My Experience with Rent The Runway Unlimited {August + September}
I mentioned on my Instagram that I’ve started using Rent the Runway Unlimited, and I’m excited to share my experience with you today! Way back in December of last year when I went to the Create & Cultivate Miami Vision Summit, I received a voucher for a free month of Rent the Runway Unlimited. I had heard of RTR before, but the Unlimited service was new to me. I tucked that voucher away, knowing it expired in October 2019. It wasn’t until someone in my office sent me the link to this review at the end of July that I became genuinely interested in signing up. So, I went for it and set up my first shipment just in time for my trip to Georgia.
For some background, here are the basics on RTR Unlimited:
- $159 per month, 4 items out at one time
- Keep those 4 pieces for as long as you want
- Swap out any # of pieces at anytime (ex. You can send back 1-2 at a time and hold onto the rest)
- Items delivered in a reusable garment bag with a prepaid return shipping label
- No need to wash before you return – everything is dry cleaned for you
- “Heart” items online and begin curating an personalized closet
While the voucher covered my first month, I’ve since renewed my subscription into September – partially because I like it and partially because I forgot to pause/cancel on time! However, I genuinely do like the service and think it has a number of benefits, including:
- I’ve stopped shopping and spending (too much) money on clothes each month.
- I’ve saved money on laundry since I don’t need to wash pieces before sending them back.
- I feel good about renting because it’s more sustainable and I’m not buying into “fast fashion.”
- I get to wear pieces that look and feel expensive for a fraction of the cost (one item typically = more than you pay for the month).
- I feel less bored with my wardrobe because I’m constantly switching things up and renting pieces that fit into my lifestyle.
Keep reading for a look at the pieces I’ve loved so far and those that haven’t worked. Once you’re done, if you feel motivated to sign up for Unlimited, help a girl out by using my referral link: https://rtr.app.link/e/IsB1U9EI0Z. This will give you $30 off your first order and I’ll get $30 when it ships – a win-win!
This post is not sponsored. All members are given a referral link to use. All opinions are my own!
Pieces I Loved
First, let’s review the pieces I’ve worn and loved in my first month and have with the RTR Unlimited. Like I mentioned, I selected my first 4 pieces just in time for my birthday and trip to Georgia. Because this was my first experience choosing items, I tried to “play it safe” and select pieces that seemed like the fit could be easily adjusted: ties at the waist, loose/flowy, etc. This worked in my favor and everything fit! I also went for fun, statement, summer-y pieces to bring some color to my vacation. In subsequent orders, I also went for some accessories and ordered cute bucket bags to try. It’s been fun styling these new pieces and making them work with existing items in my wardrobe!
- kate spade new york Hibiscus Off Shoulder Dress ($398 retail)
- Halston Red Pleated Ruffle Dress ($425 retail)
- J.Crew Richmond Top ($90 retail)
- Alexis Idella Dress ($595 retail)
- Cleobella Alina Midi Dress ($188 retail)
- Furla Corona Drawstring Bucket Bag ($398 retail)
- Astr Monica Skirt ($88 retail)
- kate spade new york Suzy Scallop Small Bucket Bag ($328 retail)
Pieces I Wore, But Didn’t Photograph
As hard as I try to get photos in the outfits I wear, it sometimes just doesn’t work out. The pieces below are ones that I wore and liked, but wasn’t able to take photos in. The striped halter dress was super cute! I wore it on a Friday off from work to get my nails done. It was super comfy and summer-y. I had mixed emotions about the Carolina K Blue Iris Dress. I wore this to work with a brown belt. It was pretty and bohemian, but ended up chaffing under my arms. I may have just tied the straps too tight. Finally, the chambray tie front skirt was a favorite that I’m sad I wasn’t able to photograph. I paired it with a white bodysuit and cropped leather jacket. This skirt is unique and super easy to wear. I’d rent this piece again!
- Tibi Collage Shirting Dress – $495 retail
- Carolina K Blue Iris Dress – $325 retail
- Colovos Chambray Tie Front Skirt – $425 retail
Pieces that Didn’t Work
The only real issue I have with the service is how much of a struggle it can be to determine the right sizing. On the website, each listing provides tips for sizing using the “RTR Fit Insight for This Style.” This feature gives a recommendation based on feedback by women who wore your default sizing (I’m listed as an 8 with a 6 as a backup size). The reviews section also provides fit ratings for each piece based on wearers that marked it as small, true to size, or big. Despite all of this, my most frequent problem with pieces that I’ve rented is that they don’t fit. Some are too big, others are two small. A few pieces just were not flattering on my body type, even though I thought they would be based on reviews. I’ve listed each piece that didn’t work out below, along with the associated fit issue.
- Hunter Bell Alex Jumpsuit – $263 retail, fit but the lining was showing at the bottom of the pants (see photos)
- kate spade new york White Button Front Midi Dress – $298 retail, too small
- Tibi Urban Stretch Flap Skirt – $385 retail, too small + unflattering
- Line + Dot Ali Ruffled Hem Dress – $110 retail, neckline was too big/revealing
- Adelyn Rae Janel Eyelet Maxi – $155 retail, wouldn’t zip despite fitting (got stuck at the waistline)
- kate spade new york Pinstripe Pleated Shirtdress – $298 retail, too big/unflattering
- Apiece Apart Galicia Wide Leg Pants – $295 retail, unflattering/didn’t have the right pieces to pair with it
- Petersyn Lavender Tate Top – $223 retail, too big
- Finders Keepers Gingham Gigi Dress – $145 retail, too big/weird straps
- Perseverance London Navy Stick Culottes – $305 retail, too big
- M.i.h Jeans Embroidered Caron Flare Jeans – $295 retail, too small
I’ve learned as I continue to use RTR Unlimited that the reviews and customer photos are your best friend! It’s like a built in network of stylists who are real women sharing their honest opinions on these pieces. I now only rent items who star ratings are high and have a good number of photos from other wearers. This has helped me select garments I know are going to fit.
Overall, I’m really impressed with the selection available, the free/fast shipping for orders and returns, and the amount of compliments I’ve received when wearing the pieces. With some exciting events in my future this fall into the holiday season, I think I’ll be sticking with RTR Unlimited to help keep my closet fresh and exciting!
Again, to get $30 off your first order, use this link: https://rtr.app.link/e/grlMCmfK0Z. Happy renting!
