I’ve been having a big black & white moment lately – when in doubt, this easy combo always looks classic with my camel and beige accessories. I got to try on a few new arrivals from Ann Taylor and my eyes kept being drawn to pieces in these two colors. You can see these looks in motion in my IG Reel.
1. Scalloped Knit Top + Wide Leg Crop Pants (6 colors)
This scalloped knit top is such a cute summer piece that tucks easily into pants, jeans and skirts!
I paired them here with the Kate pants, one of AT’s highest rated pants. I do love the flattering fit and found them to look similar to J.Crew Sydney pants (worn here) with a similar stretch cotton blend fabric. When compared, the Sydney run a little smaller and have more casual rectangular front and back pockets, while the Kate have slant front pockets and trouser style back pockets that feel more like a “work pant.” Measurements: Kate in 00 petite measure 13” across the waist, 10.25” rise and 23” inseam.
2. Belted Pleated Skirt
I love a good pleated midi skirt! This one has a non-stretch waistline, a chic belt and is lined with a back zipper entry. The 00 petite fits typical of Ann Taylor’s sizing and measures 13″ across the waist and has a length of 27.” Our Edited Pieces white pleated skirt is similar in style but with a stretch elastic waistband, no belt, and a leg slit.
Also, this black mock neck top (also seen here and here) continues to be a favorite outfit foundation piece.
3. Linen Blend Flare Dress
I had high hopes for this but found sizing to run very big in the bust and waist – maybe 1 to even 2 sizes big. It’s too bad since it would be a great “classic with a twist” LBD with the subtly scallop neckline and full skirt with pockets. The linen fabric is non-stretch with a lined torso and back zipper. Size 00 petite measures 16.75” across the bust and 14” across the waist when lying flat.
4. Crepe Blazer + Trousers
The sharp cut combined with the high quality “fluid crepe” fabric makes this feel comparable to my Theory pieces and it also has several coordinating separates (skirt, crop pants, dress). Ann Taylor sizing for me has always run a little big, this is a looser fit on me and I’d wear it with the sleeves pushed up.
When worn together with the matching trousers it’s a stunning suit, but I do want to note the trousers run big at the waist for me. Size 00 petite measures 13.25″ across the waist with a 10″ rise and 29″ inseam. The pant are fully lined in a light beige fabric and I didn’t have any sheerness issues.
You can find a review and more photos in this older blog post.
5. Double Breasted Flare Dress
This dress was also a cute concept but not a keeper for me. It’s made of a lightweight non-stretch woven material and is fully lined with a detachable belt. The front buttons are faux (which is nice for no gaping!) and the dress has a back zipper. The chest was loose on me and might suit someone who can fill it out more, but I appreciate the snap button at the neckline. Size 00 petite measures 16” across the bust and 13.25” across the waist.
6. Scoop neck sheath dress
This was also not a keep for me as I don’t have occasions for sheath dresses anymore, but I wanted to show the fit. It’s a simple dress but in a nice stretch cotton blend that has a substantial weight and structure to it. It’s lined and has those clever thin snaps under the shoulders to keep your bra straps secure. It’s a little loose on me, and would look sharper if it were as fitted as it looks on the model. The 00 petite measures 16″ across the bust, 13.5″ across the waist with a length of 35″.
7. Colorblock flare dress
This one felt a little youthful for my style these days, but is a fun piece that stands out! The torso was also a little loose on me. It’s lined in 100% cotton and has a back zipper, with 3 different embroidered edged scallop tiers at the skirt sewn together. The 00 petite measures 13.5” across the waist and 16” across the bust.
Hi Jean, you are wearing the Ann Taylor black mock neck top in XXS regular, right, not XXS petite? just wanted to ask before I see which size to order
Hi Lee, I’m wearing the xxs regular but that’s because petite wasn’t available back when I first got this top. I would prefer the petite sizing if I’d had the choice for shorter length!
got it! I bought the scallop top on your recommendation and really love it with white trousers, simple but elevated and xxsp fits well. thank you!
Love the black purse that has the scarf wrapped around one of the handles. What brand?
hi Jean! can you share what earrings are you wearing in the outfit with the white pleated skirt?
Hi Caroline, they’re these $14 Amazon earrings! Thanks for flagging that they weren’t linked, I just added those details.
awesome, thanks!
Hi Jean!
Sooooo sad that Ann Taylor is sized so big these days…..my favorite is the scalloped top with the cropped Kate pants. I’ve been eyeing the Kate since they came out, but reading this they are definitely too big – I will have to stich up my own! They have a lovely halter dress – light blue background with big red flowers that looks neat in the store, but I haven’t tried it on….thinking it will be again too big. Keep it up though, love the inspiration!
Hi April, oops so sorry I missed your message before! I feel your pain about what a bummer AT sizing is these days! So fortunate you know how to sew, which opens up your possibilities a lot. If you like the look of the Kate pants, the J.Crew Sydney ones do fit a little smaller and might work better for you. xx
Hi Jean, I love the scalloped black tank and the white pleated skirt! I have a question about the Ann Taylor Woven Slingback Pumps in outfit #4. Do you recommend those? Are they comfortable in the toe box? I am about a half size smaller than your foot size and wondered if the size 5’s would still fit me and not slip out! Please advise. Thank you!!
Thank you! Is this your first time trying Ann Taylor pumps? If so, then I’m not sure if they will fit. If you have tried them before and fit a size 5 in certain styles, then they might work or with a toe insert to add some padding. I do love the shoes, however due to the woven texture they take some getting used to since its not as smooth and comfortable as a leather shoe.