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Zimmermann Linen Midi Dress vs Self-Portrait Lace Midi Dress: which one should you buy?

Quick answer

Buy the Zimmermann Linen Midi Dress if you want romantic summer dresses. Buy the Self-Portrait Lace Midi Dress instead if you want a pretty dress at a fair price.

By Opulique Editorial Team Updated 1 min read

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Zimmermann Linen Midi Dress
Buy

Zimmermann Linen Midi Dress

Best for Romantic summer

Typically $750–$1,100

Check Price on Amazon Paid link
Self-Portrait Lace Midi Dress
Buy

Self-Portrait Lace Midi Dress

Best for Wedding guest

Typically $450–$600

Check Price on Amazon Paid link

Quick comparison

FeatureZimmermann Linen Midi DressSelf-Portrait Lace Midi Dress
VerdictBuyBuy
Typical price$750–$1,100$450–$600
Best forRomantic summerWedding guest
Key featureFloral linen midi dressLace midi dress
FabricLinenGuipure lace
LengthMidiMidi
FitRegularFitted
Made inVaries by lineVaries by line
Where to buyCheck Price Paid linkCheck Price Paid link

Main differences

Fabric

Zimmermann Linen Midi Dress: Linen; Self-Portrait Lace Midi Dress: Guipure lace.

Length

Zimmermann Linen Midi Dress: Midi; Self-Portrait Lace Midi Dress: Midi.

Fit

Zimmermann Linen Midi Dress: Regular; Self-Portrait Lace Midi Dress: Fitted.

Made in

Zimmermann Linen Midi Dress: Varies by line; Self-Portrait Lace Midi Dress: Varies by line.

Why buy it

Zimmermann Linen Midi Dress: floral linen midi dress; Self-Portrait Lace Midi Dress: lace midi dress.

Made for

Zimmermann Linen Midi Dress: romantic summer; Self-Portrait Lace Midi Dress: wedding guest.

Usual price

Zimmermann Linen Midi Dress: $750–$1,100; Self-Portrait Lace Midi Dress: $450–$600.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Zimmermann Linen Midi Dress if you

  • you want romantic summer dresses
  • value pretty
Check Price Paid link

Choose the Self-Portrait Lace Midi Dress if you

  • you want a pretty dress at a fair price
  • value fair price
Check Price Paid link

If neither feels right

Neither is the only answer. See every piece we would buy (and the ones we would skip) in our list of the best designer dresses.

Not sure about either? Consider these

Diane von Furstenberg Wrap Dress

Diane von Furstenberg · Designer dresses

Diane von Furstenberg Wrap Dress

Buy it if you want a flattering, packable classic.

Verdict
Buy
Best for
Iconic wrap
Typical price
$400–$550

Pros

  • Flattering
  • Packable

Cons

  • Jersey
Check Price on Amazon Paid linkRead our review
The Row Silk Slip Dress

The Row · Designer dresses

The Row Silk Slip Dress

Buy it if you want minimal evening.

Verdict
Buy
Best for
Quiet evening
Typical price
$2,500–$3,500

Pros

  • Logo-free
  • Superb silk

Cons

  • Pricey
Check Price on Amazon Paid linkRead our review

Frequently asked questions

Zimmermann Linen Midi Dress or Self-Portrait Lace Midi Dress: which should I buy?

Buy the Zimmermann Linen Midi Dress if you want romantic summer dresses. Buy the Self-Portrait Lace Midi Dress instead if you want a pretty dress at a fair price.

Is the price difference worth it?

The Zimmermann Linen Midi Dress usually costs $750–$1,100 and the Self-Portrait Lace Midi Dress $450–$600. Pay more only if the differences above matter to you.

Opulique Editorial Team

Part of the Opulique research team. We compare specifications, documentation and real-world trade-offs so you can decide faster.

How we research products Editorial policy

Zimmermann Linen Midi Dress or Self-Portrait Lace Midi Dress: the full reasoning

Zimmermann Linen Midi Dress or Self-Portrait Lace Midi Dress? Both are strong designer dresses, which is exactly why the choice is hard. The short version first: buy the Zimmermann Linen Midi Dress if you want romantic summer dresses, and buy the Self-Portrait Lace Midi Dress if you want a pretty dress at a fair price. The rest of this page explains why, with usual US prices.

Where they differ

The Zimmermann Linen Midi Dress wins on floral linen midi dress. The Self-Portrait Lace Midi Dress answers with lace midi dress. Fabric: Linen on the Zimmermann Linen Midi Dress, Guipure lace on the Self-Portrait Lace Midi Dress. Length: Midi on the Zimmermann Linen Midi Dress, Midi on the Self-Portrait Lace Midi Dress. Fit: Regular on the Zimmermann Linen Midi Dress, Fitted on the Self-Portrait Lace Midi Dress. Made in: Varies by line on the Zimmermann Linen Midi Dress, Varies by line on the Self-Portrait Lace Midi Dress.

Reasons to buy the Zimmermann Linen Midi Dress

Pretty, Breathable. What to accept: wrinkles, pricey. Usual price: $750–$1,100. Our verdict: buy. Read the full Zimmermann Linen Midi Dress review.

Reasons to buy the Self-Portrait Lace Midi Dress

Fair price, Pretty. What to accept: polyester lace. Usual price: $450–$600. Our verdict: buy. Read the full Self-Portrait Lace Midi Dress review.

Neither one?

Our list of the best designer dresses has every other piece with its own call. Fabric: silk, wool crepe and good viscose drape and breathe; heavy polyester feels warm and looks cheaper.

Also consider the Diane von Furstenberg Wrap Dress ($400–$550): the original jersey wrap dress. Buy it if you want a flattering, packable classic.

Also consider the The Row Silk Slip Dress ($2,500–$3,500): silk slip dress. Buy it if you want minimal evening.

Buyer tip

Buy occasion dresses in the end-of-season sales if you can plan ahead; for an event within weeks, check return windows carefully.

Buying in Europe: Italian (IT 38, 40, 42) and French (FR 36, 38, 40) clothing sizes are not the same; IT 40 is about a US 4 and an FR 36. Check each house’s chart, and keep returns in mind when you order from another country.

Luxury prices move in a different rhythm from everyday shopping. The great houses (Chanel, Hermès, Louis Vuitton, Dior, Rolex) raise prices once or twice a year, often in January and in spring, and almost never discount their icons. Seasonal pieces, colors and many shoes, coats and knitwear drop 30–50% in the end-of-season sales in January and from late June. Watches from brands such as Omega, TAG Heuer, Longines and Breitling, and most fragrance, see the best prices around Prime Day and Black Friday. Judge any deal against the usual price we show.