I for one and EXTREMELY happy with the change in Ann Taylor’s styling.I used to be quite a fan when I first started buying my more “adult” clothing for work about 7 years back, but then for the past three years it became very “old” to me.I don’t think I bought one thing aside from a cashmere cardigan on sale from them in the past three years.THIS year the clothes look fantastic.Still too expensive at full price–and for trendier items that is a definite no” for me to spend that much– but with sales it will be great.And the quality is really fabulous. I think they will lose some of their usual clientelle with some of the very trendy items like boyfriend jackets.I went in there last week looking for a suit and the sales person steered me towards a short skirt-boyfriend jacket combo, which I think is almost ridiculous (for me) to attempt to invest so much money in a suit that is so of-the-moment. But overall I think women will like the new look, because I know of LOTS of women who stopped shopping there in the past few years because of the “oldness of alot of the styles.

As an aside I went into an Ann Taylor outlet store this past weekend and was amazed at how BADLY constructed their suits were, and the cheap quality. Very very bad.

I’ve always liked Anna Taylor but they are pricey. I love their new looks. Their pants fit me well so I always try their’s on first. I’m going to have to go look at the leather jacket. I love it.

I’ve never been a fan of Ann Taylor, the clothes have always been too conservative for my style. I’m looking forward to checking it out this weekend to take a look at their new fashion forward items Angie is posting about. I do think their clothes are well made and the structure and fabrics seem to be well-priced for a national brand store but I haven’t found any to suit my style yet.

I haven’t bought anything from Ann Taylor in ages. Their fit wasn’t right and most styles seemed very conservative. I recently popped into the store and was amazed at their makeover! I didn’t have time to try anything on, but I’ll be back

I am not an AT customer, but I’ve taken my mom shopping there when she was visiting, and she liked it. I do own a summer button down blouse and pair of AT plum colored pumps that are really sleek yet very non AT-like. Years ago I tried on some pants there, when I believed I needed a more grown up look, and I didn’t like the fit at all. I have not gone into the store recently, although I’ve noticed their ads so I knew they were doing a makeover. Perhaps I will stop by when I do my Fall/Winter shopping in a few weeks. One should keep an open mind.

I have long been an AT customer though less so in the past few years. The petites fit has always been superb on me and most of my work wear came from there. However, as I transitioned to more casual wear when I stopped working, I found that most of the clothes were a little too formal and dressy for what I needed. ATL better fit my lifestyle needs though the quality was not as great.

I agree with PF – I also found that the look got very mature in the past few years which is why I was so happy when BR started to offer petites since their look was a bit younger and trendier while maintaining the modern classic perspective. In terms of the new “Ann” – I like what I have seen on the website and will be interested to see in real life! I cannot imagine that too many customers would be unhappy as long as they continue to mix their newer trendy items with classic basics like their suits & cashmere.

Interesting! I haven’t stepped foot in there in YEARS. About 18 years ago (when I first joined the workforce) they were my go-to store for work separates and suits (note that with their prices, I always waited for sales!). I re-visited them about 8-9 years ago when I lost a considerable amount of weight, and remember at that time they had some beautifully cut classics that I added to my wardrobe in my new (much smaller) size. But then about 7 years ago, things got really weird at Ann Taylor. All I remember is an “explosion of flowers” — seriously, you couldn’t buy anything but florals at that place for about 3 seasons! So I just stopped going in. But, I really like the pics you posted, so I may just need to give them another chance.

It has literally been ages and ages since I’ve shopped at AT. When I stopped working in an office, their clothing stopped feeling appropriate for my lifestyle. I like the look on the far left, though, and will definitely give them a look this season.

Just to be crystal clear, I am referring to pukka Ann Taylor and not the Loft (AT’s more budget friendly casual sister company).

Shana, quite right. AT is still quite dressy and they do not really offer casual clothing, which is probably why I like it!

I was at AT with two young funky clients last night who requested we go there after seeing their new ad campaign. Amazing! They have great casual cascading cardigans at the moment and my client bought at full price with a 20% discount coupon. Absolutely beautiful quality. So much better than J. Crew. We went to J. Crew too and walked straight out. We liked the look of the clothing, but $49 for a T-shirt that will stretch out and shrink after a few washes, is problematic.

So interesting, Palm Fronds. I have yet to see a badly made AT suit. We receive old AT suits at Dress For Success (DFS) where I volunteer as a personal dresser every week. My dressing friend Laurel and I always try and pop a DFS client into an AT suit first because the fit and style is impeccable – and some of these suits are 10 years old.

