Dressing Room Diary- Pretty Things at Ann
I’ve been on the hunt for some pretty styles for spring, and Ann Taylor did not disappoint. I think of them for polished classic style with modern and feminine touches. I’m racing to get this post out for you because AT is currently giving 30% off select new styles with the code SELECT30.
If youāre new here, welcome. A dressing room diary is when I go into a local store for a try-on session so you can see whatās new and how it looks on a woman over 25. For reference, I’m 5ā4ā³ and weigh around 140 lbs. I have broad shoulders, straight hips, a long torso, and long arms. I often buy one size larger on top. Youāll see me try on clothes in colors and shapes that may or may not flatter me because I want you to see whatās in the stores and get some styling ideas. I tell you what sizes I am wearing to help you understand how things run.
Ann Taylor had quite a few pretty soft florals, so I started with this pintuck popover shell in delicate blue and white. It comes in both regular and petite, sizes XXS-XXL. It has a hidden placket along the front edge with a small ruffle that continues around the neckline. The shirt-tail hemline looks nice tucked or untucked. I paired it with these high waist wide-leg crop pants. I’m wearing a regular length with a 25 1/2″ inseam, which is not very cropped on me. The petite has a 23 1/3″ inseam.
This intarsia sweater has a large floral pattern in bright blue on white. Itās got a nice loose shape and is softly fitted in a cotton blend. Itās a little bit cropped, so there’s not too much fabric to tuck in. I paired it with these high-rise straight jeans in ivory. They come in regular with a 28″ inseam and petite with a 25 1/2″ inch inseam. I prefer the regular length on me because they help me look a bit taller. They’re 98% cotton with 2% spandex and very slimming.
Hereās the same print as above, this time with long sleeves. It’s a mixed media top meaning the fabric is woven on the front and knit on the back. They do this a lot with their tops which makes them extra comfy. The long sleeves are gathered at the cuff so you could push them up to 3/4 if you like.
I’m always a fan of tucking or half-tucking a top, but never more than when the pant legs are short or cropped. The look on the left has a 50/50 proportion ratio which is the least flattering you can wear. On the right, my legs look longer and it’s a more pleasing proportion.
Iām pairing the blouse with these high-rise, wide-leg cropped sailor pants. These are black, and they also come in sapphire. This petite has a 23″ inseam, and the regulars have a 25 1/2″ inseam. Theyāre machine washable, easy-care, and will be fun with a pair of white tennis and a white T-shirt for the summer.
This geometric bow-neck shell looks more flattering online than it does on me. It’s one size too large for me, plus the pattern is too bold on me, so it makes me look much wider than I am. Tucking might have helped, but I don’t think so. Iām wearing it with the same high-rise ivory jeans that I was wearing above that fit so nicely; they may have to be part of my wardrobe this spring.
This interesting shoulder yoke is exactly the wrong shape for my silhouette š but it would be terrific on a woman with a pear shape who wanted to visually widen her shoulders. It comes in 7 colors, and some are discounted. Iām wearing it with these floral embroidered tweed cropped pants. They are a heavier-weight fabric than I would expect for spring, so Iām not sure if they arrived at the store late. Theyād be terrific with a pair of boots and a cozy sweater for cooler weather. They come in sizes 00 to 18.
This mock neck top comes in black or aqua. You canāt see too many of the details because of the black, but it has smocked cuffs and a sheer sleeve and a tiny ruffle around the neckline. It also has a shirred front shoulder yolk and a lined body. This comes in regular and petite.
This textured long sleeve sweater has a tweed-like effect with little bits of ribbon sewn into the ivory background. Itās softly fitted but not snug. The body is 22″ long, so easy to wear out or tucked in. It has a funnel neckline and is a machine washable cotton blend.
This button gaping is what you want to avoid in button-up blouses and shirts. I’ve always worn a small in most Ann Taylor tops, but my latest holiday pounds have tipped me into the medium. I swear by this Hollywood fashion tape to prevent gaping, but sometimes you just need to go up one size.
This sweater blazer is a great alternative to a cardigan but has a slightly more polished vibe. It comes in four colors, in regular and petite lengths. These are great-fitting, high-rise, straight leg jeans in a classic dark wash. (I’m so glad to see the end of Ann Taylor’s double button waistband on jeans!) These have a zip and single button and come in regular and petite with a 28″ inseam for regular and a 26″ inseam for petite. The website says these are 1/2-1″ below the natural waist, but they hit right at mine.
We’ve established that this blouse is too tight across the chest for me, so moving on… I’m wearing it with these wide-leg chinos that fit fabulously. They come in 3 colors, in reg and petite lengths. They’re a machine washable cotton/spandex blend with back welt pockets which elevate their look from a jean-type patch pocket. The inseams are 31″ in regular and 28 1/2″ in petite. I’m wearing the toasted oat (cream) color, and they also come in blue or white.
