Rent the Runway's Store Is a Sorority Girl's Dream Closet

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"Oh my god, is this new?!" someone squealed from the sidewalk. The young woman had just seen the shiny new storefront for Rent the Runway, its name emblazoned in gold lettering. The online retailer that forever changed how women obtain special-occasion dresses just opened this standalone outpost—its first ever—at 16 West 18th Street this month to bring the best of its business model (getting a fantastic dress for a fraction of the price) to real life (the sensation of carrying a garment bag out of a store).

The inside of the store looks like your dream closet—and in reality, it's probably twice the size of your actual apartment. Pale pink walls, shelves artfully lined with heels and fashion books, and tables decked out in bling-y baubles are almost enough to distract from the dress selection. But just almost.

Several of the dress racks are dedicated to trends ("fall pastels" "cobalt blue"), while gowns have their own section toward the back of the store. What's on display is only a fraction of what the store actually holds—a selection of 850 dresses that rotates based on seasons and trends.

Walk in and browse what's on offer—staff will be happy to pull sizes for you—or make an appointment with pre-selected styles based on color, style, or designer.
· Rent The Runway's First Store Opens in Flatiron in September [Racked NY]
· What the Team at Rent the Runway Wears to Work [Racked NY]