I usually resign myself to looking through the window of an AT store. With the pictures you posted, I’m actually inclined to go in and try something on.

Gourgeus!!! It’s so me! but they don’t sell to europe..

I’m ecstatic over the changes. I have bought more things from AT in the past month than I have in years. I love everything. The fit has changed so now I can wear their pants and skirts. The style is trendy but still appropriate for work and for someone mid-40s like me. Even the colors are more flattering for me. It’s trendier – but not *too* trendy. Perfect!

If AT is reading this, I just have one complaint: I do not like the changes you’ve made to your web site!!!! I don’t like that you can’t cut and paste images anymore. I do that, so I can keep track of what’s in my wardrobe and mix and match virtually. I also don’t like how tiny the links are to flip through the pages, and you don’t have a “next” button. Also the top nav bar is difficult to use. While it is a pretty site, I fear you went a little more design than function.

I read an article in O magazine about several retailers – AT and Talbots included – who have revamped their clothes recently. I seem to recall that AT’s re-design was to respond to the fact that most work places have embraced smart casual. Most people simply do not need a matching suit anymore. They need mix-and-match pieces – skirts with cardis, blouses that can go with dress pants or jeans, etc.

Ann Taylor is where most of my tailored pieces and knits for work come from.

PROS: I had quite a good luck with their fit before and the materials are good enough. I even have a few comfortable shoes from AT. Their sale section always has affordable choices although the best styles never last till the sale.

CONS: Their jewelry are on the expensive side compared to the quality. Knitwear requires special attention compared to some other brands I use, but in general I’ve been a loyal customer to AT.

I don’t have so many things to shop for for Fall, but I’ll check it out after your review Angie! They used to have good ideas in their catalogs. I haven’t seen that for the last few years so I welcome the change very much looking at the pictures above.

I love the changes! Before, I would get an occasional knitted top/sweater/a piece of costume jewelry; since they were too conservative and the sizes were off ( too big for me). Now I want to get half of their store! I have my eye on their denim pencil skirt and ruffled cashmere sweaters.

Very nice write up Angie,!!

So glad Ann Taylor is meeting YLF approval. With your discerning eye, and many years in the fashion biz. I am pleased you have a couple of pieces already:)

AT has a new design team, and with them firmly in place we have seen the changes since last spring. The look is younger , the silhouette strong and the colors rich.

Our DM was in on Wed. She is a beautiful and enthusiastic young woman. She was very excited about our holiday dresses coming out, So heads up ladies GREAT holiday wear ahead:) Heidi Klum is doing our holiday adds (guess she will pop that baby out just in time)

I can’t tell you how many women are devoted AT clients…young and old.
They seem to LOVE our new product and style….:)

Thanks for your great post Angie….AT would be pleased:)

I am yet to visit the store now that the change has been made, but have been very excited by the images and styles I’ve seen.

AT has always been a great place for suits, which at one point fit my profession really well. I hadn’t shopped there in a while because I just haven’t had to dress up much for work anymore, but I have definitely been drawn in recently! I have a bunch of things in my “shopping cart” online. Now I just need to figure out what to get!

Angie, anything that gets your stamp of approval makes me far more comfortable! Thanks for the writeup.

I love the quality and timeless designs at Ann Taylor. But I also like their newer, more trendier styles. Their sizing always works for my body (pear) and their sales are excellent, just have to make sure to check often to find what you want on sale.

I have never shopped Ann Taylor before, although I have peeked in while walking by once in awhile. After reading your post, I went to their website and loved what I saw. I signed up in hopes of receiving online coupons, offers etc…

I am excited to see how they evolve. Thanks so much for this post!!

I just started shopping at Ann Taylor again. I browsed in the late 90s when I was very preppy in style, but hadn’t been back since.
Let’s just say that AT has replaced JCrew for me. AT is my new “go to” store. I know when I go in that I will find something.
The sales people at our local store are really great, too. They all dress nice and offer opinions if I ask.
The fitting room is lit perfectly and has a three way mirror and lots of room to prance and twirl.
I don’t have many retail cards at all, but what I love about AT’s card is that you can pay it off right at the register. I hate getting a bill in the mail, but I love the benefits of being a cardholder, so a definite perk for me!
I’m currently loving the skirts, accessories, and dresses. I really want to try on the first look you posted, Angie.

…and I wanted to add, AT always has coupons. Just sign up for their emails and you’ll be set.

