By Jane Ridley
Published Thursday, February 7th 2008

There’s nothing more infuriating than showing up for a date, only for him to wrinkle his nose and dis your outfit – but men and women tend to have very different ideas about what looks good and what doesn’t.

We asked style expert Sarah ­Perpich, a personal shopper at Henri Bendel in Manