I was so excited when I saw that the Rent the Runway sale was coming to Chicago! I followed along when the sale took place in other cities and have kept my fingers crossed I’d finally get to experience it for myself. As a long-time Rent the Runway Unlimited member, I couldn’t miss the sample sale that offers gently used, previously rented designer items at really reduced prices. It kicks off in Chicago Saturday, Aug. 18, and runs for a week through Aug. 25. I got the chance to attend a VIP event and experience it before the general public. Keep reading to hear my thoughts and what to expect!
The sample sale is held on the fifth floor of Water Tower Place on Michigan Ave. When I walked in for the VIP night I couldn’t decide where to go first! There were racks of clothes separated by type (dress, top, skirt, jumpsuit/romper, etc.) and size. The sizes available range from 0-16+. The night I was there, despite being one of the first shoppers, things were a bit out of order. I hope it was because they’d run out of time, and would correct it before the general public shopping opens.
I went in with the focus of looking for pieces I’d previously rented. There were dressing rooms available, but I was short on time and a line had already formed in front of the rooms. I believe they only accept credit card and everything is final sale, so I didn’t want to risk purchasing something that didn’t fit. I grabbed three dresses – two I’d rented and one I hadn’t – in the first 20 minutes there and moved on to browse the accessories table. 
The Rent the Runway sale accessory table was really fun and where I’d suggest you shop if you’re not sold on the idea of perusing the clothes racks. There are a ton of purses, clutches, earrings, sunglasses, etc. Salespeople are manning the area to help you and replenish the table as needed, so I’m sure the inventory will change daily. The bags ranged in price, from $15-100+. A lot of the jewelry was around $30, but I saw some higher-end designer pieces available if that’s what you’re looking for! Sunglasses sold for about $80. Because of my Rocksbox subscription I held myself back from purchasing anything on the accessories table, but I keep thinking about it so I might not be able to stay away all week!
During VIP night there was a special offer of 50% off one item in exchange for a social media share, so I took advantage of that and purchased two dresses for only $93. One was a Draper James maxi that I’d rented previously. (P.S. The maxi is no longer on Draper James’s site but you can purchase other adorable heart print items from them here.) I took a chance on a Nanette Lepore shift dress that I’d never even come across on the site or tried on until I got home, but it fits like a glove! (The dress is available on Amazon in a few sizes.) I love both items I purchased.
If you want to stop by the Rent the Runway sale in Chicago, it’s on the fifth floor of Water Tower Place and is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.
Not in Chicago? Here are some other ways to shop Rent the Runway:
- The company is holding the semi-annual clearance sale that you can shop virtually.
- Use my $30 off coupon for first-time rentals to try the service for yourself.