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 a lot by garment, which is why I include 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 its 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-conscious 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 jeans 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 asymmetrical 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 a tote size to me. I’m wearing the Relaxed Dolman tee in oregano. This comes in 2 other colors, and while I liked it, its 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?
I shop both Ann Taylor and Loft petite. Ann Taylor sizing has been very inconsistent!! I find the new Rivete jeans from Loft run large . Tops , sweaters and dresses are usually spot on . Also Loft has great sales!
Your analysis of AnnTaylor and Loft is spot on. I would say the same as people use to say about Clinique for younger skin and as clients matured they swapped over to Estee Lauder. ha!
What quality do you think the Rivete slim leg ankle jean is compared to other brands? I bought a pair of longer bootcut this weekend out of Loft Outlet since they carry 00p and 0p instore usually. So does Ann Taylor Factory, but no regular Ann Taylor here. I was trying to use my birthday reward. The fit was amazing and I bought soon as the 2 P fit everywhere but waist and she ordered me a 0P – my legs grew 5 inches in those jeans. At 4’10” that was a miracle. We do have regular Loft but I wasn’t in that area at the time. No Ann Taylor. I also bought a sleeveless tee like the black one you have on in a blue print from Ann Taylor Factory that ties at the side waistline. Love it! Thanks for all you do for us! I am gonna deep dive into all these links now.
The Rivete denim is great quality! That tie shirt is in my cart right now 🙂
Thank you for the recommendation on the denim! Hope you love the top!
Jennifer, I just want to thank you for all of the time and effort you put into this blog!
The side tie tee looks great on you Jennifer! You look so slim and great in everything you wear. The colors out really are not for me. I’m a cool summer and will be shopping in my closet for this fall.
I shop online at both Ann Taylor and LOFT and have almost always been pleased with my purchases. Lately, however, both sites have been very slow to process orders and twice have issued a cancellation two weeks later, even though the item is still showing as available in the size I had ordered. That makes no sense and is a puzzling way to do business.
Sometimes Customer Service will reply to an email with an unsatisfying answer when I’ve inquired as to why processing is taking so long. Around the same time Customer Chat has told me the item is back-ordered and will still ship, but then a cancellation email arrives.
I’ve had those types of issues with several brands lately. I think it’s because they shrunk the product in the store and have more on the website which means more women are shopping online.
Thanks again for telling us the sizes you are trying on, it really helps when ordering online.
I am doing a new color for me this fall.
There appears to be brown on most sites and stores so I’m trying a few.
Gray and black are my staples but I’m adding some teal.
I have only be in a Loft and I really like their clothing. I’m leaning toward brown and burgundy this fall. I’ve always liked those colors as well as pink. 🩷
From what you’re showing, I like the styles better from Loft but the fabric content of the Ann Taylor pieces. Sizing seems to be all over the place and since I’m an online shopper, I am hesitant to try. However, you have interested me, so I might just go ahead and experiment. What did you think of the little scarf tied to the bag? Assume it was poly and I typically don’t like poly scarves, but maybe it’s a better quality than I would expect. Enjoyed the feet washing comment 🙂
The scarf is polyester which makes it easier care but warmer to wear around your neck
Jennifer ….. I’ve noticed your travel pictures with the Lo & Sons Waverley 2 Convertible Crossbody Bag and would like to hear your thoughts (pros and cons) on it. I’m looking at the Napa leather one.
I own 3 colors and could not love it more because I can also use it handheld as an evening bag and around my waist
Hi, Jennifer. I definitely prefer Ann Taylor to the Loft brand. The quality is much better, and the sizing fits me better. When I was working as a school administrator, I always shopped at Ann Taylor for professional looking outfits. Now that I am retired, I shop there less but still enjoy shopping at Ann Taylor for casual tops. Also, their jeans & pants are wonderful – great fabrics and fit.
I love the way the Dolman Tee looks on you. Much better than the model at Loft. 😊
LOL, thanks
We have both stores where I live but I tend to shop more at Loft because I have loved their Lou and Grey line for years. The fabrics are so soft and the quality is better than expected.
I love Lou & Grey too
I used to love both so much, back when they were good. I don’t really shop at either these days, though I did score some great silk scarves at Loft. Unless something has changed even AT’s quality is sub par. I may try their work pants. Nothing wows me and I wouldn’t go to either for basics. And I remember my first AT purchase in college, a dress for a sorority formal. It was such a splurge. And as a practicing lawyer I shopped there all the time. Now they barely have a decent blazer.
Yes, quality is suffering everywhere, Shari. I find that more and more, you get what you pay for. That’s why I buy fewer, higher-quality items these days, which usually means more expensive, and not everyone can afford that.
I love burgundy, with dark brown a close second. I just bought that sweater in both colors, as I like these easy care sweaters for everyday and also for layered travel. I ordered PM, fingers crossed for a great fit, thanks for the try-one, I don’t enjoy it myself and really appreciate your doing it for me!
Happy to do these for you Sharon
Because of my life style post retirement is more casual….I used to be more Ann Taylor but now I mix with stuff from the Loft. I like both stores and just depends on the item. I have tried different styles and sizes and no luck with the Revete jeans.