Investigating Anthropologie’s new arrivals

The Floral Netted Skirt ($168) and Ruffled Nobility Top ($78) make for a cute outfit combination.

I am looking for a silver lining among Anthropologie’s new arrivals. Truly. I know that January is a bit of a fashion wasteland as far as designers and retailers are concerned — clearance sales and resortwear don’t exactly make for huge profits — and being a January baby I get somewhat defensive about it, wishing for better during my birthday month. This year so many retailers have come through with exciting and pretty lines to break other people’s January gloom, much to my delight!

And then, there is Anthro, poor lost Anthro. They seem to be going very West Coast Chic for their Spring line…and I am saddened. The last time they did this, 2012, it was a disaster for them, and I can’t imagine why they decided to revisit it this year. I can’t relate to it…it doesn’t appeal to me…and it isn’t very wearable for the most part. Digging through the new arrivals section for pretties, I feel like I’m hunting through a messy 12-year-old girl’s room.

Even the store Instagrams are a hunt for inspiration right now, though they are trying their best! One oft-regrammed photo among the Anthro stores shows an incredibly 70s neck-tie shirt and mom jeans so acid washed and high-waisted that they make me think of that SNL skit. This is the best we have to offer right now?

And so I’ve dug and I’ve dug to find some items that I love among the madness, because there is always something good to find at Anthropologie. Even if this collection won’t exactly set my wallet on fire.

The AMO Crop Straight Mid-Rise Jeans ($268) are a great shade, and hide a cute detail in the back.

There are hints at what could be delights to come. I am in love with the Silk Swing Cami ($58) for instance — on my second color and angling for a third. Cloth & Stone is also really holding it down right now, delivering soft beauties like the Strappy V-Neck Blouse ($88), Ladder Lace Henley ($88, also in chambray), Lazuli Halter Dress ($128) and Frayed Tunic Dress ($128).

And a few items hit the mark on being classics with a bit of a twist, like the Grace Cashmere Pullover ($208), Pilcro Washed Chino Skirt ($88), Citizens of Humanity Liya Cutoff Denim Skirt ($248), Grandesse Skirt ($148) and Felisa Paperbag-Waisted Skirt ($158), the last of which I wrote a review for that should be showing up soon. (I hope.)

Dresses are a total struggle for me right now. I like the Madge Off-The-Shoulder Swing Dress ($148), Gallerina Tunic Dress ($198) and Gingham Off-The-Shoulder Dress ($158), but two of those three are off-the-shoulder! While I love that trend in summer, it hardly feels practical to be buying such things now except perhaps for travel purposes.

The Gingham Off-The-Shoulder Dress ($158), travel-ready and cute.

Most of my new arrivals wishlist is accessories, where Anthropologie does have many cute new arrivals! I’d love to have the Crown Posts ($32), Ailynne Stone Hoops ($68) and Layered Stone Necklace ($118) from the latest jewelry for instance. There are also so many fantastic new bags, including the Flora Foldover Clutch ($98), Ezio Suede Backpack ($98) and Clare V. Jules Messenger Bag ($378). My closet would be better off having the Blues Leather Belt ($78) and Lola Cruz Lace-Up Suede Sandals ($218) in it.

Over in sunglasses, I’m tickled to see Ray-Ban Mirrored Aviator Sunglasses ($200) in pink and multicolor…but then I see Anthropologie has their own version for just $38, which makes me wonder if they’re not being a little silly carrying two designer options and their own all at the same time? Oh well, the Ray-Ban Signet Square Aviator Sunglasses ($185) also look great.

What new arrivals are you liking right now at Anthropologie, and what’s left you scratching your head?

71 Comments

  1. January 31, 2017 / 2:49 pm

    I'm also wondering where those “European silhouettes” we were apparently slow to catch up on are. At the time I thought that was a worthy comment to make…but now, seeing all this too-flowy and boxy crap? I'm just scratching my head.

  2. stefanie
    January 31, 2017 / 3:13 pm

    I'm in love with the top outfit but have nowhere to wear it. We are going to a beach wedding on late September so maybe if it goes on sale and I am able to snag both pieces in my sizes…? other than that, the only thing I like is the Chelsea Stripe Pullover and the Rhea Striped Pullover but I'll wait for sale for both. Plus I havent tried either one so we know what that means…may looks completely different IRL, or I'll hate the fabric, or it will be too short, or too long, or scratchy….LOL

  3. Lindinha
    January 31, 2017 / 11:30 am

    Wonderful synopsis Roxy, thank you!

    The Eva Franco Skirt and Ruffled Blouse is the best ensemble I've seen from them in a long while.
    Problem is, thats not a look I need in January. I'll have to wishlist for now.

    On the other hand, I'm now in LOVE with those PINK ray-bans you posted 😀

    • January 31, 2017 / 6:38 pm

      Everyone deserves pink Ray-Ban aviators. 🙂

      • Shari
        February 1, 2017 / 11:10 am

        I love both the pink and multicolor. First thing I added to my wishlist in a while!

