Borrow, Wear, Repeat: We’re Making A Case For Renting Your Closet

I love being a person who loves fashion. Finding the perfect outfit achieves a zen-like nothing else—it’s a remedy for a broken heart, a celebration for any win, a cure for boredom. There’s always a reason to make a moment special with a retail splurge. You know, a “treat yourself” purchase.

But the pressure to keep your closet fresh can’t always keep up. The horror of being labeled an outfit repeater is real, though buying new for every occasion isn’t feasible for most of us. Rental sites have the solution.

Overflowing closets have become the new stock portfolio for women, using elevated pieces as investment tools in a booming market for the outfit you’ll wear once. Have an event, need to stand out, don’t want to commit to something with limited wearability? Rentals let you source a full look, head-to-toe, for a fraction of ownership cost.

For the consumption-conscious, renting is the ultimate style hack. Sustainable, and it keeps closet clutter at bay. If you’re like me and don’t relate, don’t be discouraged: there’s never been a better way to put that dress you can’t emotionally detach from (the one that looked phenomenal on you five years ago) back to work. From designer stilettos to retired wedding guest dresses and rare statement bags, renting your wardrobe is the trend fashion enthusiasts can’t get enough of.

Zero Collective

Chanel bags are a girl’s best friend, and Zero Collective knows it. While the price of friendship might retail for $11,000, this designer rental subscription service makes flaunting the world’s most coveted pieces more accessible than ever. Shop their extensive catalogue of brand names and archival styles, from YSL and Dior to Fendi and beyond. With classic and deluxe packages on offer, there’s something for every degree of luxury aficionado—the bags you want, when you want them, through a low-cost, sustainable monthly subscription.

Fitzroy

We’re in the thick of wedding season, and the hardest part for any guest (or member of the wedding party) is finding a dress that fits the bride’s exact vision. Specific colour palettes and silhouettes often call for outfits just as specific, and those rarely live in your current closet. Fitzroy, founded by Julie Kalinowski and Angela Pastor, offers the easiest, most sustainable solution. Its studio boutique houses thousands of one-of-a-kind pieces, so there’s something for every guest and every occasion. The process is refreshingly straightforward, with the full experience outlined on their website and staff on hand for guidance whenever you need it. For Toronto locals, the freedom to try on your dress before committing makes this the clear best option.

rax

Ease and accessibility are what make certain rental sites so appealing, and rax is the new app changing the game for cyclical fashion. While other rental services are structured around renting directly from them, rax is a platform that connects users with one another to browse personal wardrobes. This means access to all sorts of pieces, from going-out tops to archival designer—you can find just about anything. Available through their mobile app, rax lets you browse at your own convenience, making it easier than ever to plan your next outfit, whenever and wherever.

Rent the Couture

Another option for your next sophisticated evening gown, Rent the Couture is a Toronto-based studio boutique that emulates luxury. The rental service focuses on tasteful gowns for elegant evenings, letting clients stun in lavish pieces at affordable prices. Explore the catalogue in person or have gowns shipped directly to your door. It’s the premium pick for smooth service and clear guidance, with staff on hand for sizing and styling—a stress-free selection process from start to finish.