Browsing & Booking
How does dress hire work at Style Assembly?
How does dress hire work at Style Assembly?
Find a dress you love online or in-store, book it for your event date, collect it (or have it posted), wear it, return it. We take care of the cleaning. That's it.
Do I need to make an appointment to come in?
Do I need to make an appointment to come in?
No appointments. Walk in any time during opening hours. Try on as many dresses as you like, no booking required.
When can I pick up my dress?
When can I pick up my dress?
Local hires are available for pickup on the first day of your hire period, any time during opening hours.
Can someone else pick up my dress for me?
Can someone else pick up my dress for me?
Yes. Just send them with your booking confirmation, or let us know in advance who'll be collecting on your behalf.
Can I hire a specific dress I've seen on Instagram?
Can I hire a specific dress I've seen on Instagram?
Most likely, but message us first. We have hundreds of dresses, and stock changes regularly. We'll let you know if it's available.
Are you getting a particular dress in?
Are you getting a particular dress in?
If there's a dress you've seen elsewhere and you'd love us to consider stocking it, message us and let us know. We're always open to suggestions.
What if my event date changes after I've booked?
What if my event date changes after I've booked?
No problem. You can change your date once, free of charge, subject to dress availability. Just get in touch.
One thing to note: if you cancel a booking after changing the date, the outcome is a store credit (minus the $25 admin fee), regardless of notice. Inside 48 hours of your hire start, cancellations aren't possible.
Sizing & Fit
What sizes do you stock?
What sizes do you stock?
Sizes 4 through 18, depending on the dress.
How do I know if a dress will fit?
How do I know if a dress will fit?
Each dress listing shows the brand's size and fit notes. If you're between sizes or unsure, message us. We know our stock and we'll help you choose.
What if I'm between sizes?
What if I'm between sizes?
This is where we can help. We stock dresses in a range of sizes and styles, so even if you're between, there's usually something that fits beautifully. Pop in for a try-on or message us. For postal hires, we strongly recommend adding a Backup Dress in a second size so you've always got a Plan B.
Can someone else pick up my dress for me?
Can someone else pick up my dress for me?
Yes. Just send them with your booking confirmation, or let us know in advance who'll be collecting on your behalf.
Hire Period & Returns
How long is the hire period?
How long is the hire period?
We offer 4-day and 8-day hire periods. Choose what suits at booking.
Can I pick up the day before my hire period starts?
Can I pick up the day before my hire period starts?
Pickup is on the first day of your hire period. If you'd like an earlier pickup, you can bring your hire period forward at no extra cost. Just message us and we'll move it if the dress is available.
When do I return the dress?
When do I return the dress?
Local hires are due back by midnight on the last day of your hire period. Drop into the store or use the after-hours returns slot in the front door. Postal hires must be posted by 3pm on the last day of your hire period.
Do I need to clean the dress before returning it?
Do I need to clean the dress before returning it?
No. We take care of all cleaning. Just return it as is.
Postal Hires
Do you offer postal hires?
Do you offer postal hires?
Yes, across Australia, via Express Post.
How long does postal delivery take?
How long does postal delivery take?
Delivery times follow Australia Post's Express timeframes, which vary by location. Check the Australia Post website for an estimate to your address.
What if my parcel is delayed?
What if my parcel is delayed?
Delays happen and are out of our control. To give yourself buffer, you can:
- Request an earlier dispatch date so the dress arrives
ahead of your event (you'll still have the full hire period for wear) - Book an extended hire period for added certainty
(additional fee applies)
How much does postal cost?
How much does postal cost?
Postal costs vary by location and are calculated at checkout based on your address.
Do you post to PO Boxes?
Do you post to PO Boxes?
Yes, we post to PO Boxes.
Will I need to sign for delivery?
Will I need to sign for delivery?
No. Parcels are sent with Authority To Leave, so they'll be left in a safe spot if you're not home. If you'd prefer the parcel to be signature-on-delivery, let us know at checkout.
How do I return a postal hire?
How do I return a postal hire?
Use the pre-paid satchel included with your order and lodge it at an Australia Post Office or yellow express post box before 3pm on the last day of your hire.
What if my dress doesn't fit when it arrives?
What if my dress doesn't fit when it arrives?
Contact us the same day. If you've added a Backup Dress, that's your Plan B. Wear it instead, no further action needed. If you don't have a backup and the dress doesn't fit, return both dresses unworn with tags attached and we'll issue a store credit (minus postage). The credit is valid for 12 months.
To avoid this situation, we strongly recommend adding a Backup Dress to your postal order.
Cancellations, Refunds & Exchanges
Can I cancel my booking?
Can I cancel my booking?
Yes. If you cancel more than 7 days before your hire start date, you can choose a full refund (minus a $25 admin fee) or a full store credit (no fee). Within 7 days, store credit only (minus $25 fee). Within 48 hours of your hire start, cancellations aren't
possible.
Can I exchange my dress for a different one?
Can I exchange my dress for a different one?
Yes. One exchange per booking, up to your pickup date, subject to availability. Pay any difference if the new dress is a higher price, or receive a store credit if it's lower.
How long is store credit valid?
How long is store credit valid?
12 months from the date of issue.
What if my event is cancelled or I'm unwell and can't attend?
What if my event is cancelled or I'm unwell and can't attend?
We understand things come up. The standard cancellation policy still applies, but please get in touch as soon as you can. The more notice, the better the outcome. If your event is being rescheduled rather than cancelled outright, we can move your hire to the new date (see 'What if my event date changes after I've booked?' above).
Style Guard (Damage Protection)
What is Style Guard?
What is Style Guard?
