{What do you think of this look?}

We spotted this FOF in the SoHo neighborhood of NYC. She’s elegantly covered from her head to her (perfectly polished) toes–but, what about everything in between? We asked our style experts to weigh in. Read their answers, below, then tell us what you think: Is it hats off to this FOF?

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Susan Grant: “This woman is wearing a flattering, well-proportioned, seasonally- and age-appropriate ensemble. She looks great in the wide-brimmed hat which nicely balances the wide, cropped trousers. The crisp, white blouse camouflages any imperfections that most of us ‘of a certain age’ have. The tailored white handbag is a complementary and elegant element to the whole look.”

Susan Grant is merchandise manager for Muse, a full-service jewelry showroom.

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Sherrie Mathieson: “For hot and humid summer days in the city, this woman looks really okay. I like the long vertical line created by her comfortable looking outfit, ending with pretty flat sandals, and the horizontal line that her hat brim creates at the top. Good proportions–the large bag, included!”

Sherrie Mathieson is a leading style expert and Random House author of Steal this Style and Forever Cool.

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Terry Gibralter: “This FOF looks pretty cool. She put together a nice black and white ensemble for a hot New York City day. The black straw hat is chic and provides all-important protection from sun on the face. The lightweight, long black skirt looks cool, comfortable and is right on trend. I love the accessories—quilted white tote and flip flops upgraded with patent leather are city perfect. The white cotton top layered over the black tank could fit a bit better but all in all I say, ‘hats off to this FOF!’”

Terry Gibralter is the Sr. Vice President and Creative Director at Grey advertising as well as a fashion stylist and the creator of these clever work accessories.

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Lovey Dash: “I am totally fine with the way this woman looks but, ARMS LADIES! They should be covered. If this woman did so, she would have appeared ten pounds thinner. The hats a little squishy but all in all she looks fine–neat and happy.”

Lovey Dash is a Beverly Hills-based stylist. She was formerly in VIP sales for Louis Vuitton on Rodeo Drive.

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Deborah Boland and Jojami Tyler (The Glam Gals): “Layering can be tricky when you have curves. One thing you don’t want to do is to layer with a stiff, white, blousy top. If she had used a softer fabric then it would drape nicely and harmonize with the outfit. However, she got the hat right–the large brim balances out the long flowing skirt.”

“Glam Gals” Jojami Tyler and Deborah Boland co-write the brilliant fashion blog, Fabulous After 40.

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Glenyse Thompson: “It appears as if the outfit is wearing her. Although she looks comfortable, her outfit lacks balance. All the elements of her outfit are large, and not one item helps define her shape. If she is trying to hide a tummy, the shirt she is wearing does the opposite. She could easily make this a great outfit by changing the top. By adding a vest, a fitted-and-flare tee, or even a cotton scarf around her shoulders she would add some definition.”

Glenyse Thompson is a personal home and wardrobe stylist and the creator of Styleosophy.

0 Responses to “{What do you think of this look?}”

  1. Louise says:

    The white billowing top adds pounds. Everything else looked great. But in a hot New York City summer day layering adds heat.

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  2. Joan Elmer says:

    I like everything except the white top. It appears to have a band around the bottom which eccentuates her bulges above. If she were younger, I would assume she is pregnant. But I agree that the arms are aging; sometimes we just want to be cool.

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  6. Cynthia Matz-Smith says:

    Not enough and too much, all in one. Thumbs down.

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  7. Linda Chaney says:

    The Glam Sisters hit the nail right on the head. A softer material for the white blouse would of really made this outfit!

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  8. Pat Brandt says:

    I like the outfit and how she tried to put it together. I have 2 negatives–the white blouse is not flattering and her arms need a little cover.

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  9. Victoria says:

    I think that it’s all pretty good except for the blouse. I think it should be more fitted around the bust and have a nice drape over the tummy. The way it is, it looks too stiff and isn’t very flattering.

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  10. JAN says:

    AGREE WITH COMMENTS RE ARMS – BANDED BLOUSE. I ALSO AGREE WITH GLENYSE THOMPSON’S COMMENTS.

    PERHAPS IN SOHO THIS LOOK GOES WITHOUT NOTICE, BUT NOT IN THE AREAS WHERE MOST OF US LIVE OUR “EVERY DAY” LIFE.

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  11. jan says:

    I agree with those who feel this isn’t a flattering outfit for this woman. The white shirt is too stiff and puffy – which adds weight and age to her appearance. She needs to wear a blouse that’s softer – perhaps silk – that will lie flatter and softer, which would help to slim her sillhouette. She should also consider wearing short sleeves as opposed to sleeveless tops. … And what’s with the giant granny handbag? It makes her look like a granny who brought her knitting needles with her in a big bag. She needs to find a handbag that’s stylish, sleek and modern.

    I don’t mind the hat. But the rest does nothing to enhance her image and sillhouette. I think she’s an attractive woman, but this outfit does nothing to showcase that.

