The average woman only wears 20% of what’s in her closet on a regular basis. The rest often ends in a landfill, crowding the environment with unnecessary waste. As most women add 68 new pieces a year (that’s 17 a season!) to their crowded closet stash, this cycle repeats itself.
We believe in a better way. When you rent more, you have the freedom to own less. Save buying for the smart essentials – those pieces that go with everything and never lose their appeal. Think quality, versatile, curated.
Introducing The Smart 6 – our recommendation for what to own each season to pair with what you rent. To choose these pieces, our Fashion Team scours the market in search of the best essentials from brands we love to round out your rented wardrobe. Learn why we picked each below and see them styled in The Rent/Buy Edit.
Meet The Smart 6 for Summer
1. The Culotte Jean
Finding the perfect pair of summer jeans can be tricky; when it’s 90 degrees and humid, the last thing you want to do is squeeze into a pair of restrictive skinnies. Enter the culotte. The silhouette-shaping style works on women of all shapes, immediately defining a waistline and creating an hourglass illusion. Dress it up by renting a crisp white blouse or pair with a printed crop top for your next party.
2. The Colorblocked One-Piece
One-piece swimsuits aren’t going anywhere. Instead of hiding yours under a coverup, invest in a bold, bright option that you want to show off. Limit your layers and rent a pair of flouncy linen shorts and an oversized beach tote to complete your poolside look.
3. The Slingback Shoe
Like the one-piece, the slingback is a retro staple this season. Whether you want to show off your summer pedicure or invest in a more workplace-appropriate option, this versatile style instantly elevates any outfit. Wear these to liven up your most worn in boyfriend jeans or to accentuate a rented statement skirt. Keep an eye out for pairs made of interesting prints like basketweave and animal skin to add texture to your look.
4. The Straw Sun Hat
Stay chic and sun-safe this summer by sporting a straw sun hat. Available in styles from floppy to fedora, this lightweight accessory instantly makes you look and feel like you’re on vacation. Finally rent that flirty floral sundress you’ve been eyeing or experiment with a cropped jumpsuit to contrast with the structured straw shape. Play around with different patterned bands to give your hat a custom feel – we promise your dermatologist will love you for it.
5. The Stripe Tee
Angling for an All-American look? Endlessly searching for that French girl flair? Take a cue from style icons Jackie O and Brigette Bardot this summer and add a stripe tee into your arsenal. Look out for lightweight versions in primary colors that you can easily layer with the denim jacket and ruffled skirt you just rented.
6. The Boyfriend Weekender
Forget about starchy, straw totes that make for great Instagrams but not-so-great travel bags. Instead, invest in a structured weekender that fits everything on your packing list. Make sure you find one with sturdy straps and in a durable fabric that can hold your RTR garment bag. Your next getaway starts now!