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Shhh! The NYC Fashion Girlies Are Getting Their Designer Summer Work Wardrobe From *This* Budget-Friendly Place

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If you’ve watched The Devil Wears Prada or Sex in the City, you know there’s nothing quite like the New York City fashion girl. She’s elegant, poised, and, most of all, stylish. She has impeccable taste that’ll make you wish you had her job — or her outfit, at the very least. It might be easy to believe that all those women have massive closets loaded with designer clothes like Andy Sachshowever, most borrow their looks from one place: Rent the Runway.

Yup, it’s true. Rent the Runway is the true wizard behind most of the fashion scene’s wardrobe, and you would never suspect a thing. Even though the industry seems super posh and glamorous, looking the part can be ridiculously expensive. Buying all the high-end brands and designer looks outright would cost most people a month’s worth of rent — and as tempting as that could be, it’s easier just to loan it out. I know tons of writers and editors (this one included) whose best work looks are thanks to the subscription service. Whether for fashion week, a big meeting, or an after-work happy hour, Rent the Runway is where most New York City fashion girlies snag their work clothes.

And with summer in full swing, they’ll be heading to the site to revamp their entire office wardrobe for warm weather pieces, and you might want to consider doing the same. There’s no need to fully invest a ton of cash in summer trendy summer fads that are here this year and gone the next. Especially when Rent the Runway has a truck load of beautiful designer styles, ranging from poplin mini dresses, lightweight tailored vests that have been making a huge comeback over the past year, linen everything and just so much more. You can opt for their subscriptions services that start at $89 a month or reserve individual pieces to supplement your closet for something specific.

To show you how good these summer styles are we gathered a handful of designer pieces that you can add to your closet for the season. Keep on scrolling to give your work wardrobe the summer bonus it deserves, all without breaking the bank.

Michael Kors Vest Jacket & Pleated Sailor Shorts

$89 a month $155 Original Retail 43% off
$89 a month $125 Original Retail 29% off

I would wear this set to work as someone working at a business-causal corporate office in Midtown Manhattan. For the days you don’t want to create an entire outfit, this one will be ready for you, and you’ll look so effortlessly put together. The best part of this shorts set is that you can wear them separately. Vests are having a huge moment right now, and this one will look so chic with your favorite pair of jeans. For the weekend, style the shorts with a boxy tee. 

Marni Pleated Skirt

$89 a month $995 Original Retail 91% off

Who doesn’t love a cute mini skirt this season? Especially a Marni mini skirt? I don’t know about you, but even in my wildest dreams I don’t think I would ever be able to afford a skirt that costs close to a thousand dollars. Renting it is the next best thing. Keeping up with a timeless suiting trend, this pinstripe-trimmed pleated skirt is both serious and saucy. It’ll look so chic with a classic button down and chunky loafers.

Polo Ralph Lauren Blue Floral Dress

$89 a month $248 Original Retail 64% off

This Ralph Lauren dress is a practical and stylish addition to your summer workwear wardrobe. Despite its long sleeves, it’s designed to be lightweight, ensuring you stay cool even in the summer heat. The dress features a beautiful yet practical pattern and is equipped with pockets—a feature we all appreciate in our dresses and skirts.

Jason Wu Collective Green Satin Slip Skirt

$89 a month $275 Original Retail 68% off

If you’re not a fan of super short hems, consider adding this beautiful green satin slip skirt to your haul. It’s such a wonderful piece to dress up or down no matter the occupation and is super flattering on everyone.

Tory Burch Basketweave Polo Dress

$89 a month $548 Original Retail 84% off

We love a good one-and-done outfit. You could reach for this Tory Burch mini polo dress countless times throughout the month while renting it. It’s a casual, chic option to wear on a summer Friday and then hit a fun happy hour afterward.

TOME Collective Flutter Sleeve Top

$89 a month $200 Original Retail 56% off

There’s just something about this blouse that makes me think of “corporate fun.” The classic pinstripes, ruffle sleeves, and peplum style make it the perfect office top. Trust me, skip the stuffy button-up and reach for this the next time you wear slacks or a pencil skirt.

VINCE. Soft Suiting Short

$89 a month $265 Original Retail 66% off

But since it’s summer, we’re skipping the slacks and opting for shorts instead. These VINCE shorts are incredibly soft and offer classic tailoring, so they’re perfect for the office this season. They will look phenomenal with that top above.

Sandro Gabriel Dress

$89 a month $299 Original Retail 70% off

Sandro designs beautiful knitwear of the utmost quality. This two-toned button-down dress is perfect for a casual day at the office and a sunset dinner after work. 

Ciao Lucia Amira Top

$89 a month $225 Original Retail 60% off

If you haven’t heard, vests are making a huge comeback this season. This beautiful button-up top by Ciao Lucia is both playful and conservative, so it’s appropriate for any summer work wardrobe. Pair it with a breezy pair of cream slacks or your favorite high-waisted jeans.

Tory Burch Accessories Black Miller Slouchy Bag

$89 a month $578 Original Retail 85% off

You can even get purses, sunglasses, and other accessories on Rent the Runway. If you’ve had your eye on a particular bag for a while, there’s a good chance you can find it there, like this sleek Miller Bag by Tory Burch that’ll become your new work tote for the summer.

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