Formal season is approaching fast. You know what’s not fast? Shipping. Luckily for Penn State students, Tonight’s Dress is available to alleviate the stress of finding that perfect dress or outfit for any occasion (wink, wink – Launch is coming soon!)
VALLEY got a chance to speak with the co-owners of Tonight’s Dress about how Penn State students can maximize their style without maxing out their budget.
The Future Of Formal Wear
Online rental sites like Rent the Runway and Nuuly have taken the fashion world by storm in the past few years. Who has the closet space, patience and money to buy a new dress for every event? Even if you somehow do, there’s no way to get the full use out of a dress you wear one time. Renting is reshaping the future of formal events, and the trend is catching on with college students.
With almost 3,000 current users, Tonight’s Dress is launching at universities known for student involvement and Greek life. The student-to-student rental platform allows college students to post items from their wardrobes for others to rent and take a virtual walk through someone else’s closet.
All you need is a .edu email to join and see what others are listing on the app (or list your own clothes as a stylish side hustle.) The seller and renter are given each other’s contact info so that they can make arrangements to meet at their own convenience. Download it here!
While Tonight’s Dress started as a place for formal dresses, it’s also expanding to shoes, accessories and game day wear. Get ready to gear up for the Penn State Blue-White Game and this fall’s football season with Tonight’s Dress.
For Students, By Students
The exclusivity to students provides not only safety, but a sense of community. Co-owner Caitlin O’Hara frequently rents from Tonight’s Dress and ended up meeting another girl in her sorority and connecting with her through the transaction.
“I think it’s just an opportunity to get everyone on campus involved in the same thing,” O’Hara says.
Since the launch of Tonight’s Dress two years ago, O’Hara and co-owner Nashla Estefan have worked to improve the app and market it to different campuses. Now, it’s up to students to help develop the Penn State digital marketplace.
Every friend group has probably shared that one going-out top or LBD, but why not share it with others? The co-owners of Tonight’s Dress explain that more users posting rentals only benefits everyone on the app.
“On Villanova’s campus, it’s extremely active, so we have a lot of great inventory,” O’Hara says. “That’s, I would say, the goal for every single one of our campuses.”
Students can also get involved with the app and the company in other ways. Tonight’s Dress is always expanding and looking to work with students from different campuses. Estefan says that students have been able to receive credit for their work with the company in the past. If you’re interested in getting involved, becoming an ambassador or recommending a campus that could use Tonight’s Dress, click here!
“We’re always open and we’re just an email away,” Estefan says.
For more information, check out their Instagram and website.
Have you tried Tonight’s Dress? Tag us with your fits @VALLEYMag on Instagram or X!
Really liked the insights shared here. Travel preparation always reminds me to rely on durable accessories and practical bags. A backpack on an airplane with a few mini items nearby can improve the whole experience.