This stretchy pale rose dress is my favorite piece out of Ann Taylor’s current wave of new arrivals. It runs true to size for the brand, so it will be a little loose on ladies who are my exact size (32-24-32 bust/waist/hips). The material is a thicker double-weave fabric, almost ponte-like but with a little texture which I tried to show in the picture below. The quality is nice, with the dress being fully lined with an invisible back zip and back leg slit. There is a thin piping detail along the entire neckline, armholes, waistline, bottom hem, and down the back center (lots of piping!) which makes this piece look more expensive. Tights wearers can try this with dark charcoal gray tights and similar colored pumps.
I used a thin belt to cinch in the waist, and may need alterations to get a more figure-hugging look which I love for pencil dresses. You can see some extra gathered fabric at the waist and hips in the shot below.
Measurements of a 00 petite: 15″ armpit to armpit, 12.75″ across waist, 17″ across hips, 36.5″ length. Please account for some thickness in these measurements due to the double-weave material and lining.
For those who like comfy basics that transition easily from work to weekend, this blouse is a must-have (and at a very reasonable price right now). The style is reminiscent of my beloved H&M; one from years ago, which is still alive despite some unfortunate pulls. This one has a stretchy, smooth, crepe-like material that’s machine washable. You can wear it with trousers, jeans, tucked into a skirt, layered under a sweater or dress, and so much more. The material has a nice medium weight to it – I’m wearing the white with my usual skin-toned bra and didn’t find it to be sheer. I loved this top so much I ended up getting a dark one as well, and have been guilty of wearing it several days in a row!
FYI, the blouse comes with the crossover neckline stitched together about 2 inches higher than how I’m wearing it above. It’s a good conservative look, but I wanted the option to lower the neckline as well. I used small scissors to carefully snip out the stitch, and just secure the neckline using a small safety pin at whatever height I’m feeling for each outfit. More patient ladies can easily add small hooks or snap buttons. The collar is a subtle detail that makes this different from most other wrap blouses, and allows it to be doubly versatile for layering like shown above!
Here’s a few other notable items, on sale as part of AT’s weekend promo (code HAPPY50):
– cobalt suede pumps – starting in size 5. I love my old ones from J.Crew, which these look like a good dupe for. They make a clutch bag with removable chain in the same cobalt blue suede that’s also on sale – my friend has this and wears it all the time for going out.
– tie neck blouse – another classic work-to-weekend top. This one is silky feeling but machine-washable. I tried on the light pink color and did not find it to be sheer when worn with a skin-toned bra. The material is thinner than the crossover drape top I’m wearing in this post, and has a little stretch.
– faux fur pom pom beanie – I love my cable knit hats, and this one is still left in cream
– embroidered dot shirt (see on me here and here)
Can you reveal your height and weight? You look the same size as me but I am not sure how tall you are and I want to order the same dress. If you could let me know that would be great! Thx..love your style!
I just recently discovered your blog and it my absolutely favorite. Thank you for taking the time. This was a particularly inspiring post! The blouse is gorgeous and I ordered it in all 3 colors. The problem I'm having is the tucking. I also snipped the stitch out at the top which looks much better. However when I'm tucking the blouse in, there is so much fabric from the gathered bottom that I can't get it to look smooth or not bulky. Any tips…?
Hi Heather – I had to do pretty extensive alterations on the coat in size 00 regular. Here's my older post! https://www.extrapetite.com/2013/04/leather-trim-leopard-linen-all-over.html
The sleeves on this one are pretty good un-rolled, only about half an inch long for my short arms!
Congrats on your upcoming wedding! Unfortunately it's really hard to gauge comfort on shoes until you try them on, and I didn't try on many bridal-style shoes. My best suggestion is ordering a bunch from somewhere that has a good return policy, and trying them on walking at home on a carpeted area before deciding.
Thanks Jean! I was actually loving this blouse so much I did call AT. Even Nordstrom's fir their Pleione version and H&M; for theirs. Unfortunately no luck. I will absolutely take your advice and try to seek things when they first come out. I have two under two so online is my way to shop anyway right now so at least I have that going for me. Thanks Jean for the advice! I look forward to all your posts 🙂
Thank you! It's smashbox Cognac again : )
Hi – thank you! You can enter your email on the right hand sidebar where it says "follow by email" : )
yes, I absolutely love the look of one tucked into a high-waisted skirt! That outfit sounds lovely.
Tag says dry clean only
It's tough since those sizes seem to go so quickly! Online is where I have the best luck, although it may mean paying a little more. I often browse the new arrivals section in order to get to items while they are still fully in stock. Also, if you have time on your hands, you can call local stores and they can look in their in-store inventory system for your size nation-wide, and ship to you for a fee.
The dress is pretty thick and lined so that helps conceal bulges! It does leave bulges under a fitted pencil skirt though if you tuck it in, so I'll only be wearing it with skirts that have a pattern to help camouflage the lines.
Hi Jean,
I'm wondering what size the leopard jacket is because I'd love to snag one if it comes back in stock! Does it come in petite or is that a regular size?
