A while back, I got to peek at Ann Taylor’s fall collection and pick out some favorites to try on. It was hard to choose, but I went with a vibrant color family and fabrics that were fun variations on familiar textures 
I wasn’t ready for this, but opaque tights season is already upon us here in New England. To get the most out of cold-weather work clothes, I look for items that pair just as well with bare legs as they do with dark hosiery. I am loving jewel tones for that precise reason, and the teal blue hues from Ann Taylor this fall do not disappoint. 
The texture of this skirt is listed as “tweed,” but in-person is a thick yarn-knit that seems more like boucle. It has a soft feel to it like felted wool, and the blend of colors are beautiful.
The sizing is generous, and I took it in for a perfect pencil fit. The way the waistband and seams are designed made the alterations rather easy. There is a side zipper and a seam down the back center, so I took it in along that back center seam and reattached the elastic waistband. This skirt also has a matching jacket that has rave reviews online, but I haven’t tried it on personally. 
I’ve always been an advocate of AT’s perfect pumps for work, and was interested in trying a block-heeled version. I picked these for the midnight navy color (many readers ask if navy can be work with black – some may not like to, but I do it often) and added interest with wood + snake textures. These have the same fit, cushioning and leather upper as pp’s from past years, but -as many reviewers noticed- now have rubber soles instead of leather soles. After wearing these for a bit, dare I say the sturdy heels make them even more comfortable than pp’s?
This navy peplum top did not work out for me, but I wanted to mention it for any longer-torso’d readers. As is, the waistline falls a few inches below my natural waist (I have it belted up in these photos), and would look better on someone taller. I am also trying on one size up (XSP) from my normal size, so the intended style may be more fitted. The material is a comfy lightweight ponte that does not wrinkle easily.
Last but not least, I ordered this teal top recently as part of my silk blouse trials. The fit is blousy and I would remove the mid-sleeve button, but overall not a bad contender in the grand scheme of petite silk options. I actually ordered 3 different styles from Ann Taylor’s current line and took photos to review in a few days. 
Readers – Have you tried on any of these pieces? Which combination here is your favorite?
Love the colors and the way you have styled it! Im glad that you didnt go with the neutrals.
Absolutely love your outfit here! the color so pretty like you …
such cute outfits!
I love the teal color skirt, it's so perfect for the Fall. Those block heels look classic and comfortable too! Love the 3 looks that you put togethere here.
xoxo,
Suzie Q
http://www.StyleCueBySuzieQ.com
The 2nd and 3rd are my favorite, but I'm definitely loving just the simple blouse and skirt of the 3rd outfit. I love the colors of these outfits! Those shoes are amazing too! I don't own a pair of navy shoes – yet. 🙂
Wow, great skirt 🙂
All 3 looks are so classy and cute. I especially like the floral top.
All 3 looks are so classy and cute. I especially like the floral top.
fantastic skirt, fantastic shoes!
pozdrawiam
http://thirtiesinthecity.blogspot.de/
Would you like to sell it at a lower price than retail?
I wanted one but just kinda broke and don't want to pay full retail for it.
Thanks.
Such lovely selections! I adore the jewel tones you went with!
http://www.beautyandbows.com
My favorite is the second outfits. I was stalking the navy peplum top ever since I saw it on the AT ads. Unfortunately the top didn't work for me.
such a cute peplum top!!! love ur blog girl… ure such an inspiration to all petite girls out there <3
xoxo jenna
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The colours on the flower top looks gorgeous on you. The fabric looks fresh and clean and it fits you well. For some reason, the floral top seems like it would make a nice spring/summer top, while the tweed skirt looks more suited for autumn/winter. So I like the individual pieces of the second outfit the best, but overall, the third outfit is my favourite.
What a pretty skirt, I love it with the navy and green tops!
creamyclothes.blogspot.com
My favorite is the third one with the silk shirt. I saw this skirt on AT's website and it looked so vibrant but when I saw it in person at the store, it didn't look as vibrant and rich… so I didn't get it.
Love all these style options – so different and you barely notice that the skirt is the same in all 3. I wonder why the designer decided to put that random button at the elbow of that blouse?? Buttons that have no function just look so bizarre – otherwise this blouse looks perfect.
Quick question: where do you buy your dark hosiery? PS. I love all the outfits 🙂
The second and the third outfits are my favorites!! Great <3
Love the colors. Simple grey with a pop of color!
♥♥♥
Beautiful skirt in jewel tones. My fave look is the one with the silk camp shirt! Beautiful colors! And I also like the peplum layered with the silk shirt. Kinda like a blazer look. How creative!
Love the skirt!
<3 from http://swagnstyle.blogspot.ca/
Loving the skirt and navy peplum top!
