Admit it or not, prom isn’t just any other high school occasion. Everybody’s probably been counting down to this event since freshman days (apart from graduation, of course) and the idea of experiencing it soon lives in our head rent free.

It’s practically the Met Gala of our teenage lives—the night where we get to temporarily forget academic backlogs, glam up, and maybe even snag that prom king or queen crown. (Because yup, prom is the closest we could get to being a Disney royalty.)

Let’s face it, though: Unless you roll in dough or have a fairy godparent who specializes in haute couture, purchasing a prom outfit isn’t exactly the most practical choice. While having a custom-made gown or suit is *the* dream, it’s not always worth the investment, especially if you’ll only wear it once. Or twice at most.

So, what’s a high schooler got to do? Rent. This option doesn’t merely save you from emptying your (or your parent’s) wallet; it also gives you access to a plethora of styles sans the commitment of ownership. Not to mention, it’s environment-friendly. It’s a simple way to somehow help in reducing fashion waste, which in turn may result in less strain on the planet.

Now, before you start picturing outdated (or haunted) ensembles that were presumably pre-owned by the dead, Metro Manila teems with rental shops that have extensive collections of formal attire—from classic to voguish—at relatively low price points. (Some boutiques even have designer brands up for borrowing.) So, whatever your preferences are, your dream prom outfit is likely just hanging on one of these rental racks.

Damsel and Amicus

@gfrmanila

LG, Makati Central Square, Chino Roces Avenue, Makati City

Hailing itself as the “biggest one-stop rental shop in the Metro,” Damsel and Amicus can be your go-to destination for all things prom. Damsel’s evening gowns range from timeless silhouettes to trendier cuts, while Amicus offers dapper suits and barongs. (The latter also has medieval tailcoats for clients who feel particularly dramatic.)

Need something specific for a themed prom? They’ve got you covered with options such as Gatsby-inspired ensembles and outfits in a black-and-gold motif, among others. You don’t even have to worry about finding the perfect accessories to complete your look because they have clutches for rent, too.

Vestido Manila

@vestido.manila

5923 Algiers corner Jacobo Streets, Poblacion, Makati City

If you’re looking for an outfit that screams luxury without breaking the bank, Vestido Manila is the place to be. Its collection features creations by global designers like Ulla Johnson, Jacquemus, and even Jude Macasinag—yes, the mastermind behind Marina Summers’ iconic “himagsikan” gown.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Cqh6w2oOqie/

So, whether you’re aiming for that ultimate “belle of the ball” title or simply want to wear a piece from a popular stylist’s playbook, a round (or two) of scouring through Vestido’s racks could do the trick. Who knows, you might just steal the spotlight and become the talk of the town—just like Marina in “RuPaul’s Drag Race UK vs. The World.”

(Random fact: It’s co-owned by celebrity stylist Pam Quiñones, which more or less explains why its curation is topnotch.)

Gallery D

@galleryd.rentals

Unit LG41 Cityland, Calle Estacion, Pasong Tamo, Makati City

POV: Your prom ensemble has already been worn by your fave local celeb. Gallery D is a trusted name in the industry—known for its broad selection of dresses, suits, and accessories. It is favored by celebrities and influencers; meaning, you’re practically guaranteed to slay the night with a ’fit that is red carpet-worthy.

And the best part? You don’t need to book an appointment in advance. Just stroll in whenever you’re ready and they’ll entertain you. (In other words, it’s the ideal store for procrastinators and last-minute planners.)

RoyAnne Camillia

@royannecamillia

215 A. Bonifacio Road, Marikina City or 70 Santolan Road corner Granada Street, Ortigas Villas II, Brgy. Valencia, Quezon City

If you’re heavily into Metro Manila’s fashion scene, you might have heard of RoyAnne Camillia as a custom bridal and debut gown designer. But did you know that it also offers rental services?

https://www.instagram.com/p/C3b6kuNyl1z/

“Our gowns for rent are one of the finest selections in Metro Manila and the Philippines,” wrote the shop on its website. It also prides its collection as an “extension of your closet,” and a quick (or passive) scroll through its online portfolio will prove just that. Ball gowns for your modern Cinderella dreams, flowy dresses for that dreamy aesthetic, sleek options for the minimalist in you—name it, RoyAnne Camillia has it.

Moda Finds

@modafinds.ph

3544-C Buenos Aires Street, Sampaloc, Manila

So, you’re arriving at prom with a date. Now, your goal is to have them drop their jaw and maybe even develop an inability to look away from you throughout the night—because let’s be real, everyone had that phase. How exactly can you achieve that, though? Two words: Dress extra.

Moda Finds has an assortment of vibrant gowns that seem to be created solely to channel your main character energy. Apart from putting your date under your spell, sporting an ensemble from the shop would likely lead to one—or all—of these: create a beautiful core memory as the night’s best dressed person, cause a collective gasp as you step into the venue, and be the center of attention.

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