Review – Ann Taylor LOFT Petite Tuxedo Tee & Draped Dress

March 2, 2011

Blazer – Theory Gratian in “Lecture”, size 00

Top – LOFT Woven Accent Tuxedo Tee, size PXXS

Jeans – Paige Blue Heights skinny, size 23 (hemmed)

Continuing on the ruffle binge so many of us seem to be on these days, I packed a few more items into the LOFT order to reach the free shipping minimum. The tiered ruffle shell is a great success, but let’s take a look at what else came in the mail.

Woven Accent Tuxedo Tee in size PXXS:

A big “eh”. I kind of expected this one to be boring from the product image, but my interest was piqued by the word “tuxedo”, so in the shopping cart it went. The tee is pleasantly soft, with high armholes, but even with a blazer on, it’s just not that flattering. What doesn’t quite make the cut is that ruffle detail. It’s just so big and square! And kind of reminds me of fish gills. Anyone else see this?

If you see this top in store, be sure to take the time to stop and run your hand down the ruffle. It feels really cool. :)

Ann-Taylor-LOFT-Petite-Tuxedo-Top-Back-Side

Size XXSP:

Ann-Taylor-Loft-Petite-Tuxedo-Tee-Measurements-600

Body: 100% cotton

Ruffle: 100% polyester

Machine wash cold, gentle

Dry flat

Scattered Print Drape Dress in size 00P:

Ann Taylor Loft Petite Drape Dress 5 600

Dress – LOFT Scattered Print Drape Dress, size 00P

I had high hopes for this dress, but it’s another big “eh”.

The drape neckline looked cute in the product image, but it’s too much fabric on my small frame The waistline is also hitting me too low, so the whole look is sloppy. However, I do think the print is really fun, and I like the idea of the bubble hem & full skirt.

The dress is too big in the bust and waist, requiring some slimming. However, there is a zipper running along the side seam, which would make this alteration costly & complicated.

The fabric is also see-through! I’m wearing a half slip in these photos to save you all from having to see my Calvin Kleins. ;P

Ann-Taylor-LOFT-Petite-Drape-Dress-Back-Side

Extra fabric at the bust & waist:

I’ll be returning this dress, since it would need some expensive alterations in order to work (that side seam zipper makes it costly), and the fabric (polyester) isn’t worth the investment to me. I’m also not sold on that drapey neckline.

Size 00P:

Ann-Taylor-Loft-Petite-Drape-Dress-Measurement-600

100% polyester

Machine cold wash

Tumble dry low

Has anyone else tried these items? What did you think?

Disclosure - Clicking or purchasing through the links in this post may yield commissions for AlterationsNeeded.com. See the Alterations Needed Disclosure for more details.

Tagged as: LOFT, Petite Dresses, Tops

PetiteXXS

I'm also kind of 'meh' about the top… and the fit of both items leaves a lot to be desired too like you said. Seems like drapey cowl neckline is hard thing to get right on our petite frames. Thanks for all the measurements btw, although by now I can sort of visually gauge an item's size by the way it fits on you :)
Ski Petite

I like the idea of the "fish gill" shirt, but it kind of looks like a T shirt with a long skinny bib down the front… Maybe bibs are in this year. I saw a cute dress at Express that has a weird bib thing going on too. I'll try to post it soon.
Sorry the items didn't work out. At least you got the ruffled shell.
Gracie

I haven't tried the item but I tend to think that tuxedo style ruffles looks oddly boxy and far from appealing ruffles. I never thought of fish gills as I tend to think of them as air condition ventilation opening that once cut my fingers… but now i see fish gills as well. =/

I completely agree with the assessment on the drape dress. The drape and the extra room around the bust left too much fabric. The print is so very spring/summer though.
Really Petite

I agree- both are no go for me. The fit on both is poor:( oh well – at least it saves money!
Michelle

Lol! I totally see the fish gills!

That dress is gorgeous…so sad that it did not fit well! :( Annie at Really Petite also had some problems with recent LOFT dresses! :( I hope this is not the norm!

