When I hear the name Ann Taylor my first thought is business casual clothing that my older sister (if I had one) might wear - but the company is re-branding and moving in a younger, fresher direction. I had the chance to go to the Ann Taylor fashion show not too long ago, and not only were nearly all the heavy hitters in the magazine world there (Glenda Bailey from Harper's Bazaar, Linda Wells from Allure and Elle's Joe Zee, to name a few), but young 'n fabulous stars like Amanda Bynes, Joy Bryant and Katharine McPhee also made an appearance.
What about the clothes? Well, they're definitely more fun, while still keeping their respectability. There were a couple of minidresses that I could see a starlet pulling off, like the $240 Silk Tiered Strapless Dress in aubergine. Let's see if Ms Bynes hits a red carpet in the frock sometime soon...
Photo © Stephanie Prommer licensed to About, Inc.
Comments
Sounds cool. Maybe Ann Taylor isn’t off limits anymore…
Ann Taylor was never meant for teens – it’s for sharply dressed professionals. Now I have to sort through frou-frou tank tops, loud patterns and too-short skirts to find something even remotely appropriate for a board meeting. It’s hard enough to find well made, beautiful and respectable clothes for the workplace. Brooks Brothers is way too stuffy; Express is a joke. I miss the “old” Ann. The new Ann is disappointing. No teenager is going to drop that kind of cash on work clothes. They have really alienated their core customer base and I think it will be the last nail in the coffin for them.
You are exactly right. The fabrics are awful…lots of rayon and polyester. Where’s the beautiful silk and wool? The dresses that are made of silk are really short…several inches above the knee. Who can wear that to work or church? All of the tops are made of synthetics(get ready to sweat) and have these weird ruffles on them. The pants are not lined and are mostly rayon and bag out after 1 wear so they must be dry cleaned more often to reshape. I used to buy everything from Ann…now I can’t find anything there I like. It’s very disappointing. I’m not super trendy, and I appreciate beautiful fabrics and impeccable construction. This can no longer be found there. I’m only 30 but used to LOVE Ann Taylor. If you like poly and rayon, and short dresses and weird ruffles…with the same high price, the new Ann is for you. Why shop Limited & Express, or Kohls when you can find the exact same thing at the new Ann for TWICE the price? I’m cancelling my Ann credit card next week.
I miss my “old” Ann Taylor too!! Are there new buyers? Why the change in profile? I find the colors bland, the styles too trendy, and the fabrics disappointing. It was my GO TO store for timeless tops, slacks, and suits. I haven’t spent a dime there in over 2 years. PLEASE go back to your original customer base, the modern professional WOMAN….not teen.