I am surprised at how much AT I have in my closet! Since I’m 5′3″, and need work pants, they have great ones. I also have one pair of AT shoes that after 2 summers look as new as the day I bought them. I also have a coral spring coat that I love. BUT, I haven’t bought anything under the “NEW” AT, so we’ll see!

This is great. I’ve been looking to expand my work wardrobe, but I have felt constrained by the classic looks (suiting and separates). I like how they include fashion forward looks into their work-style. I love those straight leg pants. They look like they stop at the ankle. What do you think of that, Angie, for someone short like me?

I am loving the looks you posted and in fact have the cardigan just because I saw these pictures on the website and wanted to copy the look.
I have never before shopped at an AT, there are none in my area, and I didn’t need office attire when I was working. I did walk through an AT store while in Seattle about 5 years ago and walked right through thinking this was not the store for me.
I’m pretty excited about the changes. I love the long cardigan, belted, and the biker jacket over top.
Heidi Klum is one busy mamma isn’t she!!!!! Amazing that she is huge with a baby on the red carpet and will be svelte for holiday modeling!

I was wondering why I was suddenly looking at the AT site more than I ever did in the past. AT fits me very well but I have few things from them because they were too modern classic for me. Even the few pieces I liked enough to buy need a lot of funking up for them to work for me. Whenever I would go there, I was always the youngest person in the store (not that the other women were old ladies or anything, but they were definitely older than me).

I was browsing through recently and found a whole lot to love. Way out of my budget but it’s always nice to have another option open up. I feel for anyone who liked them for their more classic style though. I hope they don’t abandon it completely and they are just doing this to bring in new customers rather than dropping their old ones.

I guess I’m living on another planet, because I consider J. Crew and Talbots way, way too preppy and basic for me, but I have bought a lot of clothing at Ann Taylor over the years that I still wear. Admittedly, mostly generic items like sweaters and knit tops that I combine with something more interesting, but also skirts, mostly A-line with a print or some kind of embellishment. (And the beloved purple tweed trumpet-ish skirt.) I don’t like the new stuff AT ALL. I haven’t tried any of it on, but the colors are positively depressing (and I love dark, rich colors, I even love gray in moderation, but it seems like EVERY SINGLE THING is some shade of charcoal), and everything is either austerely plain or RUFFLED. Gah! I do not need all these ruffles cascading over my somewhat well-upholstered person. They all seem much better suited to someone with a lot of sharp angles. My snug-sweater/A-line-skirt-wearing self feels quite rejected! In the past, I would find that the clothes actually looked better on me in a way than they did on the models, who didn’t have the curves to fill them out. But I can’t imagine these looking good on me. Sorry!

I am an Ann fan! The majority of clothing/shoes/costume jewelry in my closet is from AT. I have to say, though, that during the past year and a half, I haven’t seen too much that caught my eye. I’ve bought a few things this summer, but have stayed away to avoid spending money! Looking forward to another shopping trip, if only to enjoy the company of the ladies who work there!

Ann Taylor outlet stores have merchandise made strictly for those stores. They do not get AT or Loft leftovers, and the quality is not the same. Also, my husband read in the newspaper this week that AT would be closing a number of stores. The economy has hit them, as well, and is probably the reason behind their make-over. I just hope my store is not one to close!

Not that I begrudge sharp-angled people a new place to shop.

I’ve shopped at Ann Taylor in the past because their pants seem to fit me very well and look the part at my corporate job. However, I’ve never really liked their tops because they looked too mantronly for me, but I like this new look. Reminds me of Banana Repulic. Definitely, worth taking a closer look next time I’m on the lookout for work clothes.

I ADORE Ann Taylor for classic, well made work clothes. HOWEVER…I REFUSE to shop there anymore. Their prices have gotten way out of line, even considering the quality. In this economy, a retailer that RAISES their prices across the board is irresponsible and not really in tune with their customers. I can afford to shop there, but I won’t on principle.

