Ann Taylor Fall Arrivals // Classic in Cream, Pearls + Gray Ruffles

professional work outfit ideas ann taylor jcrew petites

office outfit_what to wear to a networking event
This ruffle-sleeve top is listed as a sweater but it’s thin and lightweight like a tee (made of 100% extra fine merino wool), good for tucking into skirts without much bulge. It’s pretty fitted throughout and slim in the sleeves, so possibly size up if you want more room in the arms. It’s one of those comfortable pieces that you’re going to want in every color! The rest of my outfit here is all of items from past years – I like adding an on-trend piece here and there like this top to breathe new life into older favorites. The smaller ruffled sleeves are a subtle way to incorporate the popular bell sleeve trend into outfits that are still business-appropriate.
cozy fall outfit idea camel turtleneck sweater_extra petite

Ann Taylor tunic sweater c/o (3 colors), Express jeans 00 short, SM booties (similar)
Clare Vivier bag (similar), Thierry Lasry sunglassesCaslon layering tee 

I got a ton of messages about this sweater so want to do a quick review! I’ll start with the material composition – it’s a medium weight 95% wool 5% cashmere which is a change from mostly acrylic pieces on the market these days in this price point. However given the wool content, I think those who are sensitive to it might find this piece to be slightly itchy (also the reason why I don’t minded synthetic knits!). None of the reviewers had an issue, but I just wanted to point it out. The silhouette of this sweater has everything I want in a pullover tunic – turtleneck that isn’t too high / bulky, forgiving gently flaring silhouette, split hem, and a very slightly longer back length to cover the bum a bit. It comes in 3 versatile colors including classic camel, cream, and gray. I recommend this if you don’t have wool sensitivities, and you can also layer a long sleeve tee underneath which helps. I actually found this to feel a little softer with each wear.
classic work outfit how to wear white pencil skirt_extra petite
Here’s a few more pieces worth checking out during this week’s sale:

Cropped tweed jacket in navy – very fair price for a lined, tweed jacket. Just add a brooch or pearls! I love cropped silhouettes which help keep the waistline defined.

Bonded knit pencil skirt – a tweedy piece with black and grey tones is perfect for pairing with all sorts of jewel-toned or neutral tops.

Elbow-length turtleneck top – something about this length of sleeves is very updated and chic, and I love the color options for Fall.

Pearlized bobble necklace – my go-to piece when I want a delicate and more understated version of the statement necklace I have on here!

Wool blend moto jacket in olive or gray. I tried this on and found it to run smaller overall and slimmer in the sleeves than most Ann Taylor jackets, which are usually a little big on me. It’s a sturdy, medium-weight material good for crisp days.
– Ruffled shell in blush – this feminine top I reviewed here is now $25 and left in all petite sizes!

– Sweater skirt in gray or black – similar to the one from years past which I have. If you’re looking for a basic flared skirt, the stretchy sweater knit is so comfortable for all-day wear.

– Last but not least, AT has a good classic work heels & flats selection that is nice quality for the price (especially when on sale) and true to size, starting in sz 5.
fall work outfit white pearls ruffle gray sweater

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35 Comments

  1. Anon wrote:

    Jean, what size is the turtleneck sweater?

    Posted 10.12.16 Reply
  2. Anonymous wrote:

    Hi Jean! Do you think leopard print shoes are OK for work? By the way I love your blog! 🙂

    Posted 10.11.16 Reply
  3. Anonymous wrote:

    Jean do you think that leopard shoes are OK for the office? By the way I love your blog 🙂

    Posted 10.11.16 Reply
  4. Anonymous wrote:

    Hi Jean!

    I love your blog and all the trials and tribulations that come with being super petite (shopping is such a pain).

    I'm loving the J Crew pencil skirt in this post. What size are you wearing? I ask because they are out of the 000, and I usually fit into the smallest size offered at J Crew.

    Thanks,

    Henna

    Posted 10.11.16 Reply
  5. Panapetite wrote:

    It works so well when you pair strapless pointed heels with a skirt/dress that falls beneath the knees! Extends the legs to make you look taller for sure!

    From your fellow petite gal pal 🙂
    A

    Posted 10.9.16 Reply
  6. Jean wrote:

    Thank you so much for your kind comment! I don't know how you do it, working full-time as a mother to three little ones that young! That's truly amazing, and I'm happy to help in any little way : )

    Posted 10.9.16 Reply
  7. Jean wrote:

    Hi CP – yes it's mostly gold. I got mine years ago, but I looked at the ones in-store now and they look exactly the same!

    Posted 10.9.16 Reply
  8. Jean wrote:

    Hi Rachel! Thanks for sharing the heads up on the sale. Aritzia is in Boston as well! I just haven't found anything for myself there yet : )

    Posted 10.9.16 Reply
  9. Jean wrote:

    Hi Jessica – no the skirt is un-altered! Ever since they introduced 000 petite (which sounds ridiculous…I wish they wouldn't vanity size so badly) I haven't had to alter their bottoms.

    Posted 10.9.16 Reply
  10. Jean wrote:

    Hi Melissa – Ann Taylor shoes don't run small in my opinion, so a sz 5 might be loose on you. They might work, though, with a ball of foot cushion insert, which I use on some of my shoes.

