Back in Business – Ann Taylor

Business Wear, that is.


For many years, Ann Taylor was my go-to source for work wear separates in petite sizes. Even after I stopped wearing suits to the office, I still loved their modern classic aesthetic, the “Margo” fit pants and variety of jackets and sweaters offered. There were two stores nearby; my favorite was quite large, with a deep and well-stocked Petites section. But over the years, the Petites area gradually shrank until it occupied a small dark corner of the store like a child on time-out, and then that store closed entirely.


In the last few seasons, AT seemed to shift their focus away from work clothing, veering into an aesthetic I referred to as “Debutante Aspirational,” apparently chasing a younger and more leisure-oriented demographic. Ruffles and embellishments, splashier prints, satiny fabrics, frilly party type clothes and skin-baring styles squeezed out the more classic and ageless separates. So they dropped off my radar for work wear, even though at times an item in the window would catch my eye. 

I don’t know what propelled me past the doorway of the remaining, much smaller local Ann Taylor store last Friday while I was out running lunchtime errands at the mall, but having come to the realization that I needed to shore up my summer work wardrobe, it seemed worth a quick perusal. No stone unturned, and all that. I was pleasantly surprised.

While there are still plenty of more casual and “party” type clothes, it did seem that the selection of suiting and work separates was occupying a larger percentage of rack space than in recent seasons. Right away I found a nice pair of beige linen trouser pants on the sale rack (Signature fit, the updated Margo, this particular pant not shown online, though they have others).  Encouraged, I grabbed a few more items to try, including this skirt…

Pencil skirt in cotton/lycra, $98. 

which looked fabulous on.

I remembered that earlier I’d received an e-mail from Vogue and Ann Taylor announcing an event Saturday afternoon at their South Coast Plaza store, and that all full-priced items would be 30% off, so decided to wait on the skirt and take a trip to The OC the next day. Definitely worth the fifty-minute drive and dealing with the crowds! In addition to the skirt above, I also found these lightweight pinstripe pants,

Chocolate brown pinstripe trousers, $138

and another pair of tropical weight wool pants in a light grey (not available online).

The event, it turned out, was the grand opening of the first Southern California Ann Taylor Concept Store, which I assume means they’ll be getting the newest and best selection of styles. They were having quite a party at the store!

Cute guys passing out champagne, what’s not to like?
Fun jewelry, all at 40% off.

The store was mobbed with customers and lines were long, but the Sales Associates were incredibly helpful and appeared unflappable in the face of mass shopper frenzy. It seemed that every customer in a fitting room had someone helping them individually, going back and forth from the floor to pull more items and sizes. Even though there was a line for the fitting rooms, it moved quickly thanks to all of the assistance.

Swanky decor, and a sizable Petites section!

The store itself has a bright, clean and updated look (which I’m afraid my iphone photos don’t capture to best advantage), and seems to be laid out nicely though the number of people crowding the aisles made it more difficult to assess. They were well stocked with sizes. I’ll definitely go back on a non-event day when the crowds are thinner and spend more time just browsing, as I’m seeing more of the previous Ann Taylor aesthetic that I knew and loved.

I tried on this jacket above, and while I appreciated the fit and the 3/4 sleeves, I ultimately decided that the bows on the back of the sleeves were a bit too precious for me, so passed this one by. (They’re ribbons run through a casing around the sleeve which has faced openings, so not easily removed.)

But it’s a *really* cute jacket, and there’s a matching skirt. I’m encouraged and hope there will be more jackets along this line (sans ribbons) in future collections.

This dress isn’t my style, but saw a couple of women try it on and it looked great.

I also found the sizing to be consistent among all of the pieces I tried on, and the quality of fabrics seemed to be as good as I’d remembered. The linens and lightweight wools are fluid and drape nicely, but still have some heft. The “Signature”style pants fit like they were made for me, and I’m encouraged that many of the skirts in the current collection are knee-length, and feel much more suitable for the office than the thigh-grazers that seem to dominate the retail landscape right now.

I’m thrilled with all of these pieces, as they mix well with items already in my closet, and will help me to look polished at the office even during the warmest months.

Is your work wardrobe ready for summer?  What are your favorite summer pieces for work?

(This post was not solicited or compensated in any way by Ann Taylor, Vogue or anyone else.)
~

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30 Comments

  1. This proud aunt will say that her niece manages an AT in Oregon. When asked to describe their aesthetic, Megan said “girly-girl”. But even girly girls need some tailoring. Glad you found so many useful peices in one swoop, that’s good shopping no matter the brand.

