For decades, women building their professional wardrobes have turned to Ann Taylor. It's the dependable friend you go to for a sleek pencil skirt, a perfectly tailored blouse, or a classic dress that just works, every time. The brand is a master of polished, sophisticated staples that make you feel confident and put-together at the office.
But sometimes you want to shake things up, whether you're looking for a more minimalist vibe, a preppy touch, or a luxury investment piece. If you love Ann Taylor's timeless appeal but are ready to explore other options, here are 23 other brands that deliver on sophisticated style.
As Ann Taylor's more playful sister brand, Loft offers stylish, work-appropriate pieces with a softer, more casual feel. You’ll find chic blouses, tailored pants, and versatile dresses in a slightly more relaxed silhouette. The price point is also a little friendlier, generally falling between $40 and $100.
While Ann Taylor masters classic professionalism, Loft injects trendy details like fun prints or ruffle accents, making it perfect for an office that's a bit less formal. The quality and fit are comparable, but Loft is your go-to when you want polished ease at a great value. Shop now at loft.com
If you're looking to elevate your workwear essentials, Banana Republic is a fantastic choice. The brand delivers sophisticated pieces with an upscale vibe, often using luxe fabrics like silk, cashmere, and high-quality leather. Expect to find tailored blazers, trousers, and refined blouses ranging from $70 to $200.
Compared to Ann Taylor's classic American style, Banana Republic has a more modern, globally-inspired feel. It’s perfect for finding those timeless investment pieces that blend traditional workwear with contemporary design. Shop now at bananarepublic.com
J.Crew is the master of preppy, polished classics that seamlessly transition from the boardroom to the weekend. Known for its crisp button-downs, tailored blazers, elegant pencil skirts, and famous "Cameron" pants, it's a go-to for building a versatile and timeless wardrobe. Prices generally range from $50 to $150.
While Ann Taylor nails sophisticated staples, J.Crew adds a playful, colorful twist. If you love classic silhouettes but want to inject fun patterns and bright hues into your work attire, J.Crew is the perfect spot. Shop now at jcrew.com
Famous for its polished and often monochromatic aesthetic, White House Black Market offers pieces that are modern, sleek, and office-ready. The brand excels at creating sophisticated dresses, sleek separates, and tailored jackets that feel contemporary and chic, with most items priced between $60 and $200.
Like Ann Taylor, WHBM focuses on creating versatile, high-quality pieces for professional women. However, it often brings a slightly bolder, more modern edge, especially with its signature black-and-white palettes and sophisticated prints that stand out. Shop now at whbm.com
For those who prefer a minimalist aesthetic with a conscience, Everlane offers high-quality, streamlined essentials. Known for its transparent pricing and commitment to ethical production, the brand sells sleek trousers, silk blouses, and timeless dresses that are perfect for a modern work wardrobe. Prices typically range from $40 to $150.
Everlane's vibe is more pared-down and contemporary compared to Ann Taylor's traditional polish. It's the ideal choice if you’re looking for foundational pieces with clean lines and impeccable quality that you can feel good about wearing. Shop now at everlane.com
Built specifically for busy professional women, M.M. LaFleur offers expertly tailored, high-end workwear designed to last. Their collection features wrinkle-resistant sheath dresses, power-blazers, and modern trousers made from premium fabrics. With prices from $150 to $400, it's an investment in quality and precision.
While Ann Taylor provides accessible style, M.M. LaFleur takes workwear to a luxury level, focusing on impeccable fit and function. If you’re ready to invest in your career wardrobe, this is the brand that truly understands the demands of a high-powered job. Shop now at mmlafleur.com
Vince is synonymous with understated luxury and effortless elegance. The brand’s work-appropriate pieces, like silk blouses, tailored wool pants, and cashmere sweaters, embody minimalist sophistication. It's a premium brand, with apparel typically priced between $150 and $500.
