Review: Ann Taylor vs. Target maxi dresses

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Maxi dresses are so trendy right now but I never really thought I would ever wear one. The whole idea of a long dress seems very foreign to me unless it’s formal attire. This past weekend I decided to try on one at the Ann Taylor factory and was shocked at how nicely it fit and the length was perfect.
Hubby is not a big fan of them at all and thinks they look silly. I decided to try 2 different brands and show you the difference.

SIZE/FIT: This is a junior size XS so it is very petite friendly. The length hits right where I like it for maxi dresses with and with/out shoes on. I think this style maxi def looks better with cute flats. I have to wear a racerback bra with this which I don’t like. And it definitely doesn’t do the figure justice-bunches up here and there and just doesn’t hug your body.

QUALITY: The quality was what I expected. Nothing to write home about but it’s not bad. It’s a simple cotton. The only thing I didn’t like is the fake drawstring at the waist. Material is 66% poly, 29% rayon and 5% spandex- feels and looks like cotton.

PRICE: $20.00 plus 20% off = $16

VERDICT: I am not a big fan of the color black but I like the simplicity of it. I like solid colors rather than prints. Still undecided. After posting this- RETURN.

I didn’t see this one when I placed my order but the color is gorgeous and it’s the same price! Get $5 off online orders of $50 or more with code: CPM5OFF50
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Ann Taylor factory maxi dress- size XXSP (other cute ones here and here and here)

SIZE/FIT: The fit of the XXSP fits nicely. The shoulders are not loose and sits where they should. No gap in the arm holes. And the best part is you can wear a bra! Some maxi styles, it can be tricky. The length is perfect for someone my height but only with tall wedges on. It’s a bit long with flats. This dress hangs much better than the Target one.

QUALITY: The pattern is just “meh” for me. Don’t love it, don’t hate it but do wish it was solid. I was hoping to find a royal blue maxi.  The quality is factory quality but still nice. Material is 96% poly and 4% spandex.

PRICE: $69.99 with 40% off plus $20 rewards card = $21.99

VERDICT: I am having trouble figuring out how and when I would wear this. Is it practical for me? Possible return…Between the Ann Taylor and Target- I definitely prefer the AT one.

After writing this post, I have come to a conclusion….maxi dresses are NOT me. So these probably will be returns. If you love max dresses, then these 2 would be great options for you.
Do you own or like maxi dresses?
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  1. I have to agree with you. When I see them on you, I see the dress and not you. You are such a lovely woman, I'd rather see you wear an item than an item wear you. The AT dress would be my choice if it came in a solid print. But I would return them both.

    I'm not a fan of maxi dresses either. 🙁

  2. Not a fan of either dress. The first one KIND of fits, but the second one is not enhancing the right places. In fact, it kind of looks maternity(!!!!)

  3. i like the AT design much better. i know your plight – the petite who wants to wear a maxi dress, the hottest trend, but it just looks and feels funky. the shape does look nice on you, but i say stick with your usual just-above-the knee lengthers!

  4. I feel the same way about maxi dresses, being petite myself I just never fan of them. However, I do love the black dress on you, it fits really nice. The style of this dress suits you beautifully. I only wish it comes in other colors? why black? and a lot of print is what I've seeing lately on maxi dresses. I'd like to get one in a navy, or blue…perhaps that pretty blue from target is calling my attention ^^

  5. I like them! I own a few myself! I would have kept the black one as a running errands dress! I have a black one from DOTS that only cost 5 dollars and that's what I use it for!
    I like to buy cheap maxi dresses for that purpose. Like sweats, only cuter for the grocery store and things like that! And when they get a little worn, I get rid of them. Kind of like buying t-shirts, I do the same thing with those. 🙂

    You look great in maxi dresses! Some petite women shy away from them but I think it doesn't shorten me. It makes me feel taller! 🙂

    Great price on the Ann Taylor one! I love the turquoise necklace too. That dress can be worn for a lot of summer events, dinner at a beachy resort, brunch! If you pair it with a little white denim jacket, how cute!! I think you should at least keep that one since that price was fantastic and it's gorgeous!

  6. I just started getting into maxi dresses. I am 5'5 so wasn't sure how they would fit but they fit pretty well! I got an adorable ECI maxi from Nordstroms and one from White House Black Market that just came out. I think they key is to get one that has banding at the waist. That way you still look tiny even with a long skirt.

  7. I vote for return on both. Sorry. 🙁 They don't look bad on you, but exactly what occasion are you planning on wearing them in? Also I agree with your husband. They look "weird". lol. I rarely see people looking gorgeous in maxi's in real life. Pictures with 6 ft 3 women in it and with artificial wind's help, maybe.

  8. I can't believe some of the comments on your post.. it's kind of pissing me off.

    I think both the dresses look absolutely lovely on you. I don't think you should take those negative comments even to consideration.

    You don't have to wait for an occasion to wear them! Just wear them out.. even to the grocery store! hehe 🙂 or even a lunch date with friends~

  9. I really like maxi dresses on other ppl, but I don't think they're really my style either. And I think most guys in general don't like maxi dresses – they probably prefer minis more haha 😛

  10. I like the AT one on you!! I like to break up maxi dresses with belts because sometimes I feel like I get a little lost in it otherwise.

  11. Personally I prefer bright colors or fun prints on maxi dresses. So of the two, I would vote for the AT, BUT only if you feel like you can get lots of wears out of it (even if it was only $21). Maxis can be worn casually anytime! Throw on a cardigan, play with funky jewelry… endless possibilities!

  12. For a curvy sexy shape like yours, I think a strapless maxi dress would compliment you better in my opinion. The AT maxi pattern/print looks very busy. There is going to be a perfect one for you out there. Good luck on your maxi hunt.

  13. I like Maxi Dresses! Their comfortable, casual, and chic if you wear it with the right accessories and they don't drag on the floor! I think you've done a great job styling th AT dress and it doesn't require alterations so keep that one! Unless….you are not a prints type of girl! Good luck with your decision!

  14. I think the black maxi with flats look great on you. I am not a big fan of the AT print maxi. I don't see myself as a maxi dress girl either, but they are everywhere these days. I have yet to try one on. Thanks for the review.

  15. IMO you are beautiful and these maxis do not enhance that beauty.. :/

    Fingers crossed that AT decides to release this dress in solids!

  16. I came back and I see that a lot of bloggers here are as we used to say in Brooklyn "straight trippin' ".

    If they think that AT dress is too busy, I doubt they would be able to handle my wardrobe.
    I like classic looks but I also live for prints! Fashion is supposed to be fun! The print works because the pattern is small to match a petite stature. If the stripes were bigger, perhaps not, but even still, I've done it! Rules, schmules. Check out my blog post "A Fashion Risk" from May. I am wearing a strapless, larger striped maxi and it's in bright colors! What fun is fashion if you can't take a few risks I say!

  17. My attraction to maxi dresses is twofold- (1) I thought that dresses were dead in favor of denim mini skirts (what I've mostly seen), and (2) I feared long dresses were dead. Annie, I think of you as a petite goddess, and I think maxi dresses exude a level of elegance and charm (especially more versatile ones) than any sundress or any denim skirt/dress. Both maxi dresses do look nice on you.

    johnbmarine.blogspot.com