  2. Thanks for the tour – I am envious of the lovely store setting and . . . champagne, how civilized! The clothing looks very beautifully tailored and so work-appropriate. My workplace is quite casual, but I do mix in a few AT pieces and accessories.

  3. I’m like you: I loved Ann Taylor but walked away when I found the styles too fussy and girly. And yes, good petite styles, as well! Glad to know there is change in the air! The next time I go to the mall for a movie I’ll definitely stop by and look.

  4. I’m glad to hear that you have a ‘new’ place to shop; the more options for women of a certain age the better. Though I agree that overall Ann Taylor skews young. I am going to be going back through all of your Paris posts now Pseu and do a review. I’m doing a solo trip for two weeks there the end of August and beginning of September. First time on the Continent and first time in a non-English speaking nation. I’m downright terrified but I still can’t wait. I believe that the blogging world, with so many middle age women travelers and expats, has been a huge motivation for me.

  5. I, too, used to love Ann Taylor. Mt favorite AT story: I was sitting for a moment on a bench just outside the AT store in my local mall. Two girls in their late teens or early twenties were walking past, and stopped to look in the AT window. One said, “Oooh, Ann Taylor! When I’m old, I’m so gonna shop there!”

    OLD, not old-ER. Sigh. But since I am OLD (by their definition) I am happy to think Ann Taylor is stepping up her game. Now if Talbots would do the same….I used to really look forward to getting my Talbots catalogs, and lately there is not a single thing that really appeals to me. Very disappointing.

    BTW I used to travel to Irvine on business quite often, and would try to break away from colleagues in the evening to hit South Coast Plaza. My first experience at Sephora, plus many other great stores….

  6. I love the black/white skirt. I will be interested to see how you create outfits with it. I have a black/white tweed skirt and some sort of mental illnes I have makes me believe that it must only be worn with black and white, or else the universe will explode. 🙂

  7. Good call on the ribbon-jacket. I have something like that and one side comes untied all the time. It’s impossible to fix without taking the jacket off so if it happens when I’m in the middle of something I end up with the untied ribbon dangling around.

  8. Hello:
    Mercifully, we do not have to work, and we are particularly grateful not to have to do so in summer. Somehow work and summer are two concepts that do not make for happy days, but needs must!

    We have never heard of Ann Taylor, but the pieces which you show do look great fun as well as good quality and elegantly tailored. We can well see how they would make the perfect work wardrobe as they are sufficiently formal for a professional look without being overly fussy. We think that you were very wise to avoid the bows, which reminded us of the awful tangles which people can get into whilst dancing round a Maypole and holding ribbons.

  9. I’m very glad to hear this. With J. Crew going down the tubes in quality, there are so few brands selling classic clothing that doesn’t give me plumber’s crack or make me look like a gypsy hippie chick. Thanks for the good news!

  10. I’m encouraged to hear about this, because AT used to be my go-to as well. Their slacks and skirts always fit me perfectly, but then everything shifted and it was no longer love. “Debutante aspirational” is a great way to put it.

    I’ll check AT out next time I’m near a store. I could use a pair of black dress slacks and white denims. Dare I dream??

  11. Dear Pseu, Knowing you are a big fan of Eileen F., do you alternate with Ann T or combine them? The store looks really pretty. Hope the new concept spreads across the country.

  12. Ann Taylor was my go to store as well for many years. Once I no longer lived in the city, I was out of luck. They have a Loft store in the mall closest to me and it skews quite young. There is probably an AT store in the Maine Mall, Portland, but I almost never go there. You are correct about the change in style and quality @ AT which may be why the brand suffered so long.

  13. I can see why you passed on the jacket with the ribbons, but it does look awfully cute.

    The pencil skirt is very, very attractive and I can picture you wearing it.

  14. I am so happy that I work from home in the summer. But Ann Taylor has made two of my favorite sundresses. I bought them about 6 years ago and love the cut: it’s nipped in through the bodice and waist, with an a-line skirt.

  15. RoseAG – yes, that’s exactly what I was afraid of.

    Jane and Lance Hattatt – I do look forward to the day when I won’t have to shlep off to the office in the summer. Having done several Maypole dances in my day, your reference made me laugh.

    Zuzu’s Petals – I think both Banana Republic and J.Crew have gone down the hippie chick rabbit hole. Not that there’s anything inherently wrong with that look, but it just doesn’t feel right for the office.

    LuxeBytes – do go have a look. I saw several options for black dress slacks. Not sure about the white denim, but I wasn’t looking for that.

    Duchesse – there’s still plenty of “girly girl” there. I’m just glad to see more clothing for women in the mix. I was very happy to have found so many things at once.

