Ann Taylor has long been a go-to destination for stylish professional women seeking timeless, high-quality clothing for the office and beyond. Known for its tailored silhouettes, elevated fabrics, and classic aesthetic, Ann Taylor has firmly established itself as a leader in the workwear category.
However, Ann Taylor is not the only retailer catering to women who want to look polished and put-together at work. There are a number of other stores that offer a similar vibe and are worth checking out if you‘re a fan of Ann Taylor‘s styles. Whether you‘re looking to expand your office wardrobe or simply want more options, here are 10 stores like Ann Taylor to put on your radar.
1. J.Crew
Like Ann Taylor, J.Crew is known for preppy, classic styles that stand the test of time. From wool blazers to tailored sheath dresses, J.Crew‘s workwear assortment is stylish and versatile. The brand‘s pieces are a bit more fashion-forward than Ann Taylor‘s, with bold colors and statement prints in the mix along with the usual neutrals.
One advantage of J.Crew is its extensive size range, with petite, tall, and plus sizes available. J.Crew‘s prices are similar to Ann Taylor‘s, although it frequently runs sales that provide significant discounts. Quality is generally very good, with a focus on elevated natural fabrics like cashmere, silk, and wool.
2. Banana Republic
Banana Republic is another top destination for polished workwear staples. The brand‘s aesthetic is modern and sophisticated, with a focus on clean lines and classic silhouettes. Like Ann Taylor, Banana Republic offers a range of suiting separates, sheath dresses, blouses, and more in neutral, easy-to-wear shades.
Banana Republic‘s styles are a bit more contemporary than Ann Taylor‘s, with pieces like paperbag-waist pants and belted jumpsuits in addition to the standard fare. Prices are similar, and Banana Republic offers an impressive range of sizing, including petite and tall options. Quality is quite good overall, especially when it comes to the brand‘s suits and outerwear.
3. LOFT
LOFT actually started as a more casual offshoot of Ann Taylor before becoming its own distinct brand. As a result, the two retailers have a very similar vibe, although LOFT skews a bit younger and more relaxed. LOFT excels at pretty, feminine tops and dresses that can easily be dressed up or down for the office.
LOFT‘s prices are slightly lower than Ann Taylor‘s, making it a great option if you‘re on a budget. The brand is also incredibly size-inclusive, with petite, tall, and plus size options across all categories. Quality is generally good, especially for the price point, although some fabrics can be on the thinner side.
4. White House Black Market
As its name suggests, White House Black Market is all about sleek black and white clothing with the occasional pop of color. The brand‘s aesthetic is very similar to Ann Taylor‘s, with a focus on polished, tailored separates perfect for the office.
White House Black Market is known for its suiting and dresses in particular. Prices are on par with Ann Taylor‘s, and sizing is fairly inclusive, with petite, tall, and short options. The quality of White House Black Market‘s pieces is quite good, with durable, elevated fabrics and good attention to detail.
5. Talbots
Talbots has been a mainstay in the world of classic workwear for decades. The brand is known for its preppy, timeless styles that appeal to a slightly older demographic than Ann Taylor. Talbots offers a wide range of suits, dresses, and separates in neutrals and heritage prints.
One of Talbots‘ biggest advantages is its inclusive sizing, with a full range of misses, petite, plus, and plus petite sizes. The brand‘s quality is excellent, with pieces that are made to last for years. Talbots‘ prices are higher than Ann Taylor‘s, but the superior construction can justify the extra cost.
6. Brooks Brothers
Brooks Brothers is an iconic American brand known for its tailored, preppy styles. While primarily known as a menswear retailer, Brooks Brothers also offers a full range of women‘s workwear, including suiting, shirtdresses, and more. The brand‘s pieces have a slightly more traditional feel than Ann Taylor‘s.
Brooks Brothers is one of the more expensive retailers on this list, with prices that can be 30-50% higher than Ann Taylor‘s. However, the quality is impeccable, with many pieces made in the USA or Italy using premium fabrics. The brand offers a standard range of misses sizing, with select petite and plus size options.
