Lifestyled by Paula Joye

Swimsuit, sundress and a sundowner – Zimmermann is synonymous with long summer days, bikinis, perfect summer dresses and a cocktail to go with it.

I’ve known Nicky and Simone (two of fashion’s true nice girls) since the very earliest days and watched as they’ve taken the label from local domination to global success. Much of the brands popularity has to do with consistency – season to season they make clothes that women want to wear and feel good wearing.

My wardrobe is full of Zimmermann – from swimsuits to some treasured sample dresses – it’s my go-to for pretty, feminine, sexy dressing.

I went in store this week to edit the Spring/Summer 2013 collection and honestly I could have bought the lot.

I sort of did.

The Short Playsuit.

I don’t think there’s an age cut-off point for romper/play/jumpsuits but I do think there are a some rules you should adhere to over the age of five.

- Choose a style in a loose/light/fluid/draped fabric – nothing shiny or tight please.

- I always buy a size up – roomier is better with this type of style.

- If the jumpsuit has long pants then the straps should be thin (or strapless) and if the legs are short then the suit should have sleeves. Why??? Short legs and thin straps can look like a swimsuit. Sleeves and long legs can look like a Pit Crew outfit.

This is the perfect summer playsuit. Bought it for Christmas day.

CLICK TO BUY: Zimmermann Zoe Chiffon Playsuit in Ivory, $375; Zimmermann Tank in White, $75.

The Pastel Suit.

This outfit is edible.

Zimmermann is full of sorbet shades in linen and chiffon – skirts, camisoles and blazers.

I’ve paired ice blue with apricot because I like to clash opposite sides of the colour wheel when it comes to pastels. All theses pieces work individually (imagine that jacket with jeans!) but this outfit is your ultimate daytime summer look – layered, light, multipurpose – you could easily throw this on with flat silver sandals.

It’s my new ‘day wedding’ look.

CLICK TO BUY: Zimmermann Clique School Boy Blazer in Chill, $475; Zimmermann Silk Tank in Chill, $195; Zimmermann Silk Gore Skirt in Sherbet, $195.

Do you own a silver metallic clutch yet? This is the one for you then. You’ll use it constantly.

CLICK TO BUY: Zimmermann Envelope Clutch in Silver, $175.

The Maxi Dress.

I have a love hate relationship with maxi dresses – a lot of the time they make me feel like I’m back in maternity land.

But…they are the most comfortable thing a women can wear so when I find one that does all the right things I do a fashion dance and buy multiples.

This is the perfect maxi. It really is. Shoe string straps (it’s important to show lots of skin up top when you’re covering every other inch), starchy yet soft cotton, Grecian draping at the back. I bought it and wore it all weekend through the heat wave.

Plus who knew Zimmermann did such amazing desert boots? These felt like slippers.

CLICK TO BUY: Zimmermann Runaway Scarf Hem Dress in Harper Red, $395; Mania Mania Phenomenon Bracelet, $360 (in store only); Zimmermann Stitched Low Vintage Boot, $475.

The Cut-Out.

Laser cut-outs feel like wearing petals or air. Super light – they’re like an edgy tutu.

The softness of the colours and drape of this top are just beautiful – there is also a version in metallic gold (below) which is divine. This style can be worn casually with jeans or shorts. Or bloused over a pencil skirt or cigarette pants for evening.

The silk camisole I layered underneath is a must-buy – for both layering and wearing on its own (as below) – perfect weight/cut/length.

CLICK TO BUY: Zimmermann Clique Perforated Chiffon Tee in Sorbet Floral, $595 (in store only); Zimmermann Silk Tank in Chill, $195.

IN-STORE BUY: Zimmermann Clique Links Sloppy Joe, $1,250.

The Fishtail Skirt.

Oh look there’s that camisole again…in black. See what I mean?! Goes. With. Everything.

This skirt is a piece of art. Fish tail, laser cut, printed satin – it’s a special skirt. I believe that if you’re going to do something then you should really do something and this skirt ticks the box.

New Years Eve, Christmas Party, any party…imagine it on the dance floor.

CLICK TO BUY: Zimmermann Silk Tank in Black, $195; Zimmermann Clique Perforated Skirt in Illusions Floral, $850.

The Beach Cover-Up.

If I was a piece of clothing I would probably be this beach cover-up.

There was no way I was leaving the store without it. Zimmermann are the best at easy, cool pieces you can throw over your cossie but still run into your boss in.

The hood, the stripe, the colour…you know you want it too.

CLICK TO BUY: Zimmermann Splendour Stripe Hoodie Dress, $240.

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