Black is the new… black?! Okay, okay, there’s nothing new about it, especially on the streets of New York City, where we spotted this FOF and where dressing dark is practically the law of the land. But, there’s a right way and a wrong way to don the inky hue–where does this FOFit in? First, read what our style gurus think. Then, tell us: Is she a black sheep or black beauty?

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Glenyse Thompson: “Oh my! Love the coat, classic Louis Vuitton tote, chic jewelry and patent walking shoes. She looks comfortable and elegant until you hit those hips. I want to be polite but…those pants are hideous. Fitted jeans or pants with a slight flare at the ankle would have made this outfit a black beauty.”

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

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Susan Grant: “Too much going on–fringed detail on the jacket, the print-patterned slacks and shiny shoes, plus, the ensemble doesn’t flatter this woman’s figure. The length of the jacket, (perhaps hiked up by the bag on her shoulder) draws attention to her hips. The pegged pants do the same. Straight legged slacks would give her a leaner line and a more sophisticated look. They would also draw less attention to the shoes, which I assume she’s wearing for comfort.”

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

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Sherrie Mathieson: “Her look is quite good except for the pant that would have been better in solid black. She combines her darks and lights well with a touch of unexpected turquoise. She also balances the feminine (frilly jacket and jewelry) with the sporty bag and shoes really well. Her patent shoes look comfortable, practical and a stylish choice for a lady her age. ”

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

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Terry Gibralter: “Unfortunately, I don’t like much about this FOF’s look. The head-to-toe black is too harsh and draining for her. I find the entire outfit to be quite unflattering. The heavy shawl-collared jacket with fringe swallows her up and I really don’t get the pants–are they capri length with socks showing or is that their design? Whichever it is, they are the wrong look for her. The shoes might be okay paired with some other outfit. The small print neutral scarf doesn’t do much. I don’t mind her large Louis Vuitton tote. Definitely a black sheep!”

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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Susan Hersh: “The shawl collar fringe jacket is stunning and like a true New Yorker this woman is sporting the right, stylish and comfortable walking shoe. The printed slim pant with faux leather ankle band looks inexpensive to me compared to the rest of her luxe outfit. Additionally, it makes her legs look short and her figure appear pear shaped. Solid black leggings or slim leg trousers would be more flattering.”

Susan Hersh is a Ford model and the host and executive producer of Meet The Experts.

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Sandra Soich: “Black Sheep! There’s nothing about this look that appeals to my styling senses. First of all, this is not age appropriate. Starting from the bottom up, the shoes are so heavy and awkward looking. Then we travel up to the double pant attempt which is very unattractive. The coat could pass the test. The accessories (scarf, jewelry and bag) just look dated. And, to finish, the hair looks so unkempt and the color needs some work.”

Sandra Soich is wardrobe stylist to the stars and founder of YourFashionTherapist.com.
Photographer: Sivan Askayo