  4. Katrina X
    January 31, 2017 / 6:01 pm

    I noticed I've stopp almost all of my outfit purchase from anthro since early last year. I tried so hard to buy something during my regular visits to their stores, but sadly left empty handed most times. They have to do these crazy sales to stimulate purchases. Their designs just no longer fit their theme (or I thought it is): boho chic & romantic. I'm just tired of these not so curvy girl friendly short shapeless boxy tops or swing, off the shoulder dresses. Their quality has also gone straightly downhill. I'm just upset they got lost and I may no longer have anthro as my fav store.

  5. klj1
    January 31, 2017 / 2:32 pm

    Yes..me as well. I have a leftover gift card that used to burn a hole in my pocket at one time, and now it just sits on my desk.

  6. January 31, 2017 / 6:39 pm

    Loving the discussion ladies. This post was by request, and I hope it doesn't come off too negatively…I try to focus on the positive, it's what I'd much rather be discussing, but Anthro isn't giving me a lot to work with right now.

  7. January 31, 2017 / 6:49 pm

    I've fallen into the kimono trend and helped myself to several of the *gorgeous* ones Anthro doled out, but nearly everything else was a bit of a bust – a few necklaces here and candles there, but nothing of substance when it comes to actual outfits. I've been relying heavily on finding classic Anthro pieces on Poshmark (hinty, hint hint, Anthro!).

  8. Barb
    January 31, 2017 / 7:01 pm

    Thank you
    anthropologie community for confirming I'm not going mad or out of touch with fashion… as the pre-spring collection has rolled out I have asked myself “Maybe it's me?”…. your comments reaffirm there has been a bit of a stumble at anthropologie…I never ever leave anthropologie without a shirt, a bauble or a large try on pile. Last week I took one item – 1 (!) to the dressing room. Hmmph!

    • evb
      January 31, 2017 / 9:59 pm

      Yep, I didn't spend my birthday coupon. Made a special trip to the store yesterday too. Saw nothing I couldn't live without.

  9. Cecilia
    January 31, 2017 / 8:06 pm

    Agreed—all of this is so bad. It's as if Anthro is trying to put itself out of business.

  10. SKr
    January 31, 2017 / 4:09 pm

    I have to say – that watermelon t-shirt that's $118? i bought a nearly identical one at Forever 21 *last* summer for $12.99… What are they thinking? I seriously don't get what they could possibly be thinking… I have pretty much stopped buying anything at anthro for the last 18 mos or more at this point. it's ludicrous. There is nothing i would want or be able to wear to work. There's very little I'd want to wear outside of work or else it's exorbitantly priced for the material or design/bad fit. I've started shopping mainly at Banana, Ann Taylor and Loft for work things. Don't have access to places like Boden here in Canada without exorbitant shipping, or else I'd go there too. Even the sales associates these days are hard-pressed to explain what trends the store is trying to represent or who buys the crappy stuff they've been putting out lately.

    • Lori
      February 1, 2017 / 3:33 am

      I saw the same watermelon tee online for $10. I'm sure it isn't made in the USA but the print was identical. This really makes me question what Anthropologie clothing is really worth.

  11. Dina
    January 31, 2017 / 5:21 pm

    I just made some in store returns and they wouldn't refund something I bought on the Anthro sale clothing section online that was a BHLDN item. They're mailing it back for me, but I really wanted to be refunded today. I also didn't get back my sales tax on my returns. They owe me around $25 in sales tax. I have to go back and straighten it out.

    • Dina
      January 31, 2017 / 9:23 pm

      And when I questioned the girl about the amount I was getting back, she just said “you're getting back what you paid – I can't refund more than you paid” – huh? How about the sales tax I paid? Since when do you not get that back? My return took so long that I just left and have to go back now to straighten it out.

      • evb
        January 31, 2017 / 10:01 pm

        wtf? I'd call and ask for the contact info for the regional manager. Someone isn't trained right.

    • Chewy
      January 31, 2017 / 10:05 pm

      Whenever I call for price adjustment, I never get refunded for taxes which is such a pain when I explain it. Usually when I return in stores, i get the refund back. It makes no sense that you returned something but still ended up paying tax for it

  12. Puppyloveprincess
    January 31, 2017 / 6:39 pm

    Agreed. Gross.

  13. Puppyloveprincess
    January 31, 2017 / 11:04 pm

    I've been on an online Anthro feedback panel for almost a year and I'm starting to wonder if they're just not listening to feedback or if the majority of the other panelists are from another planet. Is anyone else here participating in that program? My feedback has not been “please offer more ugly colors, more shapeless dresses, and make 50% of everything shoulderless all year long!”

