A cold front dropped temperatures in parts of the northeast below 60 degrees for the first time in recent memory. While warm weather will soon return, I am appreciative of the opportunity to wear some new fall purchases.
For anyone looking to refresh their work wardrobe for fall, I’ve teamed up with Ann Taylor–just in time for the Friends of Ann Event–to share my favorite pieces from their fall collection, which spans a wide range of office attire, from the casual to the formal, with wearability and versatility as their common thread.
For work, I prefer a neutral color palette, as the more subdued colors allow for the incorporation of large geometric prints and shiny metal accents without precipitating an outfit that overwhelms the wearer.
The Friends of Ann Event started Wednesday (09/12/18) at midnight: use code FRIENDS40 at checkout for 40% off your entire purchase. Shipping is free on orders over $125, or pick up in store for free.
Here are my picks for the sale:
Enlarged Plaid Bell Sleeve Sweater One of the more practical purchases that I have made in recent months, as it unexpectedly works with just about everything in my closet: wide-leg pant, skinny-leg pant; insouciant jeans, dressy slacks; pencil skirts, flare skirts; muted burgundy, fresh cream. Depending on how dramatic you prefer bell sleeves, you may want to try on a few sizes; I opted for the top in a regular size for extra length, but don’t think there is an intended fit for this versatile sweater.
The Houndstooth Wide Leg Marina Pant A drapier take on the cotton Marina Pants (now on further sale; see on me here) that have become an integral part of my summer work wardrobe. What’s great about these–beyond the understated but super fun houndstooth print–is that they are as comfortable as pajama pants, but polished. I got these in regular length because I haven’t been able to find full-length wide leg pants that drape well, and temporarily shortened them (by hand in tight stitches that will come out; in these photos I had yet to iron down the hem) to wear them cropped, as they have been designed, in early fall.
Camden Suede Block Heeled Boots (wide calf here) I really like these boots as they are comfortable and sleek looking, but they fit my rather athletic calves (not super wide in reality, as I am short, just bulge more dramatically than more streamlined calves) just okay –baggy at the ankle and somewhat loose on top–and are held up mostly by the widest part of my calves. I went up a half size for boot sock room.
The Ankle Pant In Plaid Plaids are my favorite print for fall, and the red and blue combo here is fresh but classic–I can’t wait to wear it with the Tie Neck Blouse that I ordered online. While the material has stretch, the pant legs run slimmer than expected in the thigh, so order up 1-2 sizes if you are more bottom heavy like me.
Wide V-Neck Flare Sweater Dress This was among my favorite finds at Ann Taylor this month; it is so effortless and comfortable. I sized up in this style for a(n even) more relaxed fit, but it fits true to size and has a good amount of stretch (being a knit piece and all). The material is substantial but not heavy, and allows the slightly flared skirt to maintain its shape.
Mystical Garden Tie Neck Blouse My local store sold out of this blouse in my size on the day new arrivals appeared on store racks so I ordered it online. I was initially a little concerned about the print (couldn’t decide if it was matronly), but liked it a lot in person. I generally order a size up in more fitted blouses so I can hide a few layers underneath when the weather cools. I also ordered the Tie Neck Blouse as I recently ruined the Tie Neck Ruffle Blouse (sold out; from earlier this year) by splashing tomato sauce all over it.
Pearlized Cuff Boatneck Blouse (seen here) I love all things pearl, so was elated to see so many pearl-embellished pieces in Ann Taylor’s fall line up. This blouse may be my favorite from the collection for a number of reasons: the washed crepe (with sheen) appearance of the material, the dainty pearls at the cuff (though I would encourage you to reinforce the pearl buttons here as it does not come with spares), and the classic boat neckline.
Checked Belted Jacket If you prefer pants to skirts, this black-and-white checked belted jacket might be a good addition to your work wardrobe. I could also see it transitioning well to weekend wear, worn open with denim bottoms and a plain top. Petite sizes are an online exclusive.
Lastly, I am so excited to see the Button Cuff Wrap Dress brought back in a dark navy this season. I own this dress in several colorways, and it’s an effortless three-season piece that will take you from desk to dinner. If you are buxom, I would recommend sizing up, as the wrap front v-neckline dips fairly low and the extra material will add some coverage.
Thank you Ann Taylor for partnering on this post!
