users carting similar products. So, it’s all about being an early bird to get the dress (in this case).
Always settle for a designer or brand you know.
Pay heed to the instructions. Most of these apps charge extra for shoddy returns.