New to designer clothing and RTW

[luckyadanosii]

So far, I have gathered a few Zimmermann pieces and one of their RTW. The fabrics are Ramie, Silk, Viscose, and one partial Polyester to the tune of $6,090 spent.

Hmm now what? My closet is so pretty and the dresses suit me well. I don't know where to wear them if that makes sense lol. Are Zimmermann dresses suitable for casual wear? I'm not in a very flashy town and some simple pieces from Lululemon got a bit of snarky feedback. My concern is I'll fall into the category of my spending not being tasteful or having a staple wardrobe. New to this and still finding my way along.

Is there a better way to shop for clothing? I don't mind gentle pre-owned sites, it's not much different if my sister or friend offered some lovely hand-me-downs.

I don't like jeans, any cut. Shoes and sneakers are too tight so I honestly only have Birkenstock sandals. My wardrobe is mostly H&M blouses, Lululemon t-shirts, and Lululemon/Macys leggings but I would like to expand and explore. Like, are there other cuts of pants that are not jeans, leggings, or slacks? Where can I find high quality blouses in the $50-250 range that are not fast fashion? And what other types of shirts are there? Do crop tops only come as t-shirts or too short? Is there a balance of crop top and blouse? Birkenstocks feel silly with skirts, what shoes go with skirts?

I'm 5'8, about 150lbs with a smaller bust.

Some of my questions, tysm

 

[Christofle]

So far, I have gathered a few Zimmermann pieces and one of their RTW. The fabrics are Ramie, Silk, Viscose, and one partial Polyester to the tune of $6,090 spent.

Hmm now what? My closet is so pretty and the dresses suit me well. I don't know where to wear them if that makes sense lol. Are Zimmermann dresses suitable for casual wear? I'm not in a very flashy town and some simple pieces from Lululemon got a bit of snarky feedback. My concern is I'll fall into the category of my spending not being tasteful or having a staple wardrobe. New to this and still finding my way along.

Is there a better way to shop for clothing? I don't mind gentle pre-owned sites, it's not much different if my sister or friend offered some lovely hand-me-downs.

I don't like jeans, any cut. Shoes and sneakers are too tight so I honestly only have Birkenstock sandals. My wardrobe is mostly H&M blouses, Lululemon t-shirts, and Lululemon/Macys leggings but I would like to expand and explore. Like, are there other cuts of pants that are not jeans, leggings, or slacks? Where can I find high quality blouses in the $50-250 range that are not fast fashion? And what other types of shirts are there? Do crop tops only come as t-shirts or too short? Is there a balance of crop top and blouse? Birkenstocks feel silly with skirts, what shoes go with skirts?

I'm 5'8, about 150lbs with a smaller bust.

Some of my questions, tysm

You can also take advantage of sites like outnet who carry brands like Zimmerman and other nice brands but offer them at 60-90% (new old stock from past seasons mostly)

If you live near a Carmina store you should swing by them to try on their shoes. (they are relatively pricy but you can choose not only the size of the shoe but also the last which is pretty rare in the realm of women's shoes)

Women lasts

Women lasts

www.carminashoemaker.com

The next step up would be a custom fitted shoe but the price jumps a lot however it is recommended for those who encounter fit issues.

As for clothing, you can make a really cute capsule wardrobe through lily silk without breaking the bank.

Women Elegant Silk Wrap Blouse

Made from breathable and comfortable material with a wrap design, this piece is a definite must-have this summer. It is suitable for all occasions, at office, on the go, a night out, or on a vacation.

www.lilysilk.com

Palazzo Pants

Want to have that silky slippery floaty feel as you walk down the street? This pair of high waist, wide legs, floaty and asymmetrical-bottom Palazzo pants are a dramatic statement piece that shows-off style and quality.

www.lilysilk.com

Their silk is machine washable and cat friendly if those are good features for you.

Good luck and have fun building your wardrobe!

