Instead of buying a new outfit for every event in your diary, try the sustainable option of renting a dress instead.
The typical New Year’s Eve plan most likely involves a new outfit, a ticket to an overpriced event and a long queue at the bar. This is followed by fireworks that everyone waits until midnight for, before a desperate struggle to find a taxi that’s double the usual price.
This year, everything is a little bit different – but that’s not to say it won’t involve a new outfit. We’ll of course all be swapping bars and clubs for a kitchen disco with our housemates or live-in family, but waving goodbye to yet another rollercoaster of a year is the perfect excuse to get dressed up for the occasion.
A lot of lifestyle changes have had to happen this year, so why not make some positive changes to the way we shop, too? Enter rental fashion. We’ve already compiled a guide on how to shop some of the best rental fashion sites and apps in the game. However, they truly come into their own in the festive fashion in particular, when you can wear an amazing outfit at a fraction of the cost to both your bank account and the planet.
There’s ByRotation, where you can borrow a few pieces straight from the wardrobes of your favourite fashion stars; Rotaro, which does the dry cleaning part for you; and Endless Wardrobe, where you can rent an outfit and, if you decide you love it, you can buy it directly from the site.
With so many great ways to ditch the ‘buy now, wear once’ ethos, we’ve decided to round up some of the best dresses you’ll want to hire for New Year’s Eve. It’s time to close the gap – rent, rewear and recycle and you’ll end up getting to make memories in some of the most amazing dresses around.
Shop best rental dresses
Whistles sequin dress
Whistles sequin dress Party season wouldn’t be complete without a sprinkling of sequins and this midi dress is a beauty. Whether you wear it with strappy heels or chunky boots, tag @byrotationofficial to show the team how you style it.
Lisou Penelope dress
Lisou Penelope dress Known for its statement prints, Lisou is a go-to for fanciful frocks that’ll make everyone ask you where you got it from. Luckily, you can tell them it’s rented and they can borrow it too.
Bardot Zelda slip dress
Bardot Zelda slip dress Pastels shades aren’t just for spring – brighten up the darker nights too with this minty slip. Try it out layered over a sheer high-neck top with an oversized blazer and heeled boots.
Rent Bardot Zelda slip dress at Hirestreet, from £20 for four days
De La Vali Bougainvilla ruffle maxi dress
De La Vali Bougainvilla ruffle maxi dress For the ultimate festive fix opt for this ruffled De La Vali maxi dress. Go matchy-matchy and style with black mules, red lips and stick to minimal accessories.
Rent De La Vali Bougainvilla ruffle maxi dress at Endless Wardrobe, from £39 for four days
Aje Coda dress
Aje Coda dress Dressing OTT isn’t a thing when it comes to party season. Oversized sleeves, puffy silhouette, bright colour – everything goes with this punchy pink Aje dress.
Whistles Dena dress
Whistles Dena dress Sometimes a dress is just designed to make memories in – and this teal sequin mini is one of them. Hire it out now for a kitchen disco and again for an actual party next year.
Rent Whistles Dena sequin dress at Girl Meets Dress, from £49 for two days
Jason Wu velvet dress
Jason Wu velvet dress To channel black tie (even if it is in your living room), try out this velvety Jason Wu dress with strappy 90s detail. Add crystal jewellery to get the full look.
Rent Jason Wu velvet dress at My Wardrobe HQ, from £80 for four days
Baum und Pferdgarten Ajana dress
Baum und Pferdgarten Ajana dress When you sign up to Onloan, you get to borrow two items for the month for £69 or four items for £99. We predict this silky leopard dress will be on your wish list.
Rent Baum und Pferdgarten Ajana dress at Onloan, from £69 for the month
Molly O’Halloran green ecru midi dress
Molly O'Halloran green ecru midi dress Molly O’Halloran is one of the most exciting knitwear designers to know, and this midi dress design of hers is bound to make a statement wherever you go. You can even ditch the accessories and still be party-ready.
Rent Molly O’Halloran green ecru midi dress at Rotaro, from £19 for four days
Jacquemus fringed dress
Jacquemus fringed dress To go the opposite end of the scale from your favourite joggers, try out this fringed halterneck dress of dreams by Jacquemus. You can borrow this from cool-girl Camille Charriere.
Ghost Becky dress
Ghost Becky dress You can always rely on Ghost dresses to be the perfect plus-one to any occasion – from weddings to party season and everything in between. Wear this glossy navy number with lashings of gold jewellery and a timeless red lip.
Rent Ghost Becky dress at Hirestreet, from £54 for four days
Alexa Chung Road to Ruin dress
Alexa Chung Road to Ruin dress This Alexa Chung dress also gets a yes from us. To bring all the Kate Moss party vibes, complete the look with chunky stomper boots and a faux-fur coat.
Rent Alexa Chung Road to Ruin gold mini slip dress at Endless Wardrobe, from £39 for four days
Opening image: By Rotation
Images: courtesy of brands