EXHIBIT 23 INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT ----------------------------- We consent to the incorporation by reference in AnnTaylor Stores Corporation's Registration Statements No. 33-31505 on Form S-8, No. 33-50688 on Form S-8, No. 33-54387 on Form S-8, No. 33-52389 on Form S-8, No. 33-55629 on Form S-8, No. 333-32977 on Form S-8, No. 333-37145 on Form S-8 and No. 333-79921 on Form S-8, and No. 333-86955 on Form S-3 of our report dated March 6, 2000 (which expresses an unqualified opinion and includes an explanatory paragraph concerning the change in method of inventory valuation) appearing in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of AnnTaylor Stores Corporation for the year ended January 29, 2000. DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP NEW YORK, NEW YORK April 18, 2000