Rent the Runway

What's in the box: Each subscription shipment contains 5 clothing or accessory items you choose yourself from hundreds of designer and quality brands.

Rent the Runway is a US clothing rental service that lets you wear designer pieces without buying them. The subscription works in a simple loop: you choose 5 items for a shipment, wear them, then return them and pick new styles when you want a change. The site says new shipments arrive in 1 to 3 days. At the time of capture, the subscription was listed at $99 for the first month and $164 per month after that. The catalog covers a wide range of needs, including workwear, everyday clothes, vacation outfits, maternity wear, and formal dresses for weddings and events. Seasonal trend edits are featured prominently, which suits people who like to experiment without committing to a purchase. If you only need something for a single occasion, one-off rentals are available without a subscription, and some items can be bought outright, including through a clearance section. The service takes care of cleaning between rentals. The main tradeoff is cost: at the ongoing monthly rate, it only makes sense if you will actually rotate through items regularly. Fit can also be a gamble with any rental, since you cannot try pieces on before they arrive. For people who get dressed up often or love variety, it is a practical way to keep a rotating wardrobe.