I have to give Ann Taylor credit for making some of the prettiest lace pencil skirts. This is the third one in my beloved collection from over the years – some of you may remember this champagne number from last year and this glazed green one back from 2011. Each of them did need alterations on me but it was well worth it. This season’s might be my favorite – if your size is sold out in petites, potentially try the regular sizing (still fully in stock). I had ordered both to compared and was surprised the measurements were so close: 00P – 13″ across waist, 17″ across hips, 19.25″ long. 00 regular – 13.25″ across waist, 17″ across hips, 19.75″ long. Material and waistband are stretchy.
A piece I love from their latest arrivals is this sweater dress which comes in three classic colors (personal favorites are the heather grey and dark green, one of the colors of the season). The sleeveless design lends itself to lots of re-styling options – you can top it with a blazer or jacket, or layer various types of turtleneck tops and collared shirts underneath.
I got one recently c/o AT and it fits true to size for an xxs petite. The gentle fit and flare silhouette is flattering and the stretch in the material is comfortable (there’s an invisible side zipper to help with entry). I like my sweater dresses fitted so I machine washed and dried mine, and it shrunk a little bit to a very good fit on someone my size. I haven’t had a chance to take photos yet but wanted to mention while it is on sale.
I thought this skirt fit true to size for AT and got about an inch taken in on each side of the waist. A few of you asked about the specific alterations I get on pencil skirts – I like mine to sit higher at the waist and also be very tapered, so when my tailor is taking in the waistband to fit, I usually ask him to slim down the sides proportionately but slope in a little extra down at the bottom. When getting this alteration, make sure to have your tailor pin it and then walk around to make sure the bottom opening doesn’t become too narrow (learned this the hard way!).
A few other suggestions from this weekend’s sale (use code YESPLEASE for the 40% off):
1. Other work-to-weekend dresses: cowl-neck sweater dress in plum, or this tie-neck shirt dress in a beautiful autumn-colored chevron print. I can see both of these paired with heels or flats for work and then boots / booties for casual wear.
2. They have several wrap dress options in both solids as well as DVF-esque prints. I haven’t had the chance to try any on for fit, but saw the “tile print” pattern in-person and thought it was very pretty.
3. Faux leather pencil skirt also in black – their material is matte and not at all shiny like some. The green is a stunner color but brown (can see this with lots of neutrals and prints) and black seem most versatile. If you can get away with a leather-looking piece at the office, I think these are a way to spruce up outfits via a new texture, plus can definitely be worn outside of work. I’m surprised to see one reviewer saying the petites ran big, because compared to all the other skirts I’ve tried on from AT, I thought this style was true to size for them and even a little small. Here is the 00P on me again which almost fit (I think this style looks best snug). It measures 12.5″ across the waist, 16.25″ across the hips, and 21″ length – the material and waist does have stretch which is nice.
Amazing outfit! <3 I love your shirt!
Great outfit!
xxx
http://WWW.SMOKYLOVE.FR
Thank you for your feedback! I appreciate you taking the time to let me know, and hope to have the ease of use (plus some tech updates) restored within the next two weeks.
That may be your opinion but I have to respectfully disagree. I own both the Valentino rockstuds and these and find them to be pretty different. Also I believe most fashion out there (including the high end designers) are inspired by other brands and designs. I think there's a pretty big difference between counterfeit items and similar styles.
Hi Heather! I haven't found another one like the Kenna-T which is petite friendly, but will keep my eyes peeled this season. So glad to hear you like the Blank NYC – one of my wardrobe favorites.
I have worn this with tan/brown neutrals as well, and bright shades like mustard yellow. You should also try grey as I love the classic combo of grey with navy!
Hi Jennifer & anon below – thanks for taking the time to leave feedback! I have someone helping with mobile layout development as well as my feedburner. I hope to implement some changes within the next two weeks, so please hang in there and again I appreciate the feedback : )
Hope you love the necklace! Btw, I listed the measurements for a 00 regular above in case it might work for you – I was surprised by how similar it was in this style to a 00P!