Optional damage protection for $11.95. Covers genuine accidents while you're wearing the dress, including spilled drinks, snagged hems, broken straps, up to $100 per hire.
Do I need Style Guard?
Do I need Style Guard?
It's optional. Style Guard means you don't have to worry about minor mishaps costing you if something happens during your hire.
Can I add Style Guard after booking?
Can I add Style Guard after booking?
Yes. You can add Style Guard any time up until the day of pickup. Just get in touch and we'll add it to your order. Style Guard can't be added after you've collected the dress or after a postal hire has been dispatched.
What if I damage the dress?
What if I damage the dress?
Please tell us as soon as possible. The sooner we know, the sooner we can get the dress to our cleaners or seamstress, which means it's back in great condition faster, with the least disruption to you. If you have Style Guard, accidental damage under $100 is covered. Without it, repair or cleaning costs are charged at cost (usually $25
to $100).
What's not covered by Style Guard?
What's not covered by Style Guard?
Damage from neglect, fake tan/makeup/nail polish stains, heavy soiling (vomit, illness-related stains, mud), burns, lost dresses, or damage from forcing zips on a dress that doesn't fit. Damage from ironing is also not covered (please use a steamer only). The full list is on the Style Guard page.
Backup Dress
What is a backup dress?
What is a backup dress?
A second dress added to your booking at a reduced rate, in case you change your mind on the day or want a Plan B for fit. Available for both in-store and postal hires.
How much does a backup dress cost?
How much does a backup dress cost?
The backup dress is 30% of its standard hire price.
Can I add a backup dress after booking?
Can I add a backup dress after booking?
For postal hires, yes, up until your order is dispatched. For in-store hires, please add at the time of booking. Once you've taken the main dress, the booking is final.
Can I wear the backup dress instead of my main one?
Can I wear the backup dress instead of my main one?
Yes. Whichever dress you wear is the one whose tag you remove. The other dress must come back with the tag still attached.
Can I wear both dresses?
Can I wear both dresses?
No, only one dress per booking is for wear. If a tag is removed from both, the additional dress is charged at full hire price.
When do I return the backup dress?
When do I return the backup dress?
Return both dresses together at the end of your hire period.
What happens if a backup dress gets damaged?
What happens if a backup dress gets damaged?
All dresses in your order are your responsibility from the moment you take them. Damage to any dress (worn or
unworn, including from trying on) is charged at cost. Style Guard, if purchased, only covers the dress you wore.
Try-ons
Can I try on dresses before I book?
Can I try on dresses before I book?
Yes. Walk into the store any time during opening hours, no booking required. Try on as many as you like.
Do I need to book a try-on appointment?
Do I need to book a try-on appointment?
No appointments. We're a walk-in store, 6 days a week.
Can I try on dresses if I'm interstate or can't get to the store?
Can I try on dresses if I'm interstate or can't get to the store?
Postal try-ons aren't something we offer right now, but we're planning to introduce them in the future. In the meantime, the Backup Dress option is the best way to give yourself a Plan B for postal hires.
How long can I take to try things on?
How long can I take to try things on?
As long as you need. Style Assembly is a relaxed walk-in experience. We want you to feel sure about your dress before you commit.
Can I bring friends to a try-on?
Can I bring friends to a try-on?
Of course. Bring as many opinions as you'd like.
On the Day of Your Event
Are there things I should avoid wearing or using with the dress?
Are there things I should avoid wearing or using with the dress?
A few products can mark fabric
in ways that even professional cleaning can't fix. We'd recommend:
- Applying fake tan well before your hire and letting it fully develop
- Going easy on body oils, body creams, and heavy moisturisers near the fabric
- Putting makeup, hair products, and perfume on before the dress
Do I need to book a try-on appointment?
Do I need to book a try-on appointment?
No appointments. We're a walk-in store, 6 days a week.
Can I try on dresses if I'm interstate or can't get to the store?
Can I try on dresses if I'm interstate or can't get to the store?
Postal try-ons aren't something we offer right now, but we're planning to introduce them in the future. In the meantime, the Backup Dress option is the best way to give yourself a Plan B for postal hires.
How should I store the dress while I have it?
How should I store the dress while I have it?
Hang it up when you're not wearing it. Avoid leaving it in plastic for long periods, in direct sunlight, or anywhere damp.
What if the dress is creased when it arrives?
What if the dress is creased when it arrives?
Light creasing is normal after transit. Use a hand-held steamer to smooth it out.
Please don't iron the dress. Many of our fabrics, including sequins, satins, silks, and embellishments, can melt, scorch, or be permanently damaged by an iron. Damage from ironing isn't covered by Style Guard.
What if I'm not sure how to wear something, straps, ties, layers?
What if I'm not sure how to wear something, straps, ties, layers?
Just message us. We know our dresses inside out and we're always happy to talk through how something is meant to sit.
Consignment
Do you take consignment dresses?
Do you take consignment dresses?
Yes. We accept dresses in great condition, less than 18 months old, with a preferred minimum RRP of $200. You earn 40% of every hire, with no work on your end. Full details on our Consignment page.
Contact us
How can I reach you?
How can I reach you?
The best way to reach us depends
on what you need:
- Instagram DM (@StyleAssemblyAU): fastest for quick questions, checked regularly including weekends
- Email (hello@styleassembly.com.au): best for booking
changes, complex queries, or anything you'd like a written record of - Phone or text: during opening hours, or pop in if you're close by
How long does it take you to respond?
How long does it take you to respond?
We aim to respond to emails within 1-2 business days. Instagram DMs are typically faster. Refunds, when applicable, are processed within 5-10 business days from approval.
