We Tried on the Anna Sui and Old Navy Collab
Anna Sui and Old Navy both ruled the ’90s and early 2000s. Now, as their clothes are back in high demand for an ever-nostalgic consumer, the two titans have come together. The collection, designed by Sui for Old Navy in their first-ever designer collaboration, features roomy floral-print dresses, chocolate-toned suede coats, and baby tees galore. The designs are meant to celebrate Sui’s love of vintage and the rock-and-roll aesthetic of the decade that launched her career. And while the collection is expansive with prices ranges from $20 to $120, we’ve taken it upon ourselves to try a few of the pieces on and let you know if they’re worth your wallet.
Carol Lee, beauty writer, tried the ruffled maxi dress and the long faux-suede coat …
I don’t usually wear this silhouette. I’m more of a body-con or A-line girl. But the dress I tried was actually flattering and didn’t make me look totally shapeless. I wore it around the office and got several compliments. My favorite was when one co-worker told me I was “giving Stevie Nicks.” That sealed the deal for me — I’m going to love this dress forever. The fabric feels soft and flowy, and you could probably get away without steaming it if you’re in a rush. Kind of adds to the whole ’70s rock-star-meets-boho look that it has. A sleeper hit.
The faux-suede coat certainly feels like suede and looks like suede, and the faux-fur accents are adorable. It isn’t something I’d rely on if I were actually trying to stay warm in subzero conditions; the material is thinner than I expected, so I’d rather go for one of my wool coats. However, I love the look, and as someone who adores monochromatic brown outfits (“broufits,” if you will), I’ll be pulling it out during the sunnier days of fall.
I’d buy the dress. I’d grab the coat, too, if I weren’t someone who lives in New York who already owns a lot of outerwear (and deals with very limited closet space).
Old Navy x Anna Sui Vegan Suede Coat
Old Navy x Anna Sui Tiered Ruffle Maxi Dress
Brooke LaMantia, editorial assistant, tried the lace-hemmed satin midi skirt and the short suede jacket …
I am a silk-skirt aficionada, and I am thoroughly impressed with the quality of this one. The purple hue is perfectly light, but the skirt is thick, so my underwear didn’t show through, which is such a plus when it comes to a light-wash slip. It is also a great length, hitting the perfect midi spot, and while I wore it with a cropped jacket, I would normally wear an oversize tee with this. I think it’ll be a solid addition to my rotation.
The cropped suede jacket is so comfy and cute, but pretty thin. It’s great for fall, but I don’t think it’s actually that warm, serving mostly as a statement piece rather than a practical layer of outerwear.
I would definitely buy the skirt (probably in multiple colors), but I think I’d skip on buying the suede jacket.
Old Navy x Anna Sui Satin Lace Hem Midi Skirt
Old Navy x Anna Sui Vegan Suede Boxy Jacket
Danya Issawi, fashion writer, tried the faux-leather coat and the white ruffle cardigan …
I wore the leather trench into the office, and nearly everyone I encountered complimented me on it. (PSA: It’s not an ideal garment for CitiBiking.) The leather definitely feels very faux, and I do wish it had more of that give that comes with real leather, but looks-wise, it fits the bill. I also adored the dainty sweater I wore, but ordered my usual size and wished I had sized up. I found that the garment fit a little snug across the chest, which is where the eyelet ties are, so I needed a tank underneath to keep everything PG.
I would definitely buy the cardigan (again, sizing up) but might think twice on the jacket. I loved the look, but personally prefer the way real leather feels. But if you’re in the market for that kind of coat and don’t want to splurge, this jacket is at a decent price point.
Old Navy x Anna Sui Ruffle Cardigan Sweater
Old Navy x Anna Sui Vegan Leather Coat