Thanks for the reviews! :)
Alterations Needed

@PetiteXXS – Yeah, I feel like I try cowl neck items and they never work! They must be one of those items that have to be just right or else look ridiculous. I'm the same way about how things fit on you. I think we have similar frames. :)

@Ski Petite – Yes! It's like a bib. Is that what the pleats on a tuxedo shirt are called? Maybe that's why they called it a "tuxedo" tee.

@Gracie – LOL! Yes! AC vents! Especially in that grey color! Oh man, now that's all I see when I look at it. :P

@Michelle – I know! The idea of the dress is so great (and I seriously love that print), but the fit just isn't right for me. I hope another petite will try it and look fab!
PetiteLittleGirl

I personally like the tuxedo tee. It looks great under the blazer. The fit isn't too bad on you. The dress, in the other hand, is a return for sure. It looks way too big on you. I don't think the dress is you at all. If you're going to keep one, please keep the tuxedo tee. It's fun and very unique.
Lizzy

I haven't tried on the shirt yet, but i have tried the dress on and i actually really liked it. I'm not a fan of the cowl neck, but it surprisingly worked well. Both of the items look really nice on you, but i could see where the alterations would be a little more costly then what is actually work it!
Jen HaHA

I think the shimmer of the tuxedo top has me mesmerized so I'm looking beyond the fill gills and tee-shirtness. I'd wear it. Maybe because a vertical stripe works best for me. I like the dress, but you are swimming in it (without fish gills). Can't wait to see what fabulous item you get in exchange!
curls-and-pearls

yeah not really feeling those, espeically the dress. The top is ok but I prefer the tiered one in your previous review!
Jordan

I agree re: the tuxedo top! I had such high hopes for it, but looking back at the picture I can't imagine why. The ruffles were just weird.
Jackie

I agree with you about the top…not sure how I feel about that one.

The dress I think is really cute! I would keep it and see if i could alter it. I like the neckline… but that's just me XP
Banhannas

I actually like the tuxedo top, not alone but I think it looks pretty under a blazer. The comments about the fish gills and the AC is a little off putting though LOL! I really like the light blue color on ya!
Too bad the dress didn't work out. =0( I really like the shape and the colors in the dress. I'm at least 1 or 2 sizes bigger than you so I might try it out. Cowl necks are usually not my thing either but it doesn't look too obnoxious looking.
AubreyOhDang!

I'm the opposite. I like the drapey (cowl-like) neckline, but turned off by bubble hems.

Too bad it didn't work out.

I will touch the "fish gills" next time I pass by this shirt.
Elle

I like the print on that dress so much and can't believe it's so big on you! It looks not that big on Stacy though.

And I was eying that tuxedo top! I too am intrigued by all things "tuxedo" or anything that references evening wear. It's similar in concept to the chiffon ruffle top that has the petite world in uproar but not done as well.
kileen

i agree that the fit of both of these isn't great. i like the tuxedo blouse in theory but it does kinda look like fish gills when worn! at least you were able to save your money!
Cee

The pleats/ruffles of the top do look really cool. I think if I ever wear it though, I wouldn't be able to stop myself from touching it, a lot (which might cause me to get weird looks from strangers).

The dress was one item I've had my eyes on. Thanks for doing this review because now I think it'll be a pass for me. Boo on the polyester and see-throughness!
Rinny

I actually quite like the tuxedo tee when layered with the blazer over it :)
Callandra

Too bad about the fit on these pieces :( I do like the print on the dress, but it's totally huge on all accounts! …..and see through?!! A complete loss – thank you for the review!!
Proudly Petite

HAHA Fish gills – that's too funny. And I totally agree. Also, the dress looks too "old" for you. I'm not sure if it's the print or the weird drape of the cowl neck. Either way, I agree with your "meh" sentiment.
Alterations Needed

@PetiteLittleGirl – The tuxedo tee looks ok under a blazer, but after all the great Ann Taylor ruffle shells, silk tieneck shell, and the LOFT tiered shell, this top pales in comparison.