  14. Dina
    January 31, 2017 / 7:42 pm

    Good idea…and I'm also confused why they wouldn't take back the BHLDN item since when you look at the return info for that item it says you can take it back to a store (the usual Anthro return policy).

  15. evb
    January 31, 2017 / 8:58 pm

    Okay, here are some things I like:

    I saw this sweater: https://www.anthropologie.com/shop/tramma-wrap-to… (please note it is a Moth sweater – still a good label at Anthro)

    It was unexpectedly paired with these pants resulting in an outfit I would totally wear: https://www.anthropologie.com/shop/relaxed-chino-

    I will also probably buy this tank top and wash it in cold water for a while because it looks saturated with indigo dye: https://www.anthropologie.com/shop/washed-indigo-

    Haven't seen a dress I really like yet.

    And I love the pink Ray-Bans but I HATE writing on clothes. That label on the lens is so stupid.

    • Barb
      February 1, 2017 / 3:05 am

      Nice pics!

  16. Stefanie
    January 31, 2017 / 10:39 pm

    Think there will be markdowns tonight?

    • Dina
      February 1, 2017 / 6:31 pm

      Hope so!

  17. anthroless
    February 1, 2017 / 4:33 am

    I've been searching hi and low for a dress I like…. and there is not a SINGLE one. All the clothing I've ordered have been returns so far… So sad. The sizing is way off… either oversized, cropped, too thin/sheer, or disproportionate. I used to love Anthro items from 4-6 years ago but there is nothing in the current season that reflects the “old” Anthro. Pretty sad and disappointing. What happened?!

  18. Sara
    February 1, 2017 / 3:55 am

    Well I'm speechless. Or can only bemoan what has already been said. Am one of those early converts to Anthro in the late '90's and rarely shop there anymore. That said, twice (twice!) I got suckered in by recent sales and shelled out for shipping only to return everything. BTW, has the return policy changed? Have returns from the just after Xmas tag sale (was that the longest running tag sale yet?!?) but have been too ill to get to a store. Am thinking of just paying the return fee to be done w/ it. Thank you to all who took the time to post the greatest flops! Is Anthro channeling the 70's?

    • Dina
      February 1, 2017 / 6:30 pm

      No the return policy hasn't changed.

  19. Shari
    February 1, 2017 / 12:09 pm

    There are quite a few pop backs this am. Probably my favorite is the Lumi Velvet Blazer in a number of sizes. I know this has not been extremely popular but I love it. If I did not already have it, it would be in my cart right now.

  20. Anthropolitan
    February 1, 2017 / 8:17 am

    Pampoint silk dress has popped back too, along with the Larkspur midi dress in several sizes.

    • Heather
      February 1, 2017 / 12:57 pm

      Thinking about the larkspur midi dress. Does anyone have this dress and would you recommend it for the price?

  21. Anthropolitan
    February 1, 2017 / 9:38 am

    I just picked it up at this price. I'm a 6, but ordered both 4 and 6 – I tried it on once when it first came out and remembered that it might have run a little big. It's thin and unlined on the bottom half, so an underlayer is required. I thought it was a very pretty summer dress, and a pretty good deal for the price. HTH!

    • Sherry
      February 1, 2017 / 3:52 pm

      Wow, I didnt see this popback! I've been wanting this dress since forever!! If anyone is interested in selling their larkspur midi dress in a medium (the red floral print), I would love to purchase from you!! ?? Gothibeaux@aol.com

      • Sherry
        February 1, 2017 / 3:57 pm

        Nevermind, apparently I'm confused and had that mistaken for the Larkhill Swing Dress, lol!

    • Heather
      February 1, 2017 / 6:03 pm

      Thanks! I ordered it too.

  22. Dina
    February 1, 2017 / 2:31 pm

    Love your name lol

  23. WestCoastNelly
    February 1, 2017 / 7:55 pm

    YES! This blazer is so yummy! It's such a steal!

  24. WestCoastNelly
    February 2, 2017 / 12:33 am

    The problem I'm having is length on a lot of the new items.

    Some things catch my eye, then I look at the length… I'm not in the market for crop tops!

  25. Nam
    February 2, 2017 / 3:09 am

    I see sale??

  26. evb
    February 2, 2017 / 3:15 am

    Roxy, I was just looking at this old post of your and all the wonderful clothes and styling. That was only 3 threes ago, what happened?
    http://effortlesslywithroxy.com/2013/

    • Dina
      February 2, 2017 / 1:22 am

      That's exactly when I stopped buying anything at Anthro until now because they brought back the Dressage Sweater Coat.

  27. evb
    February 1, 2017 / 11:29 pm

    second cuts too!

  28. February 1, 2017 / 11:31 pm

    Ok I'm on it! Yay!

  29. Dina
    February 2, 2017 / 1:23 am

    I saw that blazer on someone on one of the (too) many TV shows I watch lol. Was very cute on her!


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