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  12. Soledad says:

    I’m surprised that most of the experts thought this was a good look. My first thought was, sloppy. The white top should be a more flowing one. The bag is too big. There’s something about the hat that just doesn’t seem right to me, but I can’t put it into words.

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  13. dmnyes says:

    Seriously, I think that she looks like a studabubba, It is NOT a flattering look for her. After all it is summer and the skirt resembles something from the middleeast. The pieces are nice, otherwise, but not together.

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  14. Laurakb says:

    I must be crazy, I think this is hideous.

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  15. binaifer says:

    she looks very comfortable in her outfit

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  16. Ann says:

    Love love love the hat and dress ? / top-pants ensemble. The white blouse is not at all flattering, maybe she’s wearing it to be able to use that gorgeous bag???? Anyway, a nice white or black and white print sash around the waist would give this statuesque stunner a few womanly curves. Although it may not be her taste I would have to have some color….all those great jewel tones that are in this summer would add another dash of flair…

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  17. Mamavalveeta03 says:

    I think I’d like it a little better if the white top had a little less volume. But overall, an A!

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  18. Kody says:

    There is nothing wrong with her arms! And people, it is HOT out there.

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  19. DELIA SADLER says:

    Black and White is classic. However, a white top can show imperfections as can anything sleeveless. Arms need to be buffed up. The white top should be fitted. With perhaps an eye-catching necklace or scarf to add a splash of bling and pull eyes away from arms and a not-so-slim middle. A look in the mirror at both front and back views of oneself is a must.

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  20. CJ says:

    I love her look with one change: an hip length open or body skimming white blouse would look dynamite with this outfit. The gathered band on the bottom of the blouse worn, unfortunately, draws all the attention and emphasis to the area. Her look is casual and polished, she is really pretty – the blouse is sloppy.

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  21. BlueBear says:

    She looks like a pregnant bag lady! Two thumbs down, waaaay down!

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  22. Judith Marshall says:

    The over-sized top makes this woman look much bigger than I’m sure she is. While black and white is always stylish, she would do much better wearing a more form-fitting top with her wide-leg pants.

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  23. Dolores says:

    Outfit is just o.K. No need for the white pouffy
    blouse. To much clothing. It wouldn’t work for me.

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  24. bclaxton says:

    I agree with most of the comments that say to cover the upper arms and get rid of the band at the bottom of the blouse. I like the flip flops and love the hat and hair combo. She looks good as is but with a few tweaks could be really great.

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  25. Diane says:

    Shoes, skirt, bag………..all good. Top and hat would go if I were dressing this lady. A fitted, white, three-quarter length sleeve knit top would look much better with the skirt…or even a vivid color. The hat I would leave at home. I think hats make heads hotter not cooler and hair looks awful if one must remove it for some reason. Hats do protect from the sun but surely she has her sunscreen on. Her makeup looks wonderful. I wore a hat just like that to mass on Sunday 57 years ago. It is not a hat I would wear shopping.

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  26. belindabg says:

    Arms look pasty white, they would’ve been fine with a GOOD SPRAY TAN or a bottle tan. Otherwise, cover ’em up. The banded bottom on the shirt adds 15 pounds to the silhouette, if the shirt were hanging loose the outfit would’ve been more flattering. I love the pants and the hat, the bag would’ve been better in a bright color to pop the outfit. Overall it’s decent execution needing just a couple minor tweaks to be Fabulous. Good Effort.

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  27. catsrule9999 says:

    Yes, ARMS. At our age we need to either make a valiant effort to reshape them at the gym or cover them up. The top is good, but it should have fallen loose at the bottom instead of cupping the tummy. Otherwise a good look!

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  28. Neats says:

    Am I the only one who sees an OK outfit made bad by the white top? Adds pounds, makes her look age-inapporpriately pregnant, is too stiff for the flowy long skirt and if she had to wear the top, the skirt should have been shorter. Surprised that so many liked it.

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  29. Joanne says:

    Seriously? I think this FOF has it ALL wrong. I agree with the comment “it looks like the outfit is wearing her”! The hat with all that hair, looks top-heavy. The blouse is too puffy, the skirt (pants) are an evening look and the handbag much too large for her. Does she have a feminine shape? hard to tell in this outfit.

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  30. Michele says:

    First thought…. looks like a white trash bag on top…. DO NOT like the look AT ALL….

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  31. patatwell says:

    She looks cool and comfortable. That said, I think it would look better if her upper arms were covered and if the top was a knit rather then a stiff fabric. Also walking in the city, I think little enclosed flat would work well.

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  32. NoreenB says:

    Perhaps it is her posture or the angle of the photograph, but the banded bottom of the white shirt adds too much ballooning to her look. Something with better drape would have really made this outfit a winner. And as far as the comment about covering up arms – in 90 degree heat – come on! About time we as a society made peace with the fact that not all women can have Michelle Obama arms!

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  33. Diane says:

    She looks really great and upbeat.
    I give it a thumbs up!

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