Rent a formal, gala or black-tie dress
You can rent a formal dress on e.closet from someone who owns it. There are 3,000 formal pieces live, with a typical rental price of $35–$70, compared with a typical original price of $270. It works for galas, black-tie events, banquets and award nights.
Updated October 7, 2026
Listed right now
Mac DuggalBall GownRent from $85 · Buy $150
SaylorSaylor Clark Mini Dress in Royal BlueRent from $35
AclerTeal Pleated Maxi DressRent from $80
AlexisBlue Leaf Print Fringe Mini DressRent from $135
Amanda UprichardYellow Mini DressRent from $60
AlexisCoral Flowy Bottom DressRent from $155
StaudStaud - Tullio Gown VioletRent from $65 · Buy $675
AlemaisAlemais - Alfie Sleeveless Mini DressRent from $35
AlemaisAlemais - Adriana Jacquard GownRent from $55
AMURAMUR - Leith Strapless DressRent from $45 · Buy $275
Favorite DaughterFavorite Daughter DressRent from $45
ShowpoBlack Halter Mini DressRent from $25
For Love and LemonsThe cutest white dress🤍✨Rent from $94
RevolveRevolve dressRent from $65
Miss RosierEugénie Neutral Fully Pleated Ruffled Mini DressRent from $43
BotiqueBlack Faux Leather Tie-Waist Obi Belt (one size fits all!)Rent from $15
BoutiqueBeige Faux Suede Obi Belt (one size fits all!)Rent from $15
LulusWhite Off-the-Shoulder Mermaid Maxi GownRent from $35
Young Fabulous & BrokeTie-Dye Midi Slip Skirt - Felicity Midi Skirt in Bahama WashRent from $25
She Is OllaLight Sage Pleated Nicolette Maxi DressRent from $83
Miss RosierGold Embellished Off-Shoulder Mini Dress - Adelina Gold Crystal-Embellished Paneled Mini DressRent from $47
NBDSilver Sequin Halter Mini DressRent from $45
ALCCream/White Halter Pleated Maxi Dress - Athena Dress in Whisper WhiteRent from $100
Eliza JBlack and White Twist Front Satin Bodice Trumpet GownRent from $50 · Buy $126
Match the dress code
- Black tie: floor-length gowns in solid colors or subtle metallics.
- Black tie optional or formal: a floor-length gown, or an elegant midi or cocktail dress in a rich fabric.
- Cocktail: knee- to midi-length dresses. Shop the cocktail occasion too.
- Gala or themed: follow the theme. Owners list statement pieces you'd rarely buy for yourself.
Why renting makes sense for formal events
Formal dresses are the clothes people wear least. A gown you'd buy for one event usually sits in the closet afterwards. Renting from someone who already owns one gets you a better dress for the night, and it pays the owner too.
How it works
- Browse and filter formal pieces by size, color and brand.
- Message the owner about measurements, length and fit. Each request has its own message thread.
- Pick a rental length. The owner sets one flat price for each length she offers: 2, 4, 5, 7, 14 or 30 days.
- Choose delivery: local handoff, shipping with tracking and a prepaid return label, or a same-city courier.
- Return it the way it came and mark it returned in the app.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to rent a formal dress?
The median formal rental on e.closet is $50 for the shortest length the owner offers, and the middle half of listings rent for $35–$70. Delivery costs and a small service fee are shown at checkout.
Can I rent designer gowns?
Yes. Owners list designer pieces alongside everyday brands, and every designer item must be authentic. Counterfeits are banned, and an item that isn't as described can be refunded under e.closet's Return & Refund Policy.
How far ahead should I book?
Two to three weeks gives you time to message the owner and get it delivered. For a local handoff, a few days can be enough.
What happens if it gets damaged?
Normal wear is expected. Damage beyond that is assessed and charged under e.closet's Rental Protection Policy.