Check out the Friday Five on The Glitter Life! http://the-glitter-life.com/2012/10/12/friday-five-10/
FYI: At LOFT outlet they're selling the same exact skirt in a really cute mini in petite sizes. It comes in the color you're wearing and another- I believe it was grey/black. It's around $40 full price and I got it for $24 during a 40% off full price sale. It wasn't so mini I couldn't wear it to work, but it definitely needs tights to make it appropriate. It's a good alternative to those who love this pattern but aren't crazy about pencil skirts.
Those peplum tops are great.
Loving the floral peplum + the skirt.
This skirt looks amazing on you. I love the rich coloring. It's clearly a very versatile piece, which makes me love it more. You look gorgeous in all 3 outfits. 🙂
xo, Yi-chia
I really love the green/blue color combination on you. They go so well together. Speaking of AT pumps, I actually prefer rubber soles too. Leather soles wear down too quickly (especially in wet/snow weather).
As for the navy peplum top, do you think you can remove the peplum part and move it up higher? I don't see a peplum top with long sleeves very often. I am sure you can easily accomplish the task with your sewing skills.
they are all very pretty outfits that i would wear, but the last one is my favorite the green/teal tone is such a great fall color and it actually looks good on any skintone which is rare.
xo
Rachelle
http://pinksole.com
I know you said the navy top didn't work out, but that is actually my favorite outfit of the bunch! You did a great job picking colors/pieces that go so well together.
Absolutely love the texture & colors in that skirt – I think the second outfit is my favorite, but I am really digging that teal blouse…the color is gorgeous on your skintone!
http://www.pennypincherfashion.com
I'm a conservative when it comes to mixing colors. So my favorite is the skirt with the silk blouse. I'd also like to see the skirt with a black top for the cold winter days. Not a fan of the short-sleeve peplum with the tweed.
I love the colour combinations in these outfits & especially love that teal blouse!
I have been following your blog for months and decided to set up my own because you have inspired me to do so 🙂 I think your sense of fashion is amazing and I absolutely love how you transform your clothes to fit you perfectly and seem so modern!!
Wow amazing combination , you look too pretty in plain blue top.
New York Model
Front pockets are good if you want enhance the bust area, but you need to be careful that the pockets aren't too big for your petite frame. Use the palm of your hand as a guide to how big your pockets should be.
Depending on where the stain is, you could style this blouse by rolling up the sleeves and securing it with the button to create a more casual look and team it with some skinny jeans until you get a chance to get to the dry cleaners.
You could pair the skirt with a more neutral colour such as light grey, cream or beige. If you wanted to create a more wintery look navy & black would also work. Another alternative would be pick up another colour from the skirt such as a light pink.
It's great to see how you have styled 1 skirt in 3 different ways. The colour combinations are amazing.
I wish Ann Taylor would come to the UK. They have such lovely petite clothes!
Don't think I'd have a lot of use for it, but the skirt is beautiful.
My mother loved snakeskin shoes.
i am in love with that skirt! the colour, texture, fit – all perfect!
xo julesinflats.com
They're all great. Especially love the first look. The layering effect just makes it extra special and interesting.
I love the skirt, but actually do not love the combinations with the tops. I think it's trying too much. Would love to see the skirt paired with something more neutral.
Also, love the perfect pumps with block heel. So you're not missing the leather soles, and the block heel more than makes up for it in terms of comfort?
LOVE all of the ensembles but the simple blouse and skirt is my favorite.
Such rich color. Beautiful.
LOVING AT LOFT lately, too!
http://theleatherskirt.blogspot.com/
I adore this shade of green. Combined with blue = perfection!
You are looking lovely as always!
Kiss form you big norwegian fan,
milna89.blogspot.com
Love the jewel tones and textures! So pretty Jean:)!
these are pretty jewel tones! i especially like the blue floral peplum top and the way you tucked in the sweater with your blouse underneath
Hi Jean,
I love that floral top on you! Although you have featured it for the fall season, I can picture it as a spring wardrobe staple as well. What a versatile top. Keep up the great work!
Looking forward to your upcoming review. I love Ann Taylor and recently was able to purchase the pencil skirt in avocado that you had purchased. I just love the color and very comfortable for a pencil skirt.
Great styling, Jean! I love all of these looks on you. My fave pieces are your floral top & the skirt. : )
I love the pencil skirt from ann taylor as well as the jewel toned button up! You're looking spectacular as always 🙂
I have the silk blouse (I think of it as more of a jade green than a teal). I was actually going to return it because I'm not a fan of how the front pockets look and the buttons on the sleeves. I also found it too have too much sheen for my personal preference, but then after I decided I was going to return it, I got some emu oil on the sleeve that can only be removed with dry cleaning. So now it's hanging in my closet. =/