If you love Ann Taylor's refined aesthetic but are looking for a more muted, luxurious feel, Vince is a perfect match. The focus here is on exquisite fabrics and clean, modern silhouettes that feel timeless and never fussy. Shop now at vince.com
Express offers trendy and affordable workwear for those who want to keep their office style current without a big budget. You'll find fitted blouses, pencil skirts, and versatile suits, usually priced between $30 and $80. It's a go-to for modern basics and on-trend pieces.
While Ann Taylor leans into timeless style, Express focuses on what’s fashionable right now. It's a great option for younger professionals or anyone looking to add a few stylish, of-the-moment tops or dresses to their work rotation. Shop now at express.com
If you have an appetite for designer workwear but not the budget, Lillie’s Closet is your secret weapon. This premium consignment shop features gently used pieces from high-end labels, allowing you to snag designer blouses, blazers, and dresses for 50-70% off retail prices.
Unlike buying new from Ann Taylor, here you can get luxury quality and well-known designer names for a similar price. It's a sustainable and smart way to build a high-quality professional wardrobe that feels incredibly a la mode. Shop now at lilliescloset.com
Cuyana operates on a "fewer, better" philosophy, creating minimalist, luxurious essentials designed to last a lifetime. Their workwear collection includes gorgeous silk tops, structured tailored trousers, and timeless tote bags, with prices typically ranging from $80 to $300.
Cuyana offers a more refined, sustainability-focused alternative to Ann Taylor. The pieces are sophisticated and versatile, but with an emphasis on premium craftsmanship and timeless design that goes beyond seasonal trends. Shop now at cuyana.com
Aritzia is a fashion-forward favorite for its chic, stylish, and high-quality workwear with a youthful edge. Brands like Babaton and Wilfred offer sleek trousers, minimalist blouses, and polished dresses that are perfect for a modern office environment. Prices generally sit between $40 and $150.
While Ann Taylor is all about classic elegance, Aritzia adds a trendy, model-off-duty vibe to its professional pieces. It's the ideal destination for the fashion-conscious professional who wants her work style to feel sharp and current. Shop now at aritzia.com
If you appreciate the timeless, classic appeal of Ann Taylor, Talbots is a natural next stop. With a preppy-leaning, polished aesthetic, Talbots offers everything from tailored blazers and crisp, non-iron shirts to sophisticated knit dresses. The brand is also known for its extensive range of sizes, including petite and plus.
Talbots shares a similar professional audience with Ann Taylor but often feels a bit more traditional and colorful. It's a fantastic source for high-quality, enduring pieces that will be wardrobe staples for years to come. Shop now at talbots.com
Love experimenting with your work style but have limited closet space? Le Tote is a clothing rental subscription service that gives you access to a rotating wardrobe of work-appropriate pieces. For a monthly fee, you can borrow endless blouses, skirts, and dresses from various brands.
Instead of purchasing one piece from Ann Taylor, Le Tote lets you wear several different styles a month. It’s perfect for anyone who loves variety or needs professional outfits for occasional meetings without the commitment of buying. Shop now at letote.com
Based in Canada, Pink Tartan is known for its sophisticated, high-quality pieces with a modern and sometimes preppy flair. Designer Kimberley Newport-Mimran creates impeccably tailored workwear like structured dresses, elegant blouses, and chic separates, often featuring bold patterns or unique details. Pieces range from $150 to $400.
Pink Tartan offers a more design-forward take on office style than Ann Taylor. If you want your workwear to feel like a statement, this brand’s focus on unique prints and high-end tailoring is for you. Shop now at pinktartan.com
Reiss brings a slice of modern British sophistication to workwear. This UK-based contemporary brand is loved for its sleek, impeccable tailoring and modern silhouettes. You'll find fitted dresses, sharp blazers, and silk blouses that are minimalist yet incredibly chic, with prices from $100 to $300.
