I've sworn by my Rent the Runway subscription for 2 years. Here's how I get the most value from my membership.

• I've been using Rent the Runway for two years and love always having a new outfit to wear.
• To get the most out of my membership, I always read the reviews before selecting rental items.
• I also like to choose pieces that would typically be out of my comfort zone.

As a travel writer, I always want to wear new outfits to post during my trips. However, I hate spending money on clothes I quickly tire of after wearing a few times.

Two years ago, a good friend introduced me to Rent the Runway, a clothing-rental subscription service with several membership options. My $144 monthly membership, which gets me access to 10 pieces of clothing each month, has been a game changer.

Here are seven ways I make my Rent the Runway membership worthwhile.

I like to select pieces that would typically be out of my comfort zone

Renting is a great opportunity to try pieces in styles I wouldn't typically wear. This includes things like vibrant colors, bold prints, or funky hemlines.

For example, I adored a bright floral, flouncy dress that gave me 1950s glam-housewife vibes, and received tons of compliments on a fuzzy blue-and-brown cow-print winter coat.

If I don't love it, I'll wear it once and send it back. But sometimes, I end up discovering a whole new look.

When choosing pieces to rent, I always read the reviews first

Before selecting items to add to my shipment, I always check the reviews first. Helpful user reviews include a rating on a scale from 1 to 5, photos, and information about the reviewer like the size they wore, their usual size, age, height, weight, bust size, and body type.

I only rent items that have a 4-star review or higher, as ratings get pulled down by members for reasons like poor fit or quality.

I also seek out reviews and photos of members with a similar size and body type for a more "apples-to-apples" comparison.

Sometimes, I like to rent certain items for a longer period of time

To get the most bang for my buck, I like renting outerwear because it's versatile and often expensive. For example, one year I rented an edgy black-leather jacket that cost $700 retail.

I loved it so much that I kept it for almost two months and even took it on a trip to Japan. Although it meant I got to select one less piece in subsequent shipments, I got a lot of use out of it.

If you find an item you love, I definitely recommend extending the rental period.

Promo codes make it more affordable to purchase items I love

Sure, this subscription service is about renting, but if I fall in love with something, I can purchase it. When I do this, I always check for promo codes, which can offer up to 40% off.

For example, I kept a cute $238 tropical linen Scotch & Soda romper for $60 and a $275 Louna ombre sweater for $40. Since I already rented them, I knew they fit and looked good on my body.

I take advantage of Rent the Runway's collection of accessories

There have been a few times where, for one reason or another, I just couldn't find that last perfect piece to add to my shipment.

Luckily, Rent the Runway offers accessories, too, including jewelry, sunglasses, and handbags.

I've rented a blue-and-white-striped bucket bag, a minimalist leather crossbody, and a mini drawstring black tote. Bags are a great way to add a little pop of color or designer flair to your wardrobe.

I love using Rent the Runway for special occasions

On a recent trip to Marrakesh, Morocco, the itinerary included a white party and a gala — neither of which I had an outfit for.

I rented a white spaghetti-strap dress with neon-yellow piping and a stunning navy silk gown with high slits on each side.

Whether I need something for a wedding, holiday party, vacation, or cruise, the no-obligation aspect is perfect no matter the occasion.

I always use the chat feature when an item isn't quite right

Although rented items should always arrive in good condition and ready to wear, there have been a few times when pieces arrived looking too worn or wrinkled.

Luckily, whenever I've chatted with Rent the Runway, I've been able to speak with a human rep, not a chatbot.

The company has always made the situation right by offering a free rental item right away or in my next shipment. Getting these extra rentals keeps me from "wasting" pieces that I can't wear, allowing me to get more bang for my buck.