Ann Taylor block-heel sandals sz 5 (also styled here), earrings (also styled here)
For some start-of-the-workweek outfit inspo, I’m spotlighting a piece that can transition well across settings and seasons alike: the chambray skirt. Chambray is definitely a neutral in my opinion, and one that pairs just as beautifully in nautical, breezy summer looks as it does in rustic, layered fall outfits. This Ann Taylor skirt is fully lined with pockets, and has “paper bag” gathering with a sash belt for cinching the waistline. Wear it with a playful print blouse for the office, or a halter top with statement earrings and hair pulled back. As an extra layer, either a white blazer or cropped white cardigan can top off either of these two looks.
Ann Taylor also made this same style skirt in a textured seersucker stripe pattern – I ordered it to try on as well, and unexpectedly fell in love with both versions! The summery seersucker fabric is very low-maintenance with no ironing needed, due to the textured ridges. The chambray-linen blend does need gentle ironing, but still travels well and stays fairly wrinkle-free with wear.
Fit-wise, these skirts are true to size for Ann Taylor bottoms, so will be roomy off the rack on someone my size. However, the sash tie belt does help, also both the chambray and seersucker materials can be shrunken a bit in the machine dryer (so hang dry if you want to avoid that!). Please note the lining fabric does not shrink, so you’ll have to hem the lining if you shrink the exterior fabric down more than a few cm. I check the dryer every 15 minutes or so and try on the piece, to make sure it doesn’t get too small and that the fabric doesn’t get too damaged / fried by the high heat. Also, I removed the sash belts before washing and drying since I wanted them at full-length for optimal bow tying!
Skirt measurements in 00p before machine drying: 13.5″ across waist, 18″ across hips, 22″ length.
Skirt measurements in 00p after machine drying: 13.25″ across waist, 17″ across hips, 21″ length. This is just based on my own experience – the amount of shrinkage on a cotton piece will definitely vary based on the temperature and duration that you machine dry it under.
I love my AT camp blouses as they are super lightweight, drapey (easy for tucking in), and machine-washable. I have a few in solids and had been waiting for this whimsical fruit print one to go on sale! This top also looks adorable print-mixed with the aforementioned seersucker skirt, or with solid white pants or skirts. Its true color actually falls in-between the coral red of my photos here, and the muted orange in the stock photos.
Thank you to Ann Taylor for partnering on this post.
Hi! I love all your posts! I bought the skirt and am considering purchasing the shirt. I live in florida and its always hot. Even though you described the halter as a sweater material, do you think it would leave you feeling hot? appropriate for summer? Thank you 🙂