Rent a cocktail dress

What "cocktail attire" means

Cocktail attire sits between a day dress and a gown:

• Length: usually knee-length to midi. Some minis work for parties; save floor-length for black tie.
• Fabric: satin, silk, crepe, velvet, sequins or a structured knit.
• Shapes: slip dresses, sheaths, wrap dresses, one-shoulder and the little black dress.

Where people wear them

• Weddings with a cocktail dress code, and rehearsal dinners. See wedding guest dresses.
• Holiday and New Year's Eve parties. See holiday party dresses.
• Work events, banquets and award dinners.
• Sorority recruitment's preference round. See rush outfits.
• Birthdays and dressy dinners out.

For a black-tie or gala invitation, see formal and black-tie rentals instead.

How it works

Browse cocktail pieces, message the owner about fit, choose your rental length (the owner sets one flat price each for 2, 4, 5, 7, 14 or 30 days), and pick local handoff, shipping or a same-city courier. Pay with Venmo, PayPal, card or Apple Pay. Shipped rentals include a prepaid return label. Read the full walkthrough in how renting on e.closet works.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to rent a cocktail dress?

Cocktail pieces on e.closet have a median rental price of $50 for the shortest length the owner offers. Delivery and a small service fee show at checkout.

Is renting cheaper than buying?

For a dress you'll wear once or twice, usually. The typical original price owners list for cocktail pieces is $295, against a median rental of $50.

What if it doesn't fit?

Confirm measurements with the owner before booking. Fit issues aren't refundable when the listed size was accurate, but an item that arrives materially different from its listing is.