How to rent your whole Christmas wardrobe

How to rent your whole Christmas wardrobe

  • There are more social events in my diary in the next few weeks than the last year
  • The simple solution is to rent a dress or a piece of clothing instead of buying
  •  Even the Princess of Wales hired a green Solace London gown last week

There are more social events in my diary over the next few weeks than I have had for the rest of the year combined.

And I simply don’t have enough party pieces to get me through to New Year’s Eve. My solution? I’m going to rent my dream Christmas capsule wardrobe.

After all, even the Princess of Wales hired the stunning green Solace London gown (£74 a day from chic website Hurr) that she wore to the Earthshot Prize ceremony last week.

CHRISTMAS DAY Shine your way through the big day

SCHOOL NATIVITY Tights and flat shoes transform your mini skirt

SCHOOL NATIVITY Tights and flat shoes transform your mini skirt

NEW YEAR’S EVE Classic black and a flash of shoulder for your NYE bas

NEW YEAR’S EVE Classic black and a flash of shoulder for your NYE bas

COCKTAILS WITH PALS Ditch the dress and go for a trendy trouser sui

COCKTAILS WITH PALS Ditch the dress and go for a trendy trouser sui

But I’m not renting just one designer dress. No, my clever plan is to hire an entire wardrobe of High Street pieces, often available up to a size 18, that you can mix and match so you have the perfect look for every occasion.

I’ve opted to use the rental website hirestreetuk.com, and take my items for 30 days (although you can also hire them for as little as four days). I pick just five key pieces to create at least 12 glamorous looks…

1. Start with a simple day dress that can be easily dressed up or down.

2. Treat yourself to a classy camel coat that goes with everything.

BOXING DAY WALK Heading out? Add chunky boots and the camel coat

BOXING DAY WALK Heading out? Add chunky boots and the camel coat

THEATRE TRIP Try your sequins with a cashmere knit and knee-highs

THEATRE TRIP Try your sequins with a cashmere knit and knee-highs

WREATH MAKING Layering is key — drape your jacket

WREATH MAKING Layering is key — drape your jacket

OFFICE PARTY Add a pair of colourful heels to elevate the look

OFFICE PARTY Add a pair of colourful heels to elevate the look

3. A statement suit is a smart choice as the two pieces can be separated and worn in different ways.

4. Next, a jumpsuit is the most versatile option to go effortlessly from a casual cup of mulled wine to full-on party glamour.

5. Finally, a festive wardrobe wouldn’t be complete without a scattering of sequins.

These pieces set me back £170 in total, but would have retailed for £545. Another plus? Nothing needs to be washed or dry-cleaned before returning. I’ll simply pop the lot in the post and go back to my scruffy jeans. Bliss.

FAMILY LUNCH Dress down your suit with simple flats and a cami

FAMILY LUNCH Dress down your suit with simple flats and a cami

FESTIVE SHOPPING Jazzy trousers make fun seasonal daywear

FESTIVE SHOPPING Jazzy trousers make fun seasonal daywear

CAROL CONCERT Transform your floral dress into a must-have midi skirt

CAROL CONCERT Transform your floral dress into a must-have midi skirt

NEIGHBOUR’S DRINKS Add a touch of sparkle for Christmas drinks

NEIGHBOUR’S DRINKS Add a touch of sparkle for Christmas drinks

HIRE FIVE PIECES 

 Nobody’s Child jumpsuit, RRP £75, rent from £15

 Oasis jacquard co-ord, RRP £158, rent from £32

 M&S wool wrap coat, RRP £149, rent from £27

 

M&S X Ghost floral midi, RRP £69, rent from £14

 M&S sequin co-ord, RRP £94, rent from £19