The invitation reads "cocktail attire" but you've stared into your packed closet, muttering, "I have nothing to wear." That sparkly plum dress is looking dated and your slinky little black number
![Party dress on November 18, 2013. ] JOELKOYAMA•joel koyama@startribune Elizabeth Patty has a closet jam-packed with cocktail dresses and gala gowns that she's worn once, maybe twice. As senior director of development for children=E2=80=99s health at the University of Minnesota Foundation, Patty has to come up formal dresswear at least a dozen times a year. But with an average price tag of $225 a dress, Patty finally began to feel like her closet was mocking her. "It's ridulous](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/KWGOHPZP4OQUFMETWVMHB724YI.jpg?&w=1080)
doesn't feel special enough. By renting a dress from an online service or local boutique, you can get the latest looks for a fraction of the cost of buying.
These three dresses — all available for rent — highlight some of the hottest holiday trends: gold, back, patterns and long sleeves.
For Tonight
Calhoun Square, 3001 Hennepin Av., S., Minneapolis; 612-823-4699. www.shopfortonightmn.com.
The dresses: Dresses range from long and sparkly to short and, well, sparkly. If you're headed to Vegas or looking for a New Year's Eve showstopper, this is your spot. Brands include BCBGMaxAzria, Adrianna Papell and French Connection.
The prices: Dresses retail for $500 to $1,500, but rent for $75 to $150 for a weekend. (Longer rental times are available.) An insurance fee of $5 is added to each dress to cover the cost of normal wear and tear. However, if you ruin the dress, you'll be charged for its full price.
Pictured: This Basix Black Label evening gown retails for $1,200 and rents for $125.
![Party dress on November 18, 2013. ] JOELKOYAMA•joel koyama@startribune Elizabeth Patty has a closet jam-packed with cocktail dresses and gala gowns that she's worn once, maybe twice. As senior director of development for children=E2=80=99s health at the University of Minnesota Foundation, Patty has to come up formal dresswear at least a dozen times a year. But with an average price tag of $225 a dress, Patty finally began to feel like her closet was mocking her. "It's ridulous](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/Z242BRYXL67IKJCINAHMI7RQ5E.jpg?&w=1080)
Dress for the Occasion at Stephanie's
758 S. Cleveland Av., St. Paul; 651-690-3802; www.stephaniesshop.com.
The dresses: While there are a few floor-length gowns, this shop excels at the stylish cocktail dress as well as more modest looks for professional events. Sales associates help you choose the most flattering look. Sizes currently range from 2 to 10. Brands include Nicole Miller, David Meister and Tibi.
Prices: Dresses retail from $208 to $698 and rent for $38 to $125.
![Party dress on November 18, 2013. ] JOELKOYAMA•joel koyama@startribune Elizabeth Patty has a closet jam-packed with cocktail dresses and gala gowns that she's worn once, maybe twice. As senior director of development for children=E2=80=99s health at the University of Minnesota Foundation, Patty has to come up formal dresswear at least a dozen times a year. But with an average price tag of $225 a dress, Patty finally began to feel like her closet was mocking her. "It's ridulous](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/HGUM366LFNPJIG5AXFZGE63NO4.jpg?&w=1080)
