Saturday, October 8, 2011

Cowl Neck Sweater Dress: Talbots vs. Ann Taylor

I've been craving a cowl neck sweater dress for this winter.  The first one I saw was at Talbot's, so when they offered 25% off plus free shipping I took the plunge and placed an order.  After ordering from Talbot's I ran across another cowl neck sweater dress at Ann Taylor.  They were running a special too (buy one get one half off) so I placed another order to try it out.
The Talbot's dress is a size pp and the Ann Taylor is a size xsp.

The feel of the sweater material is quite different in each dress.  The Talbot dress feels much softer than the Ann Taylor, and the cowl neck falls much easier on the Talbot dress as well. The hem is a bit longer on the Talbot's which I think would be more versatile making it appropriate for multiple occasions.  The color of the Ann Taylor one is really special though.
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As you can see the Talbot's dress has a slight a-line flair at the hem, which helps minimize hips if you tend to be a bit curvy back there.
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There was just a tiny bit of extra material in the back of the Talbot's dress but the rest of the fit was exactly the same except for the hem length.

Overall, I'm thinking the fit of the Talbot's is more flattering and I think I'll probably get more wear out of it, but I'm wondering which one you guys prefer?  Any preference one way or another?

17 comments:

  1. When I saw that first picture, I thought Talbot's hands down! The cowl falls better and I like the longer hem. But then when I saw the others, it became clear that the Talbot's dress has far too much fabric through the waist, and the AT dress is actually a much better fit. Can you get the AT dress in XS (not petite) and see if it's a better length?

    -Kate

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  2. I like the AT one better. It's a touch too short but with tights, I'm sure it won't be that noticeable. I actually think the extra length on the talbots sweaterdress is a bit too overwhelming on your frame. It just seems like a lot of dress.

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  3. Both dresses look gorgeous on you! I prefer the Talbot's more because of the length and versatility as you mentioned.

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  4. I vote for the Ann Taylor. From the front, I wasn't skewed toward either one, but from the back, the Ann Taylor is much more figure flattering. That extra fabric at the small of your back on the Talbots distracts from the beautiful silhouette you have going.

    I agree with Kate. Try purchasing the regular size AT dress in size XS or XXS (maybe pick up both and then decide) for the longer hemline.

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  5. I vote AT dress! Not only do I adore the jewel tone, but also the cut. The grey one seems a tad big - and I know you're all about great-fitting clothes. Unless, of course, you plan to put layers on top of the Talbot's dress, in which case the extra fabric in the back won't matter.

    http://clotheskarma.tumblr.com

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  6. Wow! You guys are awesome - Why didn't I think to try the AT dress in a regular?! Thank you all so much!!

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  7. I vote for the AT dress...the overall fit on you is better I think...and the color is gorgeous! :)

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  8. You've got great points about both, but from a "how it fits" standpoint I'd go with the AT dress.

    Even if you belted the Talbots dress, it would still bunch creating a weird shape in the back.

    Although the AT is a tad short, someone mentioned tights - good idea. Or a nice pair of boots will take care of the exposed leg. And the jade color beautiful for the fall/winter.

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  9. I prefer the AT dress on you. In my opinion, it fits you better in the back and I prefer the shorter length on you. BTW I love your blog; I discovered it recently and I can't wait to see your new posts on Saturdays!

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  10. Hello a beauty question, In the way to let your hair grow how ofter do you get trim done.
    Thanks!

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  11. I also like the AT for overall fit, and if you look at your face in both colors, the AT is definitely more flattering--you see YOU in that dress, whereas with the Talbots you fade & the dress seems to take over.

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  12. I actually much prefer AT's length on you. Not too long, not too short. Like someone said above, there seems to be too much fabric around the waist of Talbot's. There's another sale going on at AT this weekend (see Jean's recent post for extra codes), so perhaps you can try the AT in regular for a longer length (if that's what you prefer)?

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  13. I certainly vote for the Ann Taylor dress. The color suits you beautifully, and the fit is much more better as well. I wish we had Ann Taylor in our country :(

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  14. Hands down AT!!! The color is beautiful on you! The fit of the Talbots dress is too big on your frame and it really shows in the pics from the back. If you go w/ a regular size AT the length may be a bit better but I'm wondering if the fit would be as good... if you try it post pics for us to see what we think : )

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  15. AT definitely is a better fit and more flattering on you from the pictures.

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  16. Thank you all so much!....sounds like the AT is the winner. For Anon: I get my hair trimmed about once every three months......(whenever it starts to get on my nerves ;)

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  17. Definitely the Ann Taylor one. I was actually looking at it online and wanted to know if it stretches out during the day?

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