When I started Becky's Wardrobe in 2019, renting was at the heart of my business idea. In fact, it was my husband Steve who suggested it, after I'd been saying I would love to share my wardrobe to see how others would wear it. Over 25 years of fashion buying, and a lifetime of loving clothes, I've had the privilege of shopping all corners of the world and found some real treasures. I've built a wardrobe full of beautiful, eclectic, well-loved pieces. I mix designer with vintage, and every piece has earned its place. Seeing someone else wear them is an absolute pleasure.
It was never really about renting just for special occasions like weddings and more formal affairs. I like clothes for all sorts of days, clothes you can live in and move in, and feel great while doing it. I wanted, and still do, to make sharing and renting part of the norm for every event that fills them: holidays, interviews, meetings, business trips, weekends away and lunch with friends.
Remembering Rentals
My first rental is still clear in my mind: a Miami Vice fancy dress party, with the pieces to the right along with some heeled Celine sandals. My next was a working week for a fashion designer, and then a two-week holiday for a chef, who ended up giving me a lesson in how to make pasta. Real clothes, for real moments.
Research keeps finding that eight in 10 women feel their happiest and most confident in new clothes. But how often do we actually wear what we buy? Renting gives us that just-bought lift, without the bit that sits in the wardrobe afterwards.
Years ago, I swapped clothes with friends, and the buzz of wearing something of theirs is a feeling I can still remember now. It was euphoric, that first-wear kick you get from something new. Renting is simply that, grown up. Kay Korsh is a Style Strategist for speakers and is my best client, and a serial renter. She rented my reversible Isabel Marant coat for a week and wore it every day. She ended up buying my orange satin Dries van Noten blouse pictured below, as she kept renting it.
If Kay's story has you curious, here are some of the rental pieces I'd suggest for the season ahead.
I can picture myself having a small showroom one day, chatting to women from all walks of life, a place they can regularly pop in for style advice, hosting my Style Socials, and a community space for company and connection. I love my coffee and interiors, so I'd have fun making them feel confident, comfortable and creatively stylish in a Becky's Wardrobe space. For now, my flat in Blackheath Village is the place to visit. If it's not easy to get here, we work out what you're looking for on a video call, and I drop off and collect in the London area. For more details on how it all works, look at my FAQ section below.
Rental Round Table
I've previously shared my rails in some different ways. I co-hosted an Evening of Conversation at the Condé Nast College of Fashion in Soho in November 2019. A handpicked group of supportive women discussed the future of shopping and rental.
Pop Up, Pick Up
I popped up on Oxford Street, sharing the space with Seekd a marketplace for unique eco-friendly jewellery & accessories, which was quite a moment. I also rent via By Rotation and HURR too.
Renting is a different way to shop, and it's more fun than you might think. It's also planet friendly, because every outfit gets worn again instead of sitting in a wardrobe.
So, if renting has been on your mind but you haven't taken the plunge, you're in good company. These are the questions I hear most often.
Can we talk before I come over? Yes, a quick call first is a great way to say hello, no pressure either way. You can get to know me more and how it all works.
Do I need to clean it before I bring it back? No, that's all taken care of by me.
What if something happens while I have it? Accidents happen, and I’ve had nothing so far, most things are fixable and we'll just agree a fair cost together. But I insist you enjoy wearing my wardrobe and you don’t worry about it.
What if it doesn't fit? That's why my preferred appointments are in person. We'll find something else together.
How long can I keep something for? Whatever suits you: an evening, a weekend, or a full week. I’ve had a client rent a few pieces for a two-week holiday. The longer you rent, the better the price.
How much does it cost? No charge for the appointment, just pricing on the piece and rental period.
Can I try on more than one piece? Of course, that's half the fun.
Do I need to book in advance? A little notice helps, but just get in touch and we'll find a time.
Got a question about renting? Got a question about renting? Get in touch and I'll get back to you.
The kettle's on, the rail is full. Drop me a message. In the meantime have a browse of my rental rails but remember, this is just a very small selection. Most of what you see on my instagram is for rent for you to wear and style in your own way. Take a look at that.