BORROWED

ELEGANCE

The perfect dress with a little help from your stylist.

Love the look, skip the splurge

Borrowed Elegance by Mel offers high-end dress rentals for Mothers of the Bride, Groom, and elegant guests.

I’m Mel, a Personal Stylist and Colour Specialist and I’ve curated a collection that gives you the chance to wear something unforgettable, for a fraction of the price.

Because stunning style shouldn’t sit in your wardrobe after one magical day.

How it works – A simple, stylish process

Let’s chat

We’ll meet either in person (if you’re local) or via video call. This is your chance to share what the event is, how you want to feel, and anything that’s stressing you out. I’ll gently guide the conversation to get to know your body shape, colour palette, personal style, and comfort level.

Choose your dress

Based on what we discussed, I’ll recommend a few dresses that I know will work beautifully for you. You won’t have to trawl through endless options—I do the curation for you. Each piece is carefully chosen to flatter your body shape.

Receive it early, feel amazing

Your chosen dress will arrive a few days before your event, so you’ve got time to try it on, sort your accessories, and enjoy playing dress-up without the last-minute panic. I’ll also be available for any final styling tips or questions.

Return with ease

Once the event is over, just pop the dress into the prepaid return bag and post it back—or drop it off in person if you’re nearby. I’ll handle the rest. No dry cleaning, no stress.

Explore The dresses

Our curated collection features premium dresses chosen for their elegance, fit, and timeless appeal—each one selected to flatter, elevate, and help you feel truly confident.

We’re always adding new styles to our wardrobe, for the most up-to-date look at what’s available, head over to Instagram >

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some answers to the questions we receive the most about our services.
If we missed anything, please do not hesitate to contact us. We’ll be happy to help

How does the dress hire process work?

Explore the collection on Instagram or send me a DM for a personal recommendation. You can try on locally or book a video consult so we can find the perfect dress together. Once confirmed, your dress will be delivered to you in time for your event, with a prepaid return bag included for easy returns.

How far in advance should I book?

I recommend booking at least 2–4 weeks ahead to secure your preferred dress and allow time for delivery and try-ons. For peak seasons or major events, the earlier the better.

Can I try the dress on before I hire it?

Yes! If you’re local, we can arrange a try-on session. If you’re further away, I offer detailed measurements, styling support, and a video consult to help you choose. I also offer a pre tryon service where you can receive up to three dresses to try at home in advance.

What if the dress doesn't fit?

To avoid last-minute stress, I offer the option to send up to three dresses for a pre try-on at home, well ahead of your event. This ensures the right fit and style with time to spare. If something still isn’t quite right, just get in touch—I’ll always do my best to help.

How long can I keep the dress?

Dress hire is for 4 days, unless we’ve made a different arrangement. If you need the dress longer—like for a destination event—just let me know in advance.

Do I need to clean the dress before returning it?

Nope! Cleaning is included in your hire. Just place the dress in the prepaid return bag and drop it off or send it back—easy and stress-free.

What if I accidentally damage the dress?

I understand that accidents happen. Light wear and tear is fine, but for significant damage or stains, a repair or replacement fee may apply. I’ll always approach it with fairness and kindness.

Do you deliver NZ-wide?

Yes, I offer tracked delivery throughout New Zealand and include a prepaid return bag for your convenience.

Can I reserve a dress months in advance?

Definitely. Pre-booking is welcome! A small deposit may be required to secure your dress and date.

Do you offer styling advice too?

Absolutely. I love helping women feel amazing. I can guide you on styles that suit your body, colouring, and occasion—and offer honest, supportive feedback so you feel confident.

Are these styles right for my age?

Absolutely. My collection is curated for real women—especially those over 40—who want to feel elegant, stylish, and confident. There’s no age limit on looking and feeling beautiful, and I’ll help you find a dress that celebrates exactly where you are in life.