I’m a Shopping Editor & These Are The Only 5 Vacation Outfits You Need to Pack

All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, StyleCaster may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.

I’m headed to Europe this summer, and while I usually don’t go out of my way to buy new outfits for a trip, I’ve been thinking a little more effort could be nice. I mean, when else am I going to be strolling through the cobblestone streets of Europe? Lo and behold, Rent the Runway has cute vacation outfits in spades.

Today's Top Deals

If you don’t want to buy a whole new wardrobe for a special vacay, just rent! Rent the Runway offers pieces from over 750 designers and brands, chief among them are Proenza Schouler, Veronica Beard, Althuzarra, and Marni. The clothing rental service makes sure you have all of the latest trends at your fingertips, which is why they cycle styles in and out each week.

Now I know combing through thousands and thousands of options can be overwhelming and sometimes even discouraging. If you want inspiration and trends all categorized and ready to browse, Rent the Runway does an amazing job at grouping pieces together to make your shopping experience a walk in the park. Within the service’s new spring collection lives a vacation edit that features flowy dresses, woven bags, and chic sunglasses galore (a.k.a. all of the makings of the perfect vacation uniform).

To make your Rent the Runway experience even easier, I’ve plucked five of my favorite vacation ’fits from its site. Scroll on for the most stylish vacation outfits from Rent the Runway, which, in my opinion, are the only five OOTDs you really need.

How does Rent the Runway work?

The beauty of Rent the Runway is that there are two ways you can utilize the clothing rental service. If you have a wedding or special occasion and aren’t necessarily looking to sign up for a subscription, Rent the Runway offers a one-time rental option. All you have to do is place a one-time reserve rental up to 60 days before your event. This plan starts at $30 for a four- or eight-day rental. The cherry on top? Rent the Runway sends two sizes of the garment you select to ensure you get the right fit.

Alternatively, if you would prefer to receive continuous Rent the Runway packages that contain multiple garments, join the service’s existing 100,000 subscribers and sign up for a subscription. You can choose between five-, 10-, and 15-item plans, starting at $89 for the first month and $94 for every month after that. How long do you get to keep the clothes? For as long as you want until you decide you’re ready to swap pieces for your next shipment. Let’s say you fall in love with one of the pieces in your box. Rent the Runway lets you keep and buy it at a reasonable price.

Not to mention, you can pause or cancel your Rent the Runway subscription at any point in time. However, you probably won’t want to do either once you open your first box and see just how convenient and cost-saving this service can be. Plus, the shipments get delivered straight to your door in one to three business days.

How much is Rent the Runway?

The smallest subscription is five items per month for $89 for your first month and $94 for every month after that. The five-items-per-month plan gives you five items at a time, one shipment per month, and a limited subscription closet (access to over 9,000 styles with a retail value of up to $350). The next subscription gives you 10 items per month for $99 for your first month and $144 for every month after that. The 10-item-per-month plan gives you five items at a time, two shipments per month, and a full subscription closet (access to over 10,000 styles with a retail value of up to $3,000). Lastly, the 20-item-per-month subscription costs $169 for your first month and $235 for every month after that. This plan gives you five shipments at a time, four shipments per month, and a full closet subscription (access to over 10,000 styles with a retail value of up to $3,000).

Rent the Runway recommends the 10-piece plan, and I can certainly understand why. Receiving two boxes ensures that your picks stay fresh throughout the month. Wear the first five styles in the first half of the month and then switch things up in the second half of the month with your next five styles. I’m the type of person who always needs options, so if it were up to me, I’d opt for the subscription that sends you 10 items each month.

Outfit #1

Vacation Outfit From Rent the Runway - Thakoon Navy Midi Dress with Staud Brown Leather Bag
IMAGE: THAKOON; STAUD; ADOBE. DESIGN: SASHA PURDY/STYLECASTER.

I know many people gravitate towards clothing that cinch their waist or hug their bodies, but I’m much more of a flowy, roomy garment girlie. That’s why I love the shift dress silhouette, which Thakoon does beautifully with its eyelet dress. If it were up to me, I’d contrast the navy piece with a tan leather bag like this one from Staud.

Rent the Runway Thakoon Collective Navy Eyelet Shift Dress
Thakoon.

Thakoon Navy Eyelet Shift Dress ($480 comparable value)

Buy Now

Rent the Runway Staud Diamond Mini Tote Bag
Staud.

