ann taylor houndstooth dress
shefinds | September 30, 2009

Good Stuff From Formerly Cheesy Stores: The New Ann Taylor Rocks

A short time ago, Ann Taylor…not so cool. But recently, their stock has gone up (seriously – ANN is trading at 90% above July’s prices).

I recently went in looking for these pants (sold out), but so many other pieces caught my eye, I was flitting around and staring at stuff like an intern at Fashion Week. Banana Republic has some serious competition.

ann taylor silk charmeuse shell

Is anyone else forever in search of the perfect affordable, beltable, tuckable silk shell? I think this ($75) might be it.

ann taylor houndstooth dress

In my apparent quest to own the same dress in 62 colors, I’m always attracted to a well-cut sheath. This houndstooth dress ($160) has a rich fall pattern and well-placed pleats.

ann taylor bib necklace

The Crystal Bib Necklace ($55) strikes that right note of cool-but-obviously-costume bling – not pretending to be real diamonds, not Lady Gaga crazy.

ann taylor textured wool jacket

This textured wool jacket ($136.50) would work well with a tank or tee now, or a slim-sleeved sweater and scarf in the winter.

ann taylor wool skirt

This is the ideal not-too-boring work skirt ($110) – you can make it look edgier with the right accessories, or buy the matching jacket if you work at a bank.

Browse some more of our fall favorites: leather jackets, foldover boots, blazers and more.

by Rebekah
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comments
  • Anonymous

    I think Banana is actually walking down the cheese path as of late. Over the past year or so, I have had a difficult time finding anything I like in that store. And the Quality of Gap’s clothing just keeps getting worse…I can’t say that I ever thought of Ann Taylor as Cheesy…maybe Ann Taylor Loft but the real Ann Taylor has always been rather professional.

  • name

    ewwwww – Ann Taylor has stopped lining their suit pants – the associate I asked about it gave me some balderdash line about discovering a new fabric – there are plenty of places that sell moderately trendy tops and dresses that could work in the office, but the old, professional Ann Taylor was PERFECT for classic professional, high-quality pieces – I’ll agree that they could be cheesy but I KNEW I could go there and find a stylish, professional, classic, and quality women’s suit for less than $500 – I’d rather have a store where I know I can find important foundations like good suiting, NOT one where I might find a fill-in piece like a silk shell – booo to the new Ann Taylor

  • name

    Unlined dress pants! What are they thinking. Quality & Style are very very bad. I used to spend hundreds of dollars at AT. I haven’t been able to find ANYTHING for the past year. Took my cash to Nordstrom and Talbots where lined dress pants and quality fabrics abound!

  • stacey nc

    I totally agree…the quality of Ann Taylor’s merchandise has greatly declined. It’s impossible to find a pair of wool, lined dress pants in the store. Everything is unlined and made of a poly/rayon or a rayon/wool blend. Also, too many silk shells and sleeveless tops..offices are freezing…who wants to wear sleeveless in January? The cashmere v-neck sweater this year was a cashmere/nylon blend, but still retailed for $145. The fits seem off too. I used to order online, but lately I can’t count on the fits to be consistent as they were in the past. I used to spend hours in an Ann store just trying to figure out what to buy and what to put back because I loved everything. It’s not the case anymore and I’m really disappointed. As always, the sales staff are super friendly and helpful. That has not changed. Even they realize the quality of the merchandise has declined. Ann used to be a one stop shop for high-quality, timeless, tasteful clothing, accessories and shoes. I feel like my girl has let me down. Please bring back the old Ann from 2006 and prior. I left Banana Republic for Ann because BR’s quality really declined, and now I’m not sure where to go if Ann doesn’t improve and bring back the luxury. Nordstrom maybe?

  • lily

    I hate the new ann taylor. I used to buy 6-8 pairs of dress pants a season. The triacetates were the best! Now the pants aren’t lined, fit terrible, and look cheap. I guess I will have to go to Nordstrom. Please bring back the pants you used to have!

  • Michelle

    I TOTALLY agree with the unlined sentiments!!! I just can’t do it for dress pants!! VERY disappointed about the lack of upholding a standard of quality!! I used to not think twice about spending 90-120 on a pair of pants, but , unlined. . . .not even!!!!! Now I have to figure out where to get my work pants from???

  • stylegirl

    Ann Taylor and ATL continue to disappoint! About two years ago they made a very obvious and fatal mistake trying to change their image…now selling, cheap, disposable clothing at a high price! Quality is HORRIBLE style, are you kidding me??? Even my young “hip” 21 yr old daughter thinks it reminds her of her RUE21 days when she didn’t “know” any better! So sad…I know NOONE who shops there any longer and stores are always empty…what were they thinking?