Online shopping has become a huge trend over the past decade, and recently, renting clothing online has become very popular. With homecoming just around the corner, a website known as Rent the Runway can be the perfect place for CHS girls to find a dress.

This site allows users to rent designer dresses for 10 percent of the retail price and offers access to runway dresses from more than 95 different high-end designers, including Rebecca Taylor, Alice + Olivia and BCBGMAXAZRIA. The inventory is frequently updated and kept up-to-date on new fashion trends.

“The website was really easy to use to find dresses,” senior Eliza Farha said. “You can pick what color and style you want from a large selection of dresses, and compared to retail costs the prices are a huge difference.”

Shoppers browse all dresses or personalize their search to find the perfect look by entering their size, the event type and the date the dress is needed. Shoppers can also have a live chat with a stylist to ask for fashion advice.

 “Shoppers can call and the people are really helpful,” sophomore Lindsay Abrams said. “The customer service is really good. ”

Some students feel that renting a dress for homecoming is a great alternative to buying a dress, especially because they are only planning on wearing it once.

“It is really good to rent dresses because if you do not want to spend a lot of money, Rent the Runway has really high quality dresses for not that much money,” Abrams said. “Also, you can keep the dresses for up to eight days.”

The website also claims that customers should not worry about sizing because shoppers can select a second dress size for free, to ensure the right fit.

“We offer a free backup size with your dress and you can add a second style for only $25,” Rent the Runway stylist Rachel said. “But if they don’t work you can notify us and send them back within 24 hours for a merchandise credit less the cost of shipping.”

According to the website, the company will not send a dress or accessory that is in bad condition because all items are thoroughly inspected before shipping. If an item does not pass inspection it is retired from the collection. If the renter spills or breaks a rented item there is a $5 insurance cost that covers accidents. When dresses are sent back, cleaning is taken care of.

“Everything came in good condition three days before my event,” Farha said.

“Rent the Runway” has also been featured in publications such as Teen Vogue and Glamour Magazine.

“I know a lot of my friends are using it this year and I’m using it again,” Farha said. “I recommend it to all my friends.”

Students can find dresses and more information at renttherunway.com