7. M.M.LaFleur
M.M.LaFleur is a newer entrant to the workwear market, but it has quickly become a favorite among professional women. The brand‘s aesthetic is minimal and modern, with an emphasis on comfortable, easy-care fabrics that travel well. M.M.LaFleur is known for its sleek dresses and separates in a slightly more fashion-forward silhouette than Ann Taylor.
One unique aspect of M.M.LaFleur‘s business model is its "Bento Box" program, which allows customers to try on a selection of pieces at home before buying. The brand‘s prices are higher than Ann Taylor‘s, but the quality and fit are exceptional. M.M.LaFleur offers a full range of sizing, including extended sizes up to 3X.
8. Of Mercer
Of Mercer is another direct-to-consumer workwear brand that has gained popularity in recent years. Like M.M.LaFleur, Of Mercer specializes in sleek, modern dresses and separates made from comfortable, wrinkle-resistant fabrics. The brand‘s aesthetic is slightly more trendy than Ann Taylor‘s, with unique details and silhouettes.
Of Mercer‘s prices are slightly lower than M.M.LaFleur‘s, but still higher than Ann Taylor‘s. The brand offers a wide range of sizing, from 00 to 20, although it does not have petite or tall options. Quality is generally very good, with a focus on easy-care, machine-washable fabrics.
9. Hobbs
Hobbs is a British retailer that has recently expanded to the US market. The brand is known for its classic, elegant workwear with a slightly vintage-inspired feel. Hobbs offers a range of suits, dresses, and separates in rich colors and luxurious fabrics like wool and silk.
Hobbs‘ prices are on the higher end, similar to Brooks Brothers. The brand offers a standard misses size range, with select petite options. Quality is excellent, with pieces that feel substantial and well-made.
10. Reiss
Reiss is another British brand that has made a splash in the US workwear market. The brand‘s aesthetic is sleek and modern, with a focus on clean lines and minimalist silhouettes. Reiss is known for its tailored suiting and sophisticated dresses in a neutral color palette.
Like Hobbs, Reiss is one of the more expensive retailers on this list, with prices that are often 50% higher than Ann Taylor‘s. However, the quality is outstanding, with premium fabrics and expert construction. Reiss offers a standard misses size range, with occasional petite and curve options.
Building a Classic Work Wardrobe
When building a timeless work wardrobe, it‘s important to invest in high-quality basics that can be mixed and matched. Some key pieces to consider include:
- Tailored blazers in neutral colors like black, navy, and camel
- Slim-fit trousers or pencil skirts
- Crisp button-down shirts in white and light blue
- Versatile sheath dresses
- Cashmere or merino wool sweaters
- Simple pumps or pointed-toe flats
By focusing on these foundational items, you can create an endless array of polished outfits suitable for any professional setting. And don‘t be afraid to add a few trendier pieces into the mix each season to keep your look current – just make sure they can easily integrate with your existing wardrobe staples.
Transitioning Workwear for Off-Duty Time
One of the best things about classic workwear pieces is their versatility. With a few simple styling tweaks, your 9-to-5 favorites can easily transition for more casual occasions. Here are some ideas:
- Pair a tailored blazer with jeans and a graphic tee for a high-low mix
- Dress down a pencil skirt with a chambray shirt and sneakers
- Layer a cozy sweater over a button-down shirt and trousers
- Swap out pumps for fashion-forward loafers or ankle boots
- Add statement jewelry to a simple sheath dress for a night out
By getting creative with your pairings, you can get even more wear out of your workwear staples and ensure you always look put-together, no matter the occasion.
The Bottom Line
Ann Taylor may be the reigning queen of polished workwear, but there are plenty of other retailers offering similar styles and catering to the same demographic of professional women. From mall brands like J.Crew and Banana Republic to newer direct-to-consumer labels like M.M.LaFleur and Of Mercer, there‘s no shortage of options when it comes to building a classic, versatile work wardrobe.
One common thread among all these Ann Taylor alternatives is a focus on high-quality, timeless pieces designed to make women look and feel their best in professional settings. By investing in a few key items from these retailers, you can create an office wardrobe that will serve you well for years to come, no matter where your career takes you.
