EXHIBIT 23
 
                         INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT
 
ANNTAYLOR STORES CORPORATION:
 
     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, and No. 33-52389 on Form S-8 of our report dated March 25, 1994
appearing in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of AnnTaylor Stores Corporation for
the year ended January 29, 1994.
 
DELOITTE & TOUCHE
New Haven, Connecticut
March 30, 1994