Here's how to look fabulous and get the attention you deserve, without those pesky glass shoes.
THE GOWN: Forget the reliable little black dress. Renting, you can take big risks because you're not investing as much. Try a new style or a flamboyant color like fuchsia. Just make sure the outfit you choose flatters your particular figure, says Anne Fritz, co-editor of the fashion and travel blog Thejetsetgirls.blogspot.com.
At Renttherunway.com, which launched in November 2009, you'll find the current season's designs from 130 top names, like Vera Wang and Badgley Mischka, outfits that sell for up to $3,500 apiece. The fee of 10 percent to 15 percent of the retail price includes dry cleaning. An extra $5 for insurance means you don't have to worry about staining or tearing the dress. (Just don't lose it, or you'll be on the hook for full price.)
When your four days are up - and that's a much better deal than Cinderella got, at least at first - you just slip the dress into the prepaid envelop the company supplies and drop it in the mail.
Renttherunway.com co-founder Jenny Fleiss recommends setting a start date one or two days before your event or paying extra for an eight-day rental if you need to travel with your gown. She also suggests calling the company's customer service line for advice on styles and fit, and requesting the same dress in a backup size, which is free. Order a second style for $25 to give yourself more options. You can even make like an Oscars hostess and wear both (or all three) at no extra charge.