 

[DreamingBeauty]

I don't buy expensive clothing but I love dresses too. I find a lot of nice ones at discount stores like TJ Maxx and Ross, TJ Maxx stores in nicer areas often have a good higher end selection in their Runway departments. I love to bargain hunt, and I prefer to buy in person rather than online as I find sizing variable and want to try on before buying, even if I can return it's still a hassle. I do look at brands but also the fabric content, as you said even a higher end brand like Zimmerman might use polyester so you have to decide if that's worth paying a lot for, and you might find a silk item from a mid range brand or niche brand you haven't heard of.

Dress lengths can be tricky, I'm an inch or 2 shorter than you and I do find a lot of dresses to be too short. I prefer just above the knee, at the knee, or just below the knee. I have a couple long/maxi dresses that I love, but I just don't wear them for everyday so I try not to buy that length unless it's extra special. I think dresses around knee length are just very wearable, not so short you are worried about flashing but easy to move around in and can be worn more casually.

I wear Birkenstock type sandals with dresses, as well as other flat sandals and wedges. I don't wear heels for everyday as they just aren't practical for heavy walking.

I can't help with the crop tops, just not my thing. I do see plenty of them for sale though, dressy styles as well as T-shirts.

 

[papertiger]

The first thing I'd do is make sure I'm wearing what I have.

Dresses don't take much unless you need to keep warmer by adding a cardigan or jacket.

See if you can style your Z pieces with your existing high-street

If Birkenstocks and wedges suit you suit you and work with those dresses, carry on. Heels are not everyday-friendly for most people anyway. I think Z dresses are beach/party vibe anyway.

If you love Zimmerman look for other designers that have the same vibe. You can look for your favourite designers like Zimmerman including on YOOX, Outnet, TK Max Gold Label etc. Although there'll be less choice, you still need to be equally fussy about colour, size, style - almost as good is not as good. Now you have, you don't need to add every season - only when something is as perfect as the things you already have or better.

Polyester is plastic. Sweaty, looks like tat after cleaning and cheap to make so the designers can make high mark-ups. Steer clear. I would rather buy pure wool or silk from Cos than polyester/nylon/PVC from Zimmerman, Balmain or Chanel.

 

[lill_canele]

Agree with many of the above.

Here’s a similar thread for more info:
https://forum.purseblog.com/threads/how-did-you-build-your-designer-rtw-wardrobe.1053494/

 

[lill_canele]

In my personal experience with Zimmermann, I love some of the designs and have owned one dress from them prior.
But I have found that unfortunately as much as I love looking at dresses, they are just something that I don’t reach for.
The Zimmermann dress that I owned, which I fortunately got for 50% off at the sale, I ended up reselling even though it was stunning and had amazing detailed work and design.

I now own one Zimmermann piece which is a simple black jumpsuit. Basic but very versatile. It’s 100% silk and a summer staple. And I bought it at full price for about $600 USD.

The only 2 other RTW dresses I have are Burberry and YSL (beige and black respectively). Both relatively simple pieces but have beautiful cuts and streamline designs that tailor well to my body shape and timeless pieces that I have enjoyed wearing over and over again.

Just my experience and thoughts. RTW is super fun! And can definitely drain the wallet lol. But once you find what works for you, you’ll love them forever!

 

[880]

So far, I have gathered a few Zimmermann pieces and one of their RTW. The fabrics are Ramie, Silk, Viscose, and one partial Polyester to the tune of $6,090 spent.

Hmm now what? My closet is so pretty and the dresses suit me well. I don't know where to wear them if that makes sense lol. Are Zimmermann dresses suitable for casual wear? I'm not in a very flashy town and some simple pieces from Lululemon got a bit of snarky feedback. My concern is I'll fall into the category of my spending not being tasteful or having a staple wardrobe. New to this and still finding my way along.

Is there a better way to shop for clothing? I don't mind gentle pre-owned sites, it's not much different if my sister or friend offered some lovely hand-me-downs.

