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 and No. 333-37145 on Form S-8 of our report
dated March 8, 1999  appearing  in the Annual  Report on Form 10-K of  AnnTaylor
Stores Corporation for the year ended January 30, 1999.


DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
NEW YORK, NEW YORK
March 26, 1999