Angie I totally agree with you about the suits in general,which I why I was so shocked at those I saw. Perhaps they were specific to this being an OUTLET Ann Taylor, but in the past even outlets had wonderful clothing. I am used to Ann Taylor suits being very well tailored and good fabrication, but these were a very cheap-feeling polyester blend, without linings in any of them, and shoddy workmanship that showed in the buttons and the seams. I was quite shocked.
The regular non-outlet stores as always had very well made suits, so thankfully that has not changed there The ones in the store currently were a bit too dark and serious for me, so I kept looking and ended up with a wonderful BR suit. But I have AT on my fall radar for when their cashmere goes on sale

I’m so psyched. AT has replaced J.Crew for me, too — they actually carry petite sweaters — up to an XL! (take that, J.Crew!) I’m so glad I purchased the grey boyfriend cardigan (merino!) in the rightmost picture before it quickly sold out in my size. It’s my new favorite thing — very soft and well made. Some of their stuff is still a little too business lady for me, still, but I look forward for consulting them for non-frumpy versions of classics that I can wear with my PF Flyers I work in a creative profession, have minimalist / modern-classic tastes and have looked to Banana Republic and J.Crew in the past. As a petite person I’m very excited by what I see at Ann Taylor and LOFT, lately. For that matter, Talbots has my eye, too. They have a lot to offer petites, too, and are trying to revamp/modernize their image. We’ll see.

I have shopped at Ann Taylor for 20 years. I have liked their classic style, but the main reason I shop there is that their clothes fit me. BR and J Crew do not. I would take pieces bought there and jazz them up with trendier items and accessories everywhere. However, I do have to say Ann Taylor has alway had bold beautiful colors in tops and sweaters which amp up the classics. No “makeup neutrals” like at J Crew.

I welcome more stylish options as long as they don’t change their fit and continue to offer petites in store.

I have shopped at AT before and after the change, and I’m not 100% in love with the change yet. I love the expanded dress collection, and the new fit of their pants and skirts is fabulous.

BUT…I miss the variety of their suits (they had such interesting jackets!) and I hate all the blouses right now. Too sheer or too many ruffles, and very little variety in anything else. Their sweaters are still as excellent as always, but they too are sufferering from ruffle-mania. BR is blowing them out of the water in terms of tops.

I haven’t been to AT for quite a while. As a tall, long-waisted woman I often found their cuts to be too short-waisted and boxy for me. Also, their styles seemed a bit suburban working mom for my tastes. But I’m eager to visit the store next time I’m in the US and see how things look, because what I’ve seen of their new line online looks much sleeker and more urban.

PF,
The outlet clothes are not the same. They are made for outlet stores only. They are not the same styles or quality. They are also NOT overstock or last season…in fact most people don’t realize this about ALL factory stores.

This may be the reason you find infrerior product…understandable:(

Regarding the deep colors, and ruffles…well this is a trend …and you find this look everywhere right now…it will be gone next month…I however love subtle ruffles with a pencil skirt..and snached up as many tops and cardis as I could:)

sp: inferior

I wish I had an Ann Taylor here in Canada to shop their entire inventory.

I for one, love Ann Taylor and I love their new change!!!

It’s more up to date, trendier, but still classic at the same time.

That’s an interesting development. I’ve always included Ann Taylor on my shopping rounds, because I like the quality and the fit (their styles often work well for curvy hips and bottoms, especially their pants). But I’ve always been very conscious of only buying individual pieces very selectively, because I don’t really see myself as an “Ann Taylor kind of girl” and cannot see myself in head-to-toe Ann Taylor – with one exception, and that’s business attire (it’s a great store to find interview clothes.) Otherwise it just seems too classic for me. I’m curious about the new trendier styles. Angie, are you going to model the dresses for us?

Meh…I’m not loving the changes so far. I feel there are plenty of trendy stores out there, but AT was my go-to store for quality, classy basics like suits, work trousers, and simple cardigans, which for me are much harder to find. They’ve also been one of the few brands that reliably fits me off the rack (someone else mentioned that they were too short-waisted and boxy for her…but *I* AM short-waisted and boxy! I hope the fit hasn’t changed TOO much!

I’m a long time Ann Taylor shopper, mostly for classic sweaters, but also for the occassional pair of slacks, tops or evening wear. When I first walked into the “new” Ann Taylor I wasn’t impressed – I didn’t see anything that really exicted me. But, after spending a little time there and thinking about some of Angie’s suggestions for staying modern, I did pick up a few pieces. The sales lady was wearing an adorable pair of leggings with heels, which I bought, and a big sweater which I think will look great with the leggings. So, I’m keeping an open mind, but I hope they don’t take away their annual supply of cashmere sweaters in all colors that ALWAYS go on Sale!

It is hard to believe the leather jacket look on the left is Ann Taylor. I love these looks! Now all they need is a splash of color!!

I love AT’s quality and fit, but I haven’t bought anything there in ages because of their colors! They’ve been SO stuck on blue since last winter, and I don’t wear blue. I’m more of a purple, burgundy, and green kinda girl. I was glad to see they had a bit more purple the last time I was in, so hopefully we’ll see more of that towards winter.

