Zimmermann Tops, Skirts and Sets: How to Match and Mix Them

Zimmermann tops and skirts are designed to be worn together as matching sets or split up and mixed, and that is the easiest way to get more wear from the brand. The best Zimmermann tops are its lace and silk blouses, bustier tops and relaxed shirts. The skirts run from lace pencil shapes to full circle and maxi skirts, and most share a print or fabric with a top from the same line. Below is how to build a Zimmermann set, which pieces work alone, and where the playsuits fit in.

Why Zimmermann separates are worth a look

Most people meet Zimmermann, the Sydney label founded by sisters Nicky and Simone Zimmermann in 1991, through its dresses. The separates are less talked about but often more useful. A Zimmermann top and skirt in the same print gives you the look of a dress, and on another day the top goes with jeans and the skirt with a knit. That versatility is why the “zimmermann top” and “zimmermann skirts” searches run as high as some dress terms.

Each collection is built around a few fabrics and prints, and the tops and skirts are cut in those same fabrics, so pieces from the same line almost always match.

Zimmermann tops

Lace and silk blouses

The lace blouse is the house top. The Clash Pintuck Lace Shirt combines pin tucks and lace in ivory, and it is the top to buy if you only buy one: it goes under a blazer, over a slip skirt and with jeans. The Clash Habotai Silk Blouse is cut in habotai, a light, smooth silk that tucks neatly into a skirt. For black, the Clash Billow Lace Blouse has a billowed sleeve.

Bustier and halter tops

For evening, the bustier is the cut to know. The Clash Peplum Bustier Top adds a peplum flare at the waist, and the Fairlight Lace Halter Top is a halter in ivory lace for summer nights. The Corset Lace Bodysuit is a corseted bodysuit that stays tucked under a skirt or trousers.

Shirts and easy tops

For day, the Stripe Relaxed Shirt is a loose shirt that work over swimwear or tucked into denim. The Fairlight Pointelle Tee is a fine knit tee. Our Zimmermann knitwear and coats guide covers the warmer layers that go over these.

Zimmermann skirts

The skirts follow the dresses: lace, pleats and volume. The Lace Pencil Midi Skirt is the sharpest, a black lace pencil for evenings. The Clash Tiered Midi Skirt is a black tiered skirt that works with a white shirt for a simple, smart look. For volume, the Fairlight Applique Skirt is a long, full maxi with appliqué that can carry a plain tee or a fitted knit. Denim fans should look at the Clash Denim Peplum Midi Skirt, and our Zimmermann denim guide has the rest.

Midi is the most common skirt length and the easiest to wear, landing below the knee with flats or heels. If you are petite, a midi skirt with a defined waistband keeps your proportions balanced, and a cropped top or tucked blouse helps. Taller frames can carry the maxi skirts with a flat sandal. Full circle and tiered skirts look best with something neat on top, a bodysuit or a fitted knit, so the volume stays in one place.

Zimmermann sets: how to match a top and skirt

The “zimmermann sets” searches are mostly people looking for a top and skirt that match. Coveti lists them as separate pieces, so the trick is to look for the same line name and fabric. These pairings share a name and fabric and are made to be worn together:

• Dot: the Clash Dot Bustier Top with the Clash Dot Skirt, a polka dot evening set.
• Sculptural pleat: the Clash Sculptural Pleat Top with the Clash Sculptural Pleat Skirt, both in ivory.
• Metallic stripe: the Echo Metallic Stripe Top with the Echo Metallic Stripe Skirt, for a party.
• Wave: the Clash Wave Top with the Clash Wave Skirt, in ivory for summer.
• Striped: the Fairlight Striped Top with the Fairlight Striped Circle Skirt, a full circle skirt for daytime.

A set reads like a dress but gives you more fit options: you can choose a different size top and bottom, which helps if your bust and hips sit on different sizes in our Zimmermann size guide. For the same approach at another Australian label, see our Alémais co-ords guide.

Zimmermann playsuits and jumpsuits

Playsuits are the holiday answer: the ease of a mini dress with shorts underneath. The Clash Drill Playsuit is cut in drill with a utility feel, the Wylie Pocket Playsuit is relaxed, with pockets. Choose a playsuit a little roomier through the body than a dress, since you need ease at the hip and seat to sit comfortably. For full length, the Clash Tuxedo Jumpsuit is a tailored jumpsuit for evening.

How to style Zimmermann separates

Break up a set by pairing the top with something plainer. A lace blouse with straight jeans, a bustier top with tailored trousers, or a printed skirt with a white tee all work. Keep one piece as the focus. Our guide to how to style Zimmermann has more combinations, and the Zimmermann jewellery and scarves guide covers the finishing touches.

If you would rather go for a dress, our Zimmermann mini, midi and maxi dresses guide and the Zimmermann dresses by colour guide pick up from here. Browse every designer top and designer skirt on Coveti, or the full Zimmermann edit.

Zimmermann separates around the world

Australia

In Australia, Zimmermann separates come into their own over the long summer, with shirts and skirts worn to lunches, the beach and Christmas. Zimmermann’s numbers line up with AU sizes: a 0 is an AU 8, a 1 an AU 10.

United States

US buyers wear Zimmermann sets as a dress alternative at summer weddings and Hamptons parties, and the shirts year round. On the brand’s chart, a Zimmermann 1 is a US 6 and a 2 is a US 8.

United Kingdom

In the UK, a lace blouse with a midi skirt is a sensible garden party or Henley look, and the tops layer well under knits through autumn. A Zimmermann 0 is a UK 8.

Germany and Europe

In Germany and across Europe, the shirts and skirts suit city summers and Mediterranean holidays. A Zimmermann 0 is an EU 34 and a 1 is an EU 36, from the brand’s own chart.

Zimmermann tops, skirts and sets: common questions

Does Zimmermann sell matching sets?

Yes. Tops and skirts are cut in the same prints and fabrics within each collection, so pieces that share a line name, such as the Clash Dot top and skirt, are designed to be worn together.

Can I buy a different size top and skirt in a Zimmermann set?

Yes. Because the pieces are sold separately, you can choose a different size for each, which helps if your bust and hips fall on different sizes.

What is the best Zimmermann top to start with?

A lace or silk blouse. It works with the brand’s skirts, with jeans and under tailoring, so it earns its place quickly.

Does Zimmermann make playsuits?

Yes. There are relaxed and fitted playsuits for summer, plus full-length jumpsuits for evening.

What length are Zimmermann skirts?

Midi is the most common, with maxi and a few mini skirts in most collections, including denim styles.