    Posted 10.9.16 Reply
  11. Jean wrote:

    Of course! It's such a good promo. Which items did you get? : )

    Posted 10.9.16 Reply
  12. Rachel wrote:

    Such a lovely look!

    http://chicglamstyle.com

    Posted 10.7.16 Reply
  13. Chau-Sa Dang wrote:

    Never fully appreciated how difficult it is to put together a stylish outfit until I started working at a dressy place! Thanks so much for doing this blog!

    Posted 10.7.16 Reply
  14. Pamela Gonzalez wrote:

    Gorgeous as always! Loving that pencil skirt♥

    http://www.pamelayaquelin.com

    Posted 10.7.16 Reply
  15. Rachel wrote:

    So chic! That skirt looks great on you.

    xoxo
    Rachel
    http://thetrendytomboy.com/

    Posted 10.7.16 Reply
  16. Unknown wrote:

    Hi Jean, I checked out your blog first through a fb post several months ago.
    I am so thankful for your tips and suggestions on how to dress our petite selves.
    I have 3 boys age 5 and under, working full-time and don’t have the time to try things on to see if it works for my body type and style.
    Even online shopping is exhausting, since you don’t know what you are getting just looking at the pictures.

    I just wanted to let you know that I truly value what you do – shopping new arrivals, taking pictures, posting every so consistently, spending time coordinating different pieces, researching the fit/measurement, etc.

    You saved this tired mama from wearing the 90’s outfit to work every day.
    Thank you!

    Posted 10.7.16 Reply
  17. CP wrote:

    Always lovely! I just ordered the tunic sweater. I am usually reluctant about turtlenecks but your review made me purchase it. I have a question about the necklace — is yours gold-toned like the website? In the pics, it looks more silver toned. Thanks!

    Posted 10.7.16 Reply
  18. Peppermint Dolly wrote:

    Great outfit! Love the grey/slate coloured top

    Rebecca
    xx

    http://www.peppermintdolly.com

    Posted 10.7.16 Reply
  19. Malu Swartjes wrote:
    Posted 10.7.16 Reply
  20. Rebecca N wrote:

    Gray is the ultimate wardrobe neutral!

    http://www.glamorousenvironmentalist.com

    Posted 10.6.16 Reply
  21. Rachel Chan Woodson wrote:

    Hi Jean – I came across a store called Aritzia while at a family reunion in Vancouver and caters for XXS petites upwards. It looks very much like your style – they currently have a sale going on this weekend. Just thought I would share! http://us.aritzia.com/sale
    Rachel

    Posted 10.6.16 Reply
  22. BW02 wrote:

    I love Ann Taylor's stuff. Just wished you could order from them without being an American.

    http://www.dressupchowdown.com

    Posted 10.6.16 Reply
  23. Julia Mazzucato wrote:

    I am in love with the bell sleeves on that sweater! So cute.
    Julia // Little Miss Haute Couture

    Posted 10.6.16 Reply
  24. Charmaine Chow wrote:

    Thanks for another great post!
    ~Charmaine

    Posted 10.6.16 Reply
  25. Maggie Zemanek wrote:

    I'm loving this look!! The pop of leopard is perfect 🙂

    http://www.maggiealamode.com

    Posted 10.6.16 Reply
  26. La Bijoux Bella | by mia wrote:

    Very sophisticated and beautiful! 🙂

    La Bijoux Bella | by mia

    Posted 10.6.16 Reply
  27. Angela G wrote:

    That Ann taylor ruffle sleeve sweater is too die for! Especially on you. Since it's so skinny, I might have to pass since I'd probably have to skip my BBQ eating when I wear this. 🙂

    Posted 10.6.16 Reply
  28. Anonymous wrote:

    Love the understated bell sleeve sweater! Thank you for sharing the post 🙂

    http://www.pennyanddash.com

    Posted 10.6.16 Reply
  29. Mei Liang wrote:

    Can't wait to grab some favorites from Ann Taylor! The Tunic sweater looks very flattering on you, glad you shared it since I was having second thoughts on whether to purchase it or not.

    Mei
    Pieces of Mei

    Posted 10.6.16 Reply
  30. Jen wrote:

    Love the ruffle detail on that sweater!

    Jen | affecionada

    Posted 10.6.16 Reply
  31. Jessica | Petite Style Script Blog wrote:

    Hi Jean, thank you for the recommendations for this sale! I was excited to see another one of my favorite stores having a great sale this week (Talbots/Bloomingdales also had great ones!). I purchased this pearl necklace after seeing you wear it many times >1 year ago. I am loving it too and this outfit is perfect for work.

    I am assuming you had this J. Crew pencil skirt tailored? I haven't found one that I've loved from them yet & have been sticking with AT pencil skirts 🙂

    Thank you for your style inspiration,
    ~Jessica | http://www.petitestylescript.com/

    Posted 10.6.16 Reply
  32. Melissa wrote:

    Hi Jean. I really wanted to get the Camel Mila pumps and I am usually a size 4.5-5 (I usually get a half size smaller than what you get and so far it has worked out for me). Do you think I can get away with ordering this shoe in a size 5? Thanks!

    Posted 10.6.16 Reply
  33. Sharan Kaur wrote:

    Love top cute grey top with the ruffles!!

    xoxo
    Sharan
    http://www.MyGoldenBeauty.com

    Posted 10.6.16 Reply
  34. Ev wrote:
    Posted 10.6.16 Reply
  35. Annie wrote:

    Jean – Thanks so much for this blog!! I got myself 2 of the pieces that you suggested within 5 minutes of viewing your blog. Yay! Can't wait for my shipment.

    Posted 10.6.16 Reply

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