In love with this outfit. It's classy and chic!
xx
http://www.mybeautrip.com
What color sweater dress did you end up with?
This colour combo looks so perfect on you, and that lace pencil skirt is soooo pretty!
xx
Yvonne
http://tellmeyblog.com
so glad you're bringing back office wear outfits again lately 🙂
Very elegant look!
xoxo Lynda
http://fashion-petite.com/
There's just got to be another shoe that works with this outfit but is not a blatant Valentino rip off- disappointing.
It looks like the wearer can't afford the original; almost like wearing a fake designer bag.
Echoing some previous comments about the change to truncated posts via feedly, not as convenient to read anymore having to use external links, I've been more inclined not to click through, even thought I want to! Vote to have the function restored to enjoy your posts!
Now that you mention it, that's all I see too! LOL! Shame, cuz up until then I really liked the skirt!
Lovely skirt!
Made in Mauve ☆ Bloglovin
Jean, I thoroughly enjoy your blog! You and I are almost exactly the same size, and until I found extrapetite.com I was struggling to find clothes that fit me well. Thank you for everything!
I was looking back through your old blog posts because I am on a search for a brown leather jacket. I see that you posted about the Kenna-T Essential Stand Collar Moto Jacket (Petite) back in 2013, but the jacket is no longer available for purchase. One of your other posts encouraged me to buy the black BLANKNYC Faux Leather Jacket last year and absolutely LOVE it! I am still wanting a brown one though. Any way you could suggest a zip-up brown leather jacket that is currently available for purchase?
I am in love with your outfit. It's so classy and ladylike. I love the lace details and the coloring of that skirt.
Diary of Elegance
http://diaryofelegance.blogspot.ca/
Such a lovely skirt! Love the pattern!
Dolce Petite
i cant get over the fact that the top of the skirt looks like an underwear shape looooooool :X
I love the lacy design of your skirt! It's such a pretty color, and the fit is amazing on you!
xx, Diane || http://www.dizined.com
I love this skirt! I purchased one after your previous posts. Can you recommend other colors to wear with it please? I'm having trouble deciding between black, navy, or ivory neutrals. Unfortunately I do not have a matching blazer like yours
I love the bow shirt and the skirt, it's like a piece of fine china!
AT makes some great pencil skirts. I had bought this skirt and end up returning it because I have only liked it paired with blush color and nothing else seem right. This is such a gorgeous look!
Alice
http://www.happpinessatmidlife.com
Would love to see you Thursday for TBT Fashion link up.
Thanks for the skirt alteration tips! I'm just about to bring a couple things to my tailor this weekend, so that bit of information about tapering and testing will come in very handy 🙂
Hey! So, this is probably a conversation best suited for email, but I couldn't find a contact form! Maybe I'm not looking hard enough? Haha… Well, I've followed your blog through feedly for a while now, and rarely comment, but I've noticed the last few posts I've read asked me to click through to your website to read, which was new (I think), but lots of bloggers do that so no biggie. Unfortunately, your layout is incredibly difficult to read on mobile, which is pretty common among blogs, and why I use feedly in the first place. Have you ever considered implementing a mobile template? I only ask because I'd hate to stop following your blog (which is awesome for us petite gals, btw!) because of something so mundane. Thought I might throw that suggestion out there!! Maybe it's already been brought up before, but thanks for taking the time to consider it 🙂
That skirt looks marvelous on you!
xo | The Fashion Forecast
Such a pretty skirt! You seriously pick the best pencil skirts <33
http://www.deasynoel.com
Love that skirt with that blouse. You look great!
I need to revamp my skirt collection, so maybe I will have to give Ann Taylor a visit (online that is!). Love this outfit!
Love the pattern on the skirt! Looks great on you!
I looooove that blue lace skirt. I'm also a 00P and they are already sold out. 🙁 But I did pick up your pearlized layered statement necklace you wear so much. Excited for the shipment to come in!
I love those heels as a great alternative to the Valentino ones!
http://www.maggiealamode.com
So obsessed with your skirt! Love it! <3
Shall We Sasa