These high-rise slim pants have a beautiful fit in six different colors, in regular, curvy, and petite. They have a polished look in a machine washable fabric with 4% spandex that will keep their shape and not bag out. Iām wearing a regular length which has a 27″ inseam. The petite has a 25″ inseam. These are a terrific basic to have in your wardrobe that you could dress up or down. They’d also be great to travel with. The cardigan has a preppy vibe with the contrasting band. I’m always a fan of V-neck cardigans because they’re preferable to crew necks when worn over button-up shirts and blouses.
Weāve all heard that skinny jeans are passed past their prime, but the truth is, many women still love and wear them. If you do, these are one of the most flattering pairs of skinny jeans that I’ve tried on in many years. They come in curvy, regular, petite, and tall. I am wearing a petite, and they fit me perfectly. They’re a cotton/rayon/polyester/spandex blend that’s machine washable and dryable in sizes 00-18. I was seriously tempted (because we know skinnies will be coming back), so if you love skinny jeans, itās worth having a look at these ones.
Iām wearing this honeycomb cable sweater over them in a gorgeous cerulean blue. It also comes in watermelon and whiskey cream in regular and petite, in sizes XXS-XXL. Itās a cotton acrylic polyester blend which would be comfy indoors and cozy on mild days outdoors. The vertical cables have a slight slimming effect because they’re not overly chunky.
This trenchcoat poncho has an unusual fit, and I think I’m just too short for it. Iām wearing an XS/S, but even with my long torso, the belt is quite low, so it looks rather boxy. Of course, it should look boxy because it’s not fitted to the body.
I had the hardest time locating these pants because the website shows them with a deeper cuff. These come in six colors and are machine washable cotton with 8% spandex, so these will never bag out. They’re an ankle grazing slim fit that’s not so skinny that they grab on the calf. This is a soft winter white, and it also comes in five other colors. The petite has a 25″ inseam, the regular has a 27″ inseam, and the tall has a 30″ inseam. They also come in a curvy fit. This mixed media blouse has a woven front and knit back. It comes in three pale colors in a relaxed fit with a shirttail hemline.
This plaid trenchcoat caught my eye the second I walked in the door. It’s really fun, and beautifully made. The plaid is an ivory cream, pale blue, and what appears to be… deep navy. It’s fully lined with all the details of a classic trenchcoat. The plaid is a fun nod to a Burberry print at a fraction of the cost.
I know many of you are buried in winter weather, but stores have finished counting their inventory, so it’ll be full-steam ahead with spring options.
Have you tried Ann Taylor lately? Don’t forget to use the code STYLE30 for 30% off select new styles.
Ann Taylor is perfect on you. All items looked amazing.
I just love the textured tweed sweater. Both the aqua color and the fact that it looks unique and huggable. Will be watching reviews on the AT site as to whether it sheds little ribbon bits or not.
Loved shopping in Ann Taylor stores.
All WA state stores have closed.
Shopping on line is just not the same.
Cannot get used to wide legged pants. Many people look shorter and wider wearing them. think I’ll stick to skinny or slim styles. You look fabulous in the skinny jeans. Hope they fit me like they do you. Thanks for such fun “shopping.”
I haven’t been in Ann Taylor for a long time, but today I took a look at the website and then ordered two tops for a great price reduction. We’ll see how they work out. In the meantime, thanks for the review and some great ideas.
I hope you like them!
Love that trench coat! Very classy!
Still hoping my recent weight loss , due to exercise and lighter eating , will let me fit into my Brooks Brothers classic trench š§„ that I purchased while working there in 2011ā¦ my āgirlsā werenāt as fulsome then as they are now at 72! Darn it! I try it on every few weeksā¦ getting close to closing comfortably, but I suppose I could give myself a break and move an upper button over.
Yes, be kind to yourself.
Iāve only recently found your blog and really enjoy it. BUT Dressing Room Diary has got to be my favoriteā¦.so, so helpfulā¦I LOVE it. (Ok, ok,ā¦.I also love āwould you wear itā )
Thanks for the time and effort and the great info
Linda
Welcome! I’m so glad you like these, Linda.
I like the the first blouse, but the color will wash me out with my white hair that I am growing out. I need more jewel tone colors now. The blue honeycomb sweater would look best. I am having a hard time liking those colors . I was a neutral/autumn clothes person before, when my hair was dyed light brown/dark blonde. I am not sure about white , ivory, or pastels now. My hair still has some faded blonde on ends, and when I wear too much white it seems to clash.. Maybe when all is grown out, and cut off, or faded completely, it will be easier with choosing clothes. I have about 4 months for this to happen, sigh.
I am leaning toward slim straight pants or leggings. I think the wide leg pants on my 5’2″ figure do not flatter as much. I hope they keep having slim pants . You look good in the wide. I think a couple of inches in height make a difference for sure.
The most flattering colors within your palette will change, but not drastically. If you were warm you will always be warm, but perhaps with less intensity.
I hope you got those skinny jeans. Is looking great ever out if style?
They’re in my cart and I am seriously considering them.
