Borrow, Don’t Buy: The Best Rental Sites for Your Party Look

We love party season, but when we learned that an estimated 1.7 million sequinned garments end up in landfills each year and won’t ever biodegrade, we knew there had to be a better way to secure our sparkly looks. Most people will only wear a festive outfit once, so what better way to champion sustainable style (plus get a showstopping look) than renting your partywear? The UK fashion rental market is worth over £142million with a growth of 164% expected by 2026 – with so much choice out there, what’s stopping you? Below, you’ll find our favourite rental sites to borrow your partywear, along with a House of Colour makeup match to complete your look. The best part? You sparkle even more when it’s rented!    

Best For Sequins: By Rotation

Sequins may be pretty, but they’re made from plastic and will *literally* last forever. If everyone rented their sequins this year, the equivalent of two Olympic-sized swimming pools filled with sequins would be saved from landfills. Peer-to-peer rental site, By Rotation, is our top pick for mirrorball looks, with sequinned pieces from 16Arlington, Self-Portrait, Paco Rabanne and more, you’ll find something special to twinkle in.  

Browse Our By Rotation Lookbook 

HoC Makeup Match: Lipshine Lip Gloss

Don’t let the shine stop at your outfit; perfect your pout with a slick of our high-shine, hydrating lip gloss. Use it on its own or combine it with your favourite House of Colour Lipstick – there’s a range of shades to suit every season!  

Shop Our Lipglosses

Best For Evening Dresses: Hurr

Hurr have the festive season wrapped up with their ready-to-rent black tie edit. Choose from gowns from contemporary brands including The Vampire’s Wife, Cult Gaia and Taller Marmo, and get your guilt-free fix of party pieces that are too special to wear twice. 

Browse our Hurr Lookbook

HoC Makeup Match: Waterproof Automatic Eye Pencil

A showstopping dress needs an equally dramatic eye look to match. Lengthen and thicken your lashes with a coat of our long-wear mascara, then add some sultry smokiness by smudging our Waterproof Automatic Eye Pencil in your outer corners and along your waterline.  

Shop Our Eye Pencils

Best for jumpsuits & co-ords: My Wardrobe HQ

There’s nothing easier than a one-and-done jumpsuit or co-ord, and My Wardrobe HQ has an amazing selection for the festive season. Sparkly lounge sets from Daily Sleeper will elevate your comfy Christmas day look, while embellished tailored jumpsuits by Nadine Merabi and Lola Tara have your work Xmas party covered, starting from just £11 per day. 

Browse our My Wardrobe HQ Lookbook

HoC Makeup Match: Liquid Illuminator

Party looks are all about a gorgeous glow; get yours with our multitasking Liquid Illuminator. Highlight cheek and brow bones, blend it with your foundation for a dewy finish, or use it on your shoulders, neck, chest and legs for an all-over glow.  

Shop Our Liquid Illuminators

Best for unexpected pieces: Borrowed From

Borrowed From is a relative newcomer on the rental scene, but it’s home to some amazing pieces. If you’re local to London you can also book an in-person appointment at their Battersea studio to browse before you borrow. Whether it’s something fun and feathered or a sequinned Fendi Baguette, you’ll find pieces here you didn’t even know you were looking for.   

Browse our Borrowed From Lookbook

HoC Makeup Match: Baked Bronzing Powder

You’ve borrowed your outfit, now why not borrow a sun-kissed glow with our Baked Bronzing Powder? Our 2-in-1 powder adds warmth and dimension to your makeup look, leaving you with a natural-looking contour that will leave everyone wondering if you’ve jetted off for some winter sun. 

Shop our Baked Bronzing Powder

Best for bargains: Hirestreet 

If you love high street shopping but don’t want to contribute to the fast fashion cycle, Hirestreet is the rental site for you. Shop pieces from favourites including M&S, French Connection and Karen Millen, along with looks from online destinations like ASOS and House of CB. Choose ‘On-Demand Outfits’ as a one-off, or sign up for a monthly ‘Unlimited Wardrobe’ and receive five pieces per month with unlimited swaps.   

Browse our Hirestreet Lookbook

HoC Makeup Match: Mineral Eyeshadows

Play with your new wardrobe and create coordinating or contrasting eyeshadow looks. Our Mineral Eyeshadows have shades to complement every season – choose between highlighters, soft shadows and eye-defining colours in matte, shimmering or satin finishes. 

Shop Our Eyeshadows

Best for statement accessories: Cocoon 

Now the outfit’s covered, why not go one step further and rent accessories to finish your look? Cocoon offers memberships to rent designer bags starting from just £19 per week. Choose from contemporary brands like Coperni and Acne Studios or borrow luxury leather goods from the likes of Hermés, Loewe and Louis Vuitton. Love your rental too much to give it back? They also have a pre-loved resale platform. 

Browse our Cocoon Lookbook

HoC Makeup Match: Translucent Setting Powder 

Now you’ve accessorised your festive look, complete your glam with our Translucent Setting Powder. Blur pores, reduce shine and keep your make-up in place all night – then spritz with our Vitamin Setting Mist for a burst of hydration.   

Shop Our Translucent Setting Powder 

A personalised House of Colour makeup consultation will reveal which party makeup shades work best for you - Book your appointment with your local stylist now!

This post is not sponsored, we simply love the brands we've mentioned. However, if you buy something from our lookbooks, we may earn an affiliate commission.