I don't like jeans, any cut. Shoes and sneakers are too tight so I honestly only have Birkenstock sandals. My wardrobe is mostly H&M blouses, Lululemon t-shirts, and Lululemon/Macys leggings but I would like to expand and explore. Like, are there other cuts of pants that are not jeans, leggings, or slacks? Where can I find high quality blouses in the $50-250 range that are not fast fashion? And what other types of shirts are there? Do crop tops only come as t-shirts or too short? Is there a balance of crop top and blouse? Birkenstocks feel silly with skirts, what shoes go with skirts?

I'm 5'8, about 150lbs with a smaller bust.

Some of my questions, tysm

I love wearing all leather birkenstocks and sneakers with skirts, dresses, trousers I like mini skirts with arizonas, but I w3ar them with longer skirts too. Also straight legged pants (not cropped). And, i believe @tinkerbell68 and @QuelleFromage are also birkenstock fans. For your pricepoint, I love vintage (unworn vintage is sometimes referred to as deadstock. If you go vintage, know your measurement and read condition carefully. I also would check out sales at Saks if you can do so in person. People report having not so great luck on line with items that are not in good condition. Crop tops come in all forms. IMO they look best with a higher waisted pant. My advice is to try everything on in person. From high end to low, and everything in between. That way you get a feel for what looks good.

ETA: when you go to try something on, i dont wear dresses. I wear a neutral top and pants. Bc if. You are shopping for separates, it’s easier to see how they work with your current wardrobe. I also take action shots before deciding. Bc the camera doesn‘t lie.

Yes, if Zimmerman were my style, I would absolutely wear in casually with Birkenstocks or sneakers.

 

[tinkerbell68]

Yes, if Zimmerman were my style, I would absolutely wear in casually with Birkenstocks or sneakers.

I think almost anything can be paired with Birkenstocks or sneakers (I’m partial to the Balenciaga version of Converse canvas rn)…you just have to ‘own it’. If you don’t feel comfortable wearing your Birkenstocks with a dress @luckyadanosii others will sense your discomfort. And like @880 I often take a pic of my ‘fit’ to decide if it works or not…and sometimes I send it to my twenty something daughter for confirmation

 

[tess94]

I’ve seen some Zimmerman dresses styled beautifully in a much more casual way. I think footwear is one of the main issues. I found a few images on Pinterest. Also, there’s these gorgeous mesh flats from Dear Frances called the Bella flat that go with pretty much everything. Golden goose may be a good shout? I’ve attached some pics for inspo. Hope it helps. It’s definitely possible to wear a pretty cardigan over the top and depending on the dress, some tights and flats. Or some of those socks that are sheer and sparkly.

 

[A bottle of Red]

I think @Notorious Pink wears Zimmerman? Maybe she can weigh in

 

[caruava]

I absolutely love Zimmermann and have a closet full of it. Unfortunately I've gained a lot of weight in the past 18 months and none of my non-elasticised skirts or dresses fit. I'm grateful I'm not in the US cos I've seen Zimmermann pricing there!

I have lots of their blouses, all 100% silk or a silk/linen/cotten blend if from the resort collections. The cuts and prints are very feminine. However I have a lot of plain silk, linen and cashmere pieces that one might not realise are Zimmermann too.

Have you had a look at Scanlan and Theodore? That's my other favourite brand. It is priced similar to Zimmermann though.

 

[caruava]

As for footwear, I always feel most comfortable in a pair of my Saint Laurent tribute flat sandals. I feel it matches the girliness of their dresses. The nude pink is my favourite at the moment and it goes well with many things.

Old pic but one of my favourite dresses. I don't fit into it at the moment.

 

[luckyadanosii]

I kept building and pivoted into some higher end European brands. I shopped with TheRealReal... such a mistake. $8000 spent and they delivered wrong items in my order. I have to send items back for a "free" refund. Yes it is free, you sent the wrong item! My items are now, somewhere has them for free. They were not cheap atleast 400 per piece I am so upset.

Frustrated to tears. I hate TRR.

/end digital tantrum