Compared to Ann Taylor, Reiss feels a bit edgier and more fashion-forward. The aesthetic is clean, sharp, and sophisticated, making it a favorite of professionals (and royals like Kate Middleton) who want contemporary polish. Shop now at reiss.com
COS offers high-quality, minimalist wardrobe staples that feel both timeless and modern. Part of the H&M group, the brand is known for its architectural shapes, clean lines, and sustainable materials. Their blouses, trousers, and dresses offer an understated elegance perfect for a creative office setting, with prices from $50 to $200.
Where Ann Taylor is classically feminine, COS is more androgynous and structural. It's an excellent choice for women who appreciate pared-down designs and a sophisticated, art-inspired aesthetic. Shop now at cosstores.com
Infuse some Parisian chic into your work wardrobe with Sandro. This French label strikes the perfect balance between sophisticated and edgy, offering tailored pieces with unexpected details. Think tweed blazers, printed silk blouses, and structured dresses that exude cool-girl confidence. Pricing is on the contemporary luxury end, from $200 to $600.
While Ann Taylor is purely classic, Sandro adds a high-fashion twist to its professional pieces. It's the go-to for making a stylish statement at the office. Shop now at us.sandro-paris.com
This Spanish fast-fashion retailer delivers on-trend, sophisticated pieces at an accessible price point. Mango is a treasure trove of tailored blazers, flowy blouses, wide-leg trousers, and office-appropriate dresses, all with a touch of European flair. Most items fall between $30 and $100.
Mango is a great alternative to Ann Taylor if you want to update your work wardrobe more frequently. They expertly blend current trends with classic silhouettes, giving you a fresh and fashionable look for less. Shop now at shop.mango.com
Theory is a power player in the world of luxury workwear. The brand is renowned for its exceptional fit, precise tailoring, and premium fabrics, especially its iconic stretch-wool suits. Its aesthetic is clean, minimalist, and powerful, ideal for building a versatile professional uniform. Prices range from $200 to $500.
If Ann Taylor is your starting point, Theory is the aspirational upgrade. These are investment pieces designed to perform and last, perfect for women in corporate or high-stakes environments who demand quality. Shop now at theory.com
For offices with a more relaxed dress code, J.Jill offers elevated casual wear that prioritizes comfort without sacrificing style. Their collections feature soft knit tops, fluid blouses, and relaxed-fit trousers made from comfortable fabrics. Pieces are generally priced from $50 to $150.
J.Jill's effortless, relaxed aesthetic is a contrast to Ann Taylor's structured tailoring. It’s an ideal choice for women who want professional pieces that feel easygoing, chic, and incredibly comfortable all day long. Shop now at jjill.com
Vince Camuto delivers contemporary and feminine workwear that’s always polished. Known for its stylish blouses, sleek skirts, and tailored pants, the brand blends timeless silhouettes with modern, fashion-forward details. Prices typically run from $80 to $250.
Compared to Ann Taylor's deep-rooted classics, Vince Camuto often features fresher touches like unique prints, statement sleeves, or modern hardware. It’s perfect for the professional who enjoys her classics with a trendy twist. Shop now at vincecamuto.com
If your workplace encourages personality, Pink Lily offers fun, trendy, and affordable styles that can easily be adapted for the office. You’ll find colorful blouses, breezy patterned dresses, and stylish basics, mostly under $70. It’s great for adding a pop of youthful energy to your work attire.
Pink Lily is much more playful and trend-focused than Ann Taylor. It’s a fantastic pick for young professionals or those in creative fields who want to incorporate fun colors and prints into their daily look. Shop now at pinklily.com
Lulus is an online fashion hotspot known for trendy and affordable pieces perfect for a younger professional. Their workwear edit includes everything from chic blouses and tailored trousers to desk-to-drinks dresses, with most items priced between $30 and $100.
Where Ann Taylor provides the classics, Lulus brings the trends. It’s a great resource for supplementing a foundational work wardrobe with stylish, of-the-moment pieces that won't strain your wallet. Shop now at lulus.com
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