@Lizzy – So lucky the dress is flattering on you! I really hoped it would work, but it just doesn't look right on me, and just not worth the extra money to alter. :(

@Jen HaHA – The tuxedo tee ruffles are pretty cool in person. I definitely liked the way they felt, but they're too boxy for my puny little self. If you can pull them off…do it! :)
Alterations Needed

@curls-and-pearls – I'm sure the tuxedo tee will look fabulous on plenty of other ladies, but you're right, after all the other beautiful shells lately, this top pales in comparison!

@Jordan – I was hoping it would be one of those items that look boring in the stock image, but great in real life…and it just looked about the same. Oh well.

@Jackie – I'm sure the neckline will look amazing on someone else, but I felt it was a bit "blah" on me. Unfortunately that darn side-zipper makes alterations costly for anyone who would want to attempt it. :(
Alterations Needed

@Banhannas – LOL…I shouldn't have put such icky ideas into everyone's heads about the ruffle. Yes! Try the dress! I know it's going to look fabulous on someone & I want to see someone rocking it! :)

@AubreyOhDang! – Be sure to report back on how awesome the "fish gills" feel if you do! LOL.

@Elle – You're right, I thought the dress looked better on Stacy too…but I guess it makes sense…she does have a "perfect model body". :)

I'd recommend one of those Ann Taylor Ruffle Shells over the tuxedo tee any day.
Alterations Needed

@kileen – Very true…more money to spend on more ruffle & tiered shells! LOL. Outta control!

@Cee – I didn't want to give TMI, but yes, when I said the ruffles felt really cool…I was wearing the top when I discovered it. LOL. Luckily only Clinton gave me weird looks, but he has no choice but to love me anyways. ;)

@Callandra – I know! The print is great, but anyone picking it up should expect to at least need a half-slip underneath it.

@Proudly Petite – Hmmm…it's probably the neckline that looks old. The cowl neck rests a bit modestly on me, which can look a little old sometimes.
Tara

Such a shame about the fit of that dress…the print is really cute!
Gisy

Hi! Just wanted to say that I got lucky with the 00P LOFT Scattered Print Drape Dress. I'm 4'9''/103 lbs and the waist seemed to hit just right. The hemline fell just above my knees which I thought was perfect. I think the 0P, which is what I usually wear, would have been too big!
Gisy

Hi! Just wanted to say that I got lucky with the 00P LOFT Scattered Print Drape Dress. I'm 4'9''/103 lbs and the waist seemed to hit just right. The hemline fell just above my knees which I thought was perfect. I think the 0P, which is what I usually wear, would have been too big!
Tara

Such a shame about the fit of that dress…the print is really cute!
Proudly Petite

HAHA Fish gills – that's too funny. And I totally agree. Also, the dress looks too "old" for you. I'm not sure if it's the print or the weird drape of the cowl neck. Either way, I agree with your "meh" sentiment.
Lizzy

I haven't tried on the shirt yet, but i have tried the dress on and i actually really liked it. I'm not a fan of the cowl neck, but it surprisingly worked well. Both of the items look really nice on you, but i could see where the alterations would be a little more costly then what is actually work it!
Alterations Needed

@PetiteXXS – Yeah, I feel like I try cowl neck items and they never work! They must be one of those items that have to be just right or else look ridiculous. I'm the same way about how things fit on you. I think we have similar frames. :)

@Ski Petite – Yes! It's like a bib. Is that what the pleats on a tuxedo shirt are called? Maybe that's why they called it a "tuxedo" tee.

@Gracie – LOL! Yes! AC vents! Especially in that grey color! Oh man, now that's all I see when I look at it. :P

@Michelle – I know! The idea of the dress is so great (and I seriously love that print), but the fit just isn't right for me. I hope another petite will try it and look fab!
Gracie

I haven't tried the item but I tend to think that tuxedo style ruffles looks oddly boxy and far from appealing ruffles. I never thought of fish gills as I tend to think of them as air condition ventilation opening that once cut my fingers… but now i see fish gills as well. =/

I completely agree with the assessment on the drape dress. The drape and the extra room around the bust left too much fabric. The print is so very spring/summer though.