Also, I'd love if in the future when you post about long-sleeved tops, you'd include a photo of the sleeves all the way down. I don't always like to roll my sleeves up and don't want to purchase a top whose sleeves are too long for our petite arms if I can help it!
Now I am convinced to get a wrap blouse.
Meg | Meghan Silva's Blog
@MeghanSSilva on Instagram
Hey jean! I'm a long time reader of your blog (5 years!). I was really hoping you can share your recommendations on comfortable wedding heels. I'm want to be able to wear the heels all night but I still want them to look beautiful and add at least 3 inches in height. Thanks!!
Love the pink dress!
Anna http://www.annawangillustration.com/
Love both of these looks
Kisses from http://www.poshnessary.com ❤
Your outfits are always so sophisticated and elegant!
http://fashionmuses.com/fashion/being-romantic-first-outfit-post-of-2016/
So pretty! That blouse is an amazing piece. I love the flats and jeans in the casual outfit!
Julia // Little Miss Haute Couture
This Really Pink Is So Cute <3
http://www.angelmstyle.com
You looks so beautiful!! Love your pretty dress!!
Hugs,
Love from http://www.trangscorner.com {a lifestyle, fashion, beauty, and food blog}
I ordered that blouse and it looks awful on women with large breast (like me), 🙁 I had to return it. I got the pink dress, and it does look nice, a little bit longer for me but too complicated to hem/alter. I'm keeping it.
Loving this look!
http://alexamjohnson.com
This top is so beautiful and I'm in love with the first outfit because it's so comfy and chic!
xx
http://www.mybeautrip.com
What an adorable top! Need to snag this, love how you styled multiple ways!
http://adoredbyalex.com
Loving that wrap look blouse! It's perfect with jeans but I'd also like it tucked into a pencil.
Lifestyle by Joules
I have that old H&M; white wrap blouse too! It is getting really ratty- probably because I wear it all the time.
Definitely time for a replacement- maybe in multiple colors!
http://www.themoderntexan.com
Love both looks! Such different vibes. Personally leaning slightly more towards the casual weekend look.
Love, V.
:: VROGUE :: STYLE・TRAVEL・LIFE
Asolutely stunning! You've got an amazing style:)
xx Malu
The Stylish Confessions | The online destination for fashion inspiration, beauty tutorials and lifestyle tips & tricks.
So in love with your first outfit! So casual and chic! <3
http://www.vogueetvoyage.com
Absolutely adore the first outfit! The loose blouse goes so well with the destroyed jeans and lace-up flats.
Dolce Petite
Hi Jean! What lipstick are you wearing in this post? I am always interested in the makeup that you use for your photos. You look great!
I have a similar white blouse and find it to be a great wardrobe staple! Love the pink dress in the second look too, very pretty color and classy design!
Prudence
http://www.prudencepetitestyle.com
Beautiful dress! You looks so pretty!
Xoxo,
Love from http://www.trangscorner.com {a lifestyle, fashion, beauty, and food blog}
Hi Jean. I love your blog. How can I sign up for the update on the new posts? Thank you.
Such a beautiful look and I love that this piece can be styled in different ways!
a small bit | bloglovin | twitter
I love that shirt its so cute, I love the classic look
http://xoxobella.com
Love Love Love this top! It's so chic and simple. Definitely something I would wear.
Brittany | http://www.thefashionfreeway.com
I love these outfits. Your recent outfits are cute, but not something I personally find inspiring. The pencil dress outfit goes back to your origins of the conservative, work-friendly attire I love about this blog.
Hi Jean! I really love the wrap blouse. Would you recommend wearing a wrap blouse with a high waisted skirt? (I got the Pieced Jacquard Fit-and-Flare skirt from Banana Republic and am curious as to weather a black wrap blouse would match!) Thanks in advance!
Phyllis | http://www.prettypleese.com
What are the washing instructions for the AT dress? Thanks Jean!
Any advice on getting xxsp and 00p? I love AT clothes but struggling with the lack of inventory in those sizes. I was desperate for a pair of Sloan pants recently and got the 0p, but the dryer will only shrink them so much 🙁 you seem to always have the smallest sizes they carry so any tips would be great! Thank you
Your blog name made me laugh, I love it! And that wrap blouse would definitely be a go to for the weekends for me! I love the post and your photos are stunning!
Rilee xx
http://www.rileejefferson.com
You always make styling an outfit seem so easy! Love the casual weekend look with the jeans and blouse, great style!
http://www.mintnotion.com
Gorgeous looks! I love the dress…so chic and feminine 🙂
Have a great weekend!
Christina ♥ https://caliope-couture.com
Très chic wrap blouse! Love love love! <3
Shall We Sasa
I really like the second look, very chic and elegant.
What is fashion and what makes it fashionable? Find out in my new article (link).
I love that blouse! It seems to sit well and not bulk up under your dress, but do you have to do anything to get it like that?
http://www.maggiealamode.com
You styled your classic wrap blouse in a very eye-catching and beautiful way and I love it also that you wear the pale pink dress with a leo coat! Have a happy rest of the Sunday <3
xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
International Time-Related Giveaway: Bad News and More
http://www.dressedwithsoul.com