Early Fall Try-On from Ann Taylor and Loft
Last week, I drove south for a few try-ons, and Ann Taylor was my first stop. The window displays always intrigued me, and they had plenty of new pieces. Ann Taylor carries clothing in sizes 0 – 18, regular length and petite. They generally run true to size but can vary quite a bit by garment, which is why I give fit notes.
For reference, I’m 5’4″, 134 lbs, with broad shoulders, a straight figure, and long arms, so I go back and forth between petite and regular to get the best fit.
FYI-I went shopping wearing purple sandals, which would have ruined the look of these outfits, so the moment I got back to the hotel, I washed my feet.
This long belted trench coat has all the classic details you’d expect, from epaulets to buttoned tabs at cuffs. It’s a pretty cashew color and long enough to protect you from the weather. This regular is 54″ long and feels a bit overwhelming on me, so I would opt for the petite at 42″ long.
Ann Taylor has a lot of animal print for fall. First I found the skirt, then the cap…I’m not sure I would wear them together, but they’re both fun in their own right. The leopard print skirt is so easy to wear. It’s a pull-on style with lots of stretch that has a real sassy vibe. Slip this on with chocolate suede boots and a back or brown sweater, and you’re good to go. I’m wearing the petite, which is here. I could also see wearing it with tights, black sneakers, and a teddy vest.
I topped it with this simple crew neck sweater in French Mocha. It’s a simple basic that’s smooth enough to layer under vests or jackets but substantial enough to wear on its own. In hindsight, I wish I’d bought it because I find these easy machine-wash sweaters very helpful in the fall, and I’ve been wanting to experiment with more brown. It also comes in black or burgundy and comes in petite. The cap speaks for itself and is very fun.
If you’re a leopard print lover, here are a few more finds:
Scroll right to see more leopard print âž¡
These slim jeans are a great width…narrow but not strangling my leg, in a light medium wash with no distressing. I’ve come to rely on Ann Taylor for a more polished jean that forgoes fraying and distressing. These also don’t require readjusting or pulling down from the calf after sitting. The petite length is perfect for me.
I paired it with this faux leather jacket in rich chocolate brown… which would look awesome over this leopard skirt. I found this runs a bit narrower than many of their jackets, so I’d go up to a petite L for extra space. (I always size up when buying petite). This jacket is lined, has a hidden front zipper, and is hip length. I wouldn’t hesitate to wear this over a longer top or dress.
These darted-waist trouser jeans have a nice high rise with a zip-and-hook closure, which lays smoother and is more comfortable than a button at the waist. The darts add nice shaping through the tummy, and the very deep wash makes them look less like denim and more like trousers.
I shared this Tie-waist top last week, and it is selling like hotcakes, so I was happy to find it in the store! The sleeves are the perfect length, the fabric is soft, and the ties are so flattering. Even if you don’t have much waist, the diagonal draping helps to create the illusion of one. It also comes in winter white, merlot, ink-and-white stripe, and paisley. How have I missed seeing this shirt for so long? It solves several issues at once and is flattering.
This Weekend Corduroy Quilted Barn Jacket seems to be in one of the colors of the season, olive. It has a corduroy collar and trim down the front, and gold buttons. The collar is a nice deep navy…so if warm shades aren’t the best on you, the navy is closest to your face. I found it ran large so a petite small would have been a much better fit for me.
These Bootcut jeans are quite stretchy because they have some polyester and spandex in the blend. They’re a nice deep wash with slash pockets in front. I found they ran small so I suggest you size up. I prefer a more fitted jean with a boxier jacket so you can see some of your silhouette.
The next day, I stopped into Loft. Loft is Ann Taylor’s more casual, lower priced sister-brand and the quality tends to be a step down as well. The first thing I spotted was their selection of olive. Their sizes run 00-18, regular, petite, and tall, with many pants in straight or curvy which adds about 1/2″ to the hips.
This Lightweight Peplum Jacket is a fabulous length. I’m long waisted so I tried on the regular so the drawstring would be at the proper place on me. Because of it’s length, it doesn’t have pockets. It’s fully lined and runs a smidge large so I could have worn the XS.
I styled it over this Lace trim v-neck tee which has elbow length sleeves. It’s very lightweight and comes in 4 great neutrals, including red. It has a soft rib texture so I sized up to keep it from being more body concious than I like. This is a nice layering piece for the fall.
The pants are Loft’s customer favorite Riviera Slim pants. I wear a 6 in this pant, but it was sold out so I’m wearing the 8 in deep space blue. These come in 12 colors with a zip and hook front closure. I’m wearing regular but they also come in petite and tall! This is the type of fabric you could dress up for the office, or down for casual.
This Rivete slim-leg jean has a 24.5″ inseam in petite, so these are above my ankle. I am wearing the curvy fit, which I can’t fill out with my straight hips so they look a bit loose on me.
I paired them with this Cadet Jacket in smoked garnet. The fabric is a non-scratchy wool blend and is fully lined. These sleeves are too long for me in this regular, so again, I’d be better off in the petite which makes the body an inch shorter too. I like the shorter jean with the hip length jacket.
More new fall finds from Loft
These full-length Rivete Relaxed straight jeans are in the lighter wash and the petite has a 28.5″ inseam. I paired them with this Faux Suede Moto jacket in java chip. It has all the classic details of a moto jacket with the asymetrical front zipper, notched lapels with snaps, and zip cuffs. This is a rich, cool toned brown and very soft. The vibe is a little edgy, but the suede texture softens it.
This chocolate suede bag was displayed right up front with this olive polka dot scarf already styled on the handle…I love when they do that. The bag has a snap closure and seems like tote size to me. I’m wearing the Relaxed Dolman tee in oregano. This comes in 2 other colors, and while I liked it, it’s boat neckline and dolman sleeves both enhance my broad shoulders, so it’s not for my silhouette…but I know it is for some of you.
I’m curious if you prefer Ann Taylor or Loft? What colors will you be gravitating to this fall?