Staud Diamond Mini Tote Bag ($350 original retail)

Buy Now

Outfit #2

Vacation Outfit From Rent the Runway - Untitled in Motion Patterned Dress with 3.1 Phillip Lim Yellow Bag and Demarson Gold Necklace
IMAGE: DEMARSON; UNTITLED IN MOTION; 3.1 PHILLIP LIM; ADOBE. DESIGN: SASHA PURDY/STYLECASTER.

While I typically avoid patterns, this one caught my attention and I just adore how Rent the Runway styled it with a pop of color bag. Both the neutral-toned, patterned dress and tiny, yellow bag lend a playful flair that’s much needed for any out-of-town adventure.

Rent the Runway Untitled in Motion Ophelia Abstract Dress
Untitled in Motion.

Untitled in Motion Ophelia Abstract Dress ($354 original retail)

Buy Now

Rent the Runway 3.1 Phillip Lim Origami Mini Bag
3.1 Phillip Lim.

3.1 Phillip Lim Origami Mini Bag ($550 original retail)

Buy Now

Rent the Runway Demarson Lisa Necklace
Demarson.

Demarson Lisa Necklace ($395 original retail)

Buy Now

Outfit #3

Rent the Runway Vacation Outfit - Ramy Brook White Romper, Mansur Gavriel Beige Bag, Missoma Gold and White Earrings
IMAGE: RAMY BROOK; MANSUR GAVRIEL; MISSOMA; ADOBE. DESIGN: SASHA PURDY/STYLECASTER.

I’m always down for a romper moment and this one looks incredibly chic without even trying. A brunch by the beach? A shopping day downtown? Sightseeing around the city? You could rock this romper literally anywhere and appear instantly put-together. I’d personally keep the ‘fit within the light color family, as black accessories and shoes might look a bit too overpowering.

Rent the Runway Ramy Brook Nyomi Romper
Ramy Brook.

Ramy Brook Nyomi Romper ($375 original retail)

Buy Now

Rent the Runway Mansur Gavriel Beige Mini Cloud
Mansur Gavriel.

Mansur Gavriel Beige Mini Cloud Clutch ($545 original retail)

Buy Now

Rent the Runway Missoma Squiggly Hoop Earrings
Missoma.

Missoma Squiggly Hoop Earrings ($167 original retail)

Buy Now

Outfit #4

Rent the Runway Vacation Outfit - Vanessa Bruno Striped Dress, APC Beige Woven Bag, Luv Aj Gold Hoop Earrings.
IMAGE: VANESSA BRUNO, A.P.C., LUV AJ; ADOBE. DESIGN: SASHA PURDY/STYLECASTER.

I’ve said this before, but I don’t wear stripes. However, I’d make an exception for this midi dress. The tassel details, longer sleeves, and baggy fit convinced me. And this would absolutely be the time to whip out a woven bag like this one from A.P.C.

Rent the Runway Vanessa Bruno Striped Brooklyn Dress
Vanessa Bruno.

Vanessa Bruno Striped Brooklyn Dress ($380 original retail)

Buy Now

Rent the Runway A.P.C. Sac Virginie Bag
A.P.C.

A.P.C. Sac Virginie Bag ($685 original retail)

Buy Now

Rent the Runway Luv Aj Francois Ridged Hoops
Luv Aj.

Luv Aj Francois Ridged Hoops ($75 original retail)

Buy Now

Outfit #5

Rent the Runway Vacation Outfit - Joe's Jean White Midi Dress and Little Liffner Tan Leather Bag
IMAGE: JOE’S JEANS; LITTLE LIFFNER; ADOBE. DESIGN: SASHA PURDY/STYLECASTER.

Although I haven’t been opting for more feminine silhouettes and designs lately, this stunning, white dress made me miss them. The dainty eyelet details, subtly poofy sleeves, and elegant tiers make me want to roll around in a meadow or sip tea in the countryside in this very garment. I’m a fan of how Rent the Runway paired this dress with black sandals and a brown-red tote bag. If I were to change one thing, though, I think a smaller bag like this Little Liffner one might be more practical for exploring a new city.

Rent the Runway Joe's Jean Illana Broderie Dress
Joe’s Jeans.

Joe’s Jean Illana Broderie Dress ($328 original retail)

Buy Now

Rent the Runway Little Liffner Micro Tulip Tote
Little Liffner.

Little Liffner Micro Tulip Tote ($495 original retail)

Buy Now

Best of StyleCaster