  16. Margeurite – the simpler pieces like the silk jersey tanks coordinate beautifully with more corporate looks, and keep them from being too fussy. The EF silk/cotton jacket looks great with the skirt!

    Pearl – do go have a look. They have a big sale on the spring items going on now, but it will be interesting to see what the fall collection looks like.

    California Girl – yes, the Loft is a much younger skewing aesthetic. I really hope the main AT stores are at least finding some middle ground, and will continue to be a good source for business separates.

    Susan Tiner – I’m looking forward to wearing the skirt, maybe tomorrow!

    LPC – we do need the support! It’s nice to have another option on the more affordable side (especially on sale). Ah, that first suit. Such a feeling.

  17. laurieann – oh, I’m so excited for you! You’ll do fine and I’m sure you’ll have a wonderful time in Paris! Two whole weeks…WOW!!

    Jill Ann – oh, that’s funny! And yes, I’ve been a bit frustrated with Talbots lately too, but mostly because of the decline in quality. South Coast Plaza is like another planet, isn’t it?

    rb – you CAN wear color with black and white! I’m imagining this with a rust-colored cardigan, or even green.

    Pam – you might check online, they’ve opened several concept stores across the country; there may be one near you. Glad you found some good things on sale!

    Reflections and a Latte – yes, it’s so frustrating that no one carries petite sizes in the stores anymore!! Glad to hear you’ve been finding some good pieces lately.

    Miss Cavendish – oh, I envy that! (Working from home.) About 6 years ago was when I was finding to many great things at AT. Your dresses sound great!

  18. Oh, thanks for the update! Like you, AT used to be my go-to store for workwear until they got so…ruffly. The Margo pants were also a perfect fit for me (I think we must be similarly-shaped, ’cause I always identify with your clothing choices). So the Signature fit is similar to the Margo?

  19. I have found myself going to Ann Taylor more and more since I lost weight! I just ordered three pieces online at 40% off and I really love them. They do have a section that I believe is targeted at the J Crew crowd, but I have been able to find several things I like…I agree with you…it is worth checking out. But now I want a concept store near me! The event looks like it was fun!!

  20. Terri – I’ll have something up with the skirt next week. Will definitely wear it soon!

    WendyB – Yeah, I first discovered AT in about the mid-90’s. Something was always going on sale!

    b. – yes, the Sales Associate told me that the Signature is the newer version of the Margo. I love the fit of these; they hit just below the waist, and don’t gap in the back. The “curvy” fit also works for me, just is slightly higher in the rise in back.

  21. Ann Taylor was my go to store for years and years because I am also petite and petite clothing sections in most stores have completely vanished (including Banana Republic which has fewer and fewer petite things to choose from). I still own a few things that I purchased from AT years ago because the tailoring always seemed classic but never dowdy. But I, too, found that they were going off track for me. I started going back a couple of months ago and started finding things again. They are a great place for the foundation pieces when I don’t want to spend a fortune. I have also discovered recently that they have great sales. Especially those additional 40% off deals. In the last couple of months I bought a great dress and a beautiful blouse on sale because it was part of the “holiday” collection. But it is very non-specific to season. Thanks for your great posts.

  22. Now if we could only get them to sell size 18 in the store (and the Gap, since I’m wishing for the impossible). I bought a cashmere pullover from AT this winter and loved it. But until I know how all of a retailer’s clothes fit, I’m not keen on buying them online — and for that you need a store.

  23. You certainly did great, thorough post. Naturally I am not familiar with AT at all, have only heard the name before. I like the pencil skirt ( the white/black one ), and could well imagine you wearing it!
    Lots of nice, other ones too.

  24. I’m glad you’ve found a new source for work clothes, Pseu. God knows the more the better.

    I’m a little surprised AT wasn’t working for you earlier, though — they tend to cut so as to leave room for a bustier frame and are my go-to for lined, lightweight wool pants (and I’ve looked at higher price points out of desperation). Of course they are maddeningly inconsistent about CARRYING said pants, so there’s that.

    Hope you continue to find items that work for you!

  25. (On further thought I’m wondering if you weren’t a victim of location…up in the dowdier PNW perhaps they stocked more of the classics from the line and less of the partyvibe stuff!)

  26. Rubi – that does seem crazy that they don’t stock the same sizes that they offer online. If they sell online, they’d sell in the stores…

    metscan – thanks! I wore it earlier this week and really liked it.

    Vix – could be (re: location) however I noticed a lot of commenters had the same AT experience with the domination of younger, more “girly” styles in recent seasons. I also noticed the change in their display materials and print ads that seemed to reflect this new direction. But I’m hoping their “sensible” pieces have made a permanent comeback. LOVE their pants, LOVE.