Party picks from Rent the Runway: Summer Edition

These last few years my shopping time has significantly decreased. On-line shopping is difficult because I am super picky and will try on 50 different items just to come home with one basic cotton tee. Charleston's shopping is pretty spread out - boutiques downtown, Target in West Ashley, Town Centre in Mount Pleasant, and I live on Johns Island, so all that traveling exhausts me before I can even leave the house. And with the amount of baby showers, engagement parties, bridal luncheons and so on (late 20s early 30s is prime time!), no one wants to be photographed making memories in the same dress at multiple events.

Enter, the greatest shopping invention of my life...Rent the Runway! As a member of Rent the Runway for the past 3 years, I have rented my fair share of dresses and have rounded up my favorite summer rentals, in a mix of fabrics, lengths and styles, to share with you! I have worn all of these dresses and the opinions are my own.

Cynthia Rowley - Periwinkle Pistachio Block Up Sheath

Likes

• Sheath style with lace overlay

• Crew neckline

• Appropriate length for a daytime event

• Pastel colors are exactly as shown in the photo

Dislikes

• Fabric does not stretch

Rental Price: $30-$50

Suggested Events: Baby Shower, Bridal Shower

Overall Score: 8.5/10

Elliatt - Coral Asymmetrical Wrap Dress

Likes

• Light and airy in the heat

• Bright coral hue is perfect for summer, style is a bit edgy

• Hugs in all the right places, giving you a flattering shape

• Optional modesty clip

Dislikes

• Wrinkles easily

Rental Price: $30-$45

Suggested Events: Bachelorette Party, Engagement Party, Wedding

Overall Score: 9.5/10

Diane von Furstenberg - Lemon Meringue Sheath

Likes

• Modest neckline

• Fitted bodice

• Easy to get in and out of

• Can easily be dressed up or down

• Pockets!

Dislikes

• Thicker material, suggest for indoor events in the summer

• Tight around the armpit area

Rental Price: $30-$60

Suggested Events: Baby Shower, Bridal Shower, Graduation,

Engagement Party, Wedding

Overall Score: 9.5/10

Josie by Natori - Desert Flower Print Maxi

Likes

• Adjustable straps allow you to create a low or modest V-neck

• Maxi length is a good contrast to sexy open back

• Vibrant colors and pattern

Dislikes

• Limited undergarment options

• Loose waist

Rental Price: $40-$55

Suggested Events: Rehearsal Dinner, Engagement Party

Overall Score: 9/10

Slate & Willow - Gold Cecilia Maxi Skirt

Likes

• Sequin material comfortable, not scratchy, inside fully lined

• Sits at natural waist

• Grazed the floor slightly

• Looked and felt elegant

• Amazingly priced

Dislikes*

• None

Rental Price: $30-$50

Suggested Events: Rehearsal Dinner, Wedding

Overall Score: 10/10

*Notes

I honestly loved everything about this skirt! I felt amazing in it and will 100% rent it again. The following are just some FYIs that some of you may find helpful in deciding if this piece is a good rental for you.

-It is a full sequin skirt, so naturally it has some weight to it; however, I did not feel it was too heavy. Better suited for an indoor summer event, just in case.

-Color is a bit darker in person. It also photographed in a few different shades, depending on the lighting.

-There is only one length, 58". I am 5'4" and wore ~3" heels and the fabric dragged slightly on the floor giving me a little bit of a train, which I really liked.

Use code: FIRSTRTR for 20% off your first rental and you'll be turning heads and dropping jaws at all your summer events!

Do you love these picks as much as I do? Have any feedback or suggestions? Drop me a comment below :)