I agree. You look great in those skinny jeans! I never stopped wearing mine and I still see them everywhere.
Really great outfits from AT. Thanks for the fashion show!
Love the skinny jeans on you. They were so flattering on you and the blue sweater. The plaid trench coat look great on you also. Have not been in AnnTaylor in awhile. Will have to check out some of your outfits there. Thank you for some great ideas. Just want to say your hair is looking great.
Have a wonderful day
Cathy A
Hi Jennifer, I agree with others on the skinny jeans, the fit on you was perfect. Although the sweater was a different shade of blue, it was a very elongating monochromatic outfit. A winner š
I love Ann Taylorās style.
So timeless and beautiful.
Still trying to like the wide leg pants. They look so nice on you, I need to change my attitude about them.
Thanks for a great DRD again.
Happy Wednesday, Lin!
Hope your Wednesday was great š
Really great outfits. I think the mixed media blouse looks particularly good on you. I also like the sweater blazer. I’ve been seeing those around for spring. All the tops were great.
Thanks for showing so many looks. The neutrals are nice, especially the sweater blazer. The tiny floral print blouses have a little girl vibe reminiscent of the days when we had to wear skirts to school. I like the embroidered trousers but probably lack the confidence to wear them even though spring in New England can require “a pair of boots and a cozy sweater for cooler weather.”
Theyāre a lovely weight pant.
Jennifer- thank you for showing spring outfits! Where I live I need very little cold weather items. I had forgotten about Ann Taylor. Their outlet is also worthwhile too. Will check out the items you have shown.
Thank you for modeling the blazer sweater. Iāve been seeing these online. My issue is some of these styles overwhelm my petite frame. But I like a tailored look and Iām more of a pear shape. That blazer sweater looks very polished on you and Iām going to look this up online as we are in a winter storm for a few days and the roads are iced over.
Theyāve been popular for a few years. J Crew and Talbots are making lots of knit blazers. Talbots has petites!
Great choices here, Jennifer. Thanks for your work on spring looks at AT. I love the trench coat, You look great in it!
Itās was a fun session!
Lovely outfits all! I particularly like the blue and white mixed media blouse. In your shirt tucked in or left out photos I thought you looked fine in both although the proportions do look better with tucked in. I have a tummy so I donāt like to tuck in my tops. Itās nice to see spring colors during these gray days.
Add me to the chorus singing your praises and the promise of spring! Hi refreshing to see the colors, styles and fabrics. Iām curious to know: when you do one of these dressing room diaries, are the salespeople aware that youāre posting about the clothes? Do they know who you are? Iām sure Iād recognize you! Thank you for doing this advance work for us! š
A few stores (readers favorites) have a few sales people who recognize me but most do not.
Skinny jeans may be out of fashion this season but the pair you tried on looks great on you! Love the floral blouse and those high-rise slim pants look like a nice option for spring. I know you don’t like to reveal what you actually purchased, but I am always curious……
Interestingly, the high waist crops and skinny are sitting in my cartš¤£
You look wonderful in everything but the poncho, but I donāt think they look good on anyone. I especially love the plaid trench coat on you. I wish I could wear jeans. They all look gorgeous on you. The blues and white print blouses are very pretty and perfect for spring. I love the blue cable sweater and skinny jeans on you. That would have been my look about ten years ago.
I am new to your web site. I am loving it! Thank you for all the great tips. I will head to AT and have a look.
Welcome!
Love all your picks. So pretty and feminine and a breath of fresh air to brighten this cold grey day! You look great in all of the outfits. Used to have an AT store near me, but they always had a majority of work clothes and very few sportswear. It closed several years ago. Wish there was one nearby because I love so many of your outfits. Thanks for your hard work!
My store showed predominantly work wear too, but online has lots of casual.
Interesting and fun to see new styles for Spring from Ann Taylor. Thanks for highlighting the pants options. Love the blue sweater.
These are all so pretty. Thank you for sharing :)!
I hope you purchased the outfit in the second photo – floral pin tuck blouse and wide leg pant. You looked fabulous in this.
What a breath of spring air you brought today! You are wearing my colors when you wear blue, I love the honeycomb cable sweater, ah that color! Thanks for your hard work!
Wow! That trench coat in my neutrals ššš Thanks Jennifer, I must head to my local Ann Taylor to try these lovely spring colors!
Good Morning, such pretty choices today!, Bravoš
Loving the shades of blue and periwinkle! I thought for sure hands down I would be saying that the crop pants were not for me – but – the floral crops and solid T were my favorite outfit ! Thanks for always showing variety !
It was such a fun try-on. Iām never sure until I put something on!
Thanks for great ideas, Jennifer. I havenāt shopped in Ann Taylor in some time, but youāve given me reasons to try again.
I am interested in the blue shell (first photo) and the mixed media blouse in ivory. The size chart shows that Iām between sizes. Do you recall how these run- large or small?
I think theyāre more generous than the button up blouses. The M was a bit large in me.