AT has very much appealed to my classic side for years, and AT Loft is one of my favorites for more casual skirts and tops. I’m sure they will change well and I will still love them. The only thing I don’t like about AT and AT Loft is that their sizes run big. If I’m an extra small or a 2 in their tops, I hate to think of people who actually ARE an extra small trying to find something there that fits.

I rarely have shopped there for 10 years or more, because of the quality, price, and mainly predictable styles. I’ve drifted more toward ATL, but do notice the change and am more likely to browse an AT store or web site now. I personally think that J Crew edginess in styling is being noticed and, to some extent, copied.

Like Lisette, I am pear-shaped, and for this reason, I strictly shopped Ann Taylor for suits. Their suit jackets tended to be long enough to cover/conceal the width of my hips whereas suits seemingly everywhere else, including their sister store, the LOFT, ended up being cut a bit too short… just at the widest area of my hips…which only emphasized them. I was a bit nervous when I received their mailing recently and learned about their re-vamp. While I like their modern offerings, I skimmed through the mini-catalog to see the changes to the suits…and sure enough, the ones shown had jackets that were cut shorter and emphasized the hip area. Let’s hope they will continue to offer at least a few of the suits with the longer jackets for us pear-shaped ladies. I agree that their quality as far as suits, costume jewelry and shoes is excellent.

I’m guessing 90% of my work wardrobe has been AT for the last 10 years or more. The quality is excellent, and their pants have always fit me beautifully. The sizing of their pants/skirts has always been very consistent as well, which makes internet ordering much easier (are you listening, JCrew?).

The revamp explains why I haven’t found anything I like recently, though. The styles in the photos above, while attractive, are overly fussy and would never work for my profession. I’m missing the clean lines and classic looks…

It’s great to hear such positive responses. For those of you who preferred the old AT look, I’m sure there will be enough to carry you through.

PF, I was going to respond, but I see that Taylor already did. Thanks, Taylor! It’s fabulous to have your inside scoop on this. I can’t wait to see what AT comes up with for the rest of this season.

The “leather” jacket isn’t leather–it’s PVC. Very plastic-y and cheaply constructed; certainly not worth $150. Shame on AT for not disclosing the fabric content online.

Nancy,
You must have noticed that this jacket is manufactured by Bagatelle not AT. It is never referred to as a Leather Biker Jacket…only Biker jacket. You must state *real leather* if the garment is indeed made of leather.
In other words ….if leather is not used in the description…it doesn’t exsist.

I have always been an AT customer. They have certainly evolved over the years and I am looking forward to seeing the new styles in person. I don’t like the lack of size 16 slacks in the stores – I think that is a bad policy – but will try on the next size down and see how it goes

I like the changes Ann Taylor is making. I think the styles look nice and quality is good. My only complaint is the color range. There isn’t anything there that grabs me and makes me really want to buy it right now, but if there were I would be very disappointed because it would probably be dusty mauve or dark aubergine. I know AT changes their color palette seasonally and by collection, and I won’t stop looking. But this is the main reason that I generally just don’t shop there, rather than the styling being “too classic,” or something like that.

Every time I look at the Ann Taylor line, I’m reminded that although I like the cut and silhouette very much, the color scheme just does NOT work for me. I wish they would expand their colors to include warmer shades – all the colors they use now fall on the cool end of the spectrum, unfortunately.

I used to love AT for work clothing but as someone else mentioned here, a lot of companies became more dress-casual (mine did) so I stopped shopping there. But it has always been my “go to” store for dresses and suits. They do have good sales from time to time so I usually browse the store when I am at the mall. I have a cashmere sweater there from years back and the quality is excellent so I will probably be on the lookout for some cashmere sweaters this fall.

Ann has always been my go-to store for years…literally everything in my closet was from AT or ATL…until now. The modern fit pants don’t seem to be consistently sized. A size 2 in one color fits differently than a size 2 in a differrent color. They’re mostly rayon and are not lined. The Lindsay fit was always consistent and I didn’t even have to try them on. AT has been using a lot of rayon and poly in the new line. The v-neck cashmere sweaters were cashmere with a bit of nylon this year, not 100% cashmere, but still $145. The cowl neck knit top from the fall 2009 line was really cheap looking. It was poly and rayon. I came to AT years ago after BR’s quality began to decline. I noticed Ann’s quality began to decline after 2007. I hope the new AT will improve or I’ll have to go elsewhere.