Renting clothes for dinner parties and formals is the new thing in fashion — and an expert says it's a trend that's here to stay.
Key points:
- "Fashionable people" are increasingly hiring clothes for formal events, an expert says
- Fashion stylist Cate Messi says it's more economical and eco-friendly
- Olympian Susie O'Neill says dresses usually arrive on time and in "perfect condition"
Thrift shopping is already a popular way to refresh the wardrobe without buying new clothes, and suit hires for men have been popular for decades.
However, personal shopper and stylist Cate Massi said renting an outfit for formal events had become "very fashionable", even among some of society's trendiest people.
"It's the new black," she said.
The trend could even signal a change in the way society thinks about formal fashion, Ms Massi said.
Previously, to admit to renting a stylish evening gown or high-end party dress was a little embarrassing among some crowds.
But Ms Massi said renting clothing had become trendy among fashionistas, as it was more economical — and more eco-friendly.
Loading..."A few years back, you wouldn't tell anybody if you did loan or hire [clothes]," she told ABC Radio Brisbane.
"Now it's a cool thing — not only are you getting to wear higher-end labels and look super fabulous, you're saving the planet."
Making your money back
Knowing a garment has endured the sweat, stains, and spills of previous wearers' late-night escapades can be a turn off for some would-be renters.
However, Ms Massi said others relished the opportunity to share their favourite design pieces.
"A lot of very fashionable people are purchasing these beautiful pieces, wearing them themselves, and then hiring them on the side and getting a bit of the moolah back," she said.
"It's making their purchase a bit more reasonable, because they're making a bit more money back on the side by loaning it."
Celebrities also do it.
"Dressed by designers" before a big event, even Hollywood actors and actresses will "wear it and return it" after their most glamorous red-carpet events.
On time, in 'perfect condition'
Australian personality and Olympic swimmer Susie O'Neill was so supportive of renting formal wear, she "couldn't help" but call ABC Radio Brisbane's Kat Feeney to talk about it.
"It's the convenience of it," she said.
"They're excellent to rent for formals, or for occasions where you're only going to wear the dress once, like races."
Ms O'Neill said she had rented plenty of formal dresses in her time and had just started hiring outfits again for the first time since the pandemic.
"I wore one to the races the other day — a designer brand, it cost $160 to hire and whatever to buy.
"You book it for four or eight days. It turns up — the dress has always been in perfect condition – plus, they put in an express post bag in your bag [for returning it], so you don't have to think about it."
She said the attire she hired always arrived on time, dry-cleaned and ready to wear.
"The next day, I literally picked it off the floor, folded it nicely, put it back in the express post bag that they sent me, and as I was driving to work, I threw it in a letter box," she said.
"You don't even wash it."
Stylist Cate Massi said the key to renting was finding a reputable vendor that would cover the cost of dry-cleaning and organise postage.
"Just have fun, pick a colour you like, maybe go out of your comfort zone and try something new," Ms Massi said.
"If it works, you're on to a new good wicket. If it doesn't, you've learnt something."