Remember a few weeks ago I shared how my dislike of cheese has become a fantastic conversation starter? You know what else has landed me center of attention in dinner table ice breaker?!? My love for renting clothes.
Yup, you read that correctly.
This isn’t a confession as much as it’s a proud obsession. And one that I shamelessly love talking about. I’m also sucker for a good loyalty program, so my oversharing about my rental wardrobe may (read: definitely) have a hidden agenda. Every friend I convince to sign up gets me another rental on my next order. Win-win…mostly for me.
So here we are. My closet has become more of a distribution center than an actual closet thanks to Rent the Runway and Nuuly. Dresses come in. Dresses go out. Repeat.
Now before you assume this is because I'm some sort of fashionista (I'm not…although I did work a brief stint in Fashion PR at Yves Saint Laurant.. but another POV for another day), let me explain.
My calendar isn't exactly filled with quiet days sitting behind a desk. I'm usually bouncing between conferences, networking events, podcast recordings, dinners, cocktail parties, meetings, and somewhere in between there is my actual social life too. I'm constantly meeting new people, reconnecting with old friends, and yes...ending up in more photos than I ever expected. And if I’m being honest, I’m aware that I’m taking most of those photos (I may or may not also be known for my selfies…).
But the real reason for my rentals, has nothing to do with fashion. It’s because I want people to find me.
I'm usually the one planning the event. Which means someone is inevitably looking for me. My answer to the Where’s Waldo text? Look for the brightest dress in the room!
I'm usually in bright pink, electric blue, bold florals, or something that could probably be spotted from space. Not because I'm trying to be the center of attention. Quite the opposite, actually. I'm trying to make it easier for everyone else. If someone needs me, I want them to find me quickly.
Cute story Julie, but what’s your point?
Let’s shift gears here, but stay in the “fashion” lane. I’m talking uniforms!!
Uniforms aren't really about matching shirts. They're about removing friction. The second you walk into a restaurant, you immediately know who can help you. You don't have to guess who works there. You don't have to awkwardly ask another guest where the restroom is. The uniform creates instant recognition, consistency, and trust. Even if a server is forced to wear 37 pieces of flair. (IYKYK).
Now, whether employees actually like their uniforms is an entirely different conversation. Personal opinions of servers and employees on their designed uniform aside… I’m not sure anyone has left a restaurant saying, "Wow...those matching polo shirts were incredible. I need one of those…"
Well…one exception. The first time I stayed at the Virgin Hotel in Nashville, every employee was wearing their favorite band’s t-shirt. I thought that was a very cool brand touch. And yes, I was actually envious of the concierge’s vintage Queen concert tee). But I digress-ish.
What I remember is the person wearing the uniform.
What stands out more?
The server who remembered your favorite cocktail… or their vest and bowtie.
The server who told you to just trust them with the menu… or their perfectly creased pants?
The hostess who greeted your kids by name… or her linen blazer?
The manager who stopped by your table simply to say thank you… or the mustard colored shirt?
The uniform made them recognizable.
Their personality made them unforgettable.
That's the magic of hospitality.
The uniform says, "I work here."
The person says, "I'm glad you're here."
The exception? If only Sue-Ellen’s fictional designs of made their way to real servers… (You didn’t think I wouldn’t include another Don’t Tell Mom The Babysitter’s Dead reference here did you?!?)
Whether you're running an event, leading a meeting, hosting a podcast, or greeting guests at the front door, people are looking for someone who makes them feel comfortable. Someone who makes things easier. Someone who stands out for the right reasons.
And for me, that happens to be a bright pink dress.
The outfit gets you noticed.
The experience gets you remembered.
Oh, and the beauty of it all, I can send it back the next day, no dry cleaning required!
Remember earlier when I admitted there might be a hidden agenda behind telling everyone about Rent the Runway? I wasn't kidding.
Here's my gift to you. (Read: to me.)
Click here to get $50 off your first month trial of RTR.
Click here for a $30 your first month of NUULY.
Note: this post was not sponsored by RTR or NUULY 😊
