Is RTR Unlimited worth it?
Is RTR Unlimited worth it? The short answer: yes! TLDR: I’ve been using RTR Unlimited for most of 2018, and although I was reluctant to try it, I’m now a huge advocate. It’s totally changed the way I shop!
Here’s the quick overview of how the service works: for $160 a month, you have unlimited access to the Rent the Runway closet of dresses, clothing and accessories. You can have four pieces at home at any one time and you can keep them for as long as you want: once you send one piece back, you can choose a new piece to be sent back to you. And if the below convinces you, use code CESTCHRISTINEPERK40 to get 40% off your first month (only for first time RTRers!).
As a packing hack
I’ve been using RTR Unlimited as a packing hack on recent domestic trips: instead of cramming my suitcase full, I have a RTR order sent directly to my hotel. Items are newly dry cleaned and generally less wrinkled than if they’d been packed in my suitcase, and can immediately be hung up. I drop the package off at a UPS dropbox or store before heading to the airport—or, depending the level of concierge at the hotel, leave it there to be picked up by UPS.
To experiment with new styles
I’m a style uniform devotee: I prefer to invest in a few quality pieces in cuts that I know will be flattering than buy a lot of on-trend pieces. But! The fun of RTR Unlimited has been that I feel a little freer to try out styles that I wouldn’t normally consider buying. I’m more interested in bright colors and funky cuts and pieces that stand out since I’m not as concerned with only spending money on items that are versatile, multifunctional and able to be dressed up or dressed down. It’s been fun to go a little bit out of my comfort zone! And it’s pretty low-risk: sometimes I order something that just doesn’t work, and I’ll just return it that day to swap it for something else to try. Similarly, it’s opened me up to designers I’ve never considered before—whether because I wasn’t familiar with them, or because the price point was higher than what I was comfortable with.
To visit different climates
When I moved to San Diego, I cleaned out my closet and got rid of a lot of sweaters, jackets and other cold weather clothes. And given the year-round sunshine in my new home, I’m not looking to spend my money on replacing them. That said, I travel regularly to San Francisco and the Pacific Northwest for work: climates that are often in need of a rain jacket or chic sweaters to layer. Instead of buying coats that would be worn only rarely, I just rent one for the trip.
To make every occasion feel like a special one
Although a friend’s housewarming party or a dinner date out doesn’t necessarily require a new outfit, I’m a little more inclined to find something new and fun to wear to just about any upcoming occasion with RTR Unlimited. I think this is particularly fun for me because I work from home. About 90% of my time is spent in Outdoor Voices leggings, Everlane tees and Allbirds, so when I do have a big client meeting or a party to attend, I’m more excited to actually get all done up for it!
To deal with the social media effect
I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention a huge reason why Unlimited is particularly compelling to me: the fact that I do like to share “outfit photos” on Instagram, and that I’m conscious of repeating the same pieces. I’m not saying it’s right, I’m not saying it’s wrong, I’m just saying it is. Having access to unlimited pieces for one price (even if it’s not exactly cheap!) makes more sense to me than buying a bunch of clothes that I’ll really only wear once or twice.
And lastly: although I’ve been using the Unlimited option, I am thinking about shifting to the recently introduced Update option: instead of unlimited access, you get four pieces per month for $60. I do get a little stressed out with “getting the most for my money” at the Unlimited level, so I’m constantly swapping out for new pieces—and I don’t always have enough events or reasons to wear them! Choosing four good pieces per month seems more in line with what I need, at a price point that feels better with my budget.
Note: Rent the Runway did offer me one free month of Unlimited, but I paid full price for the service for months before that offer and continue to pay full price now. Use code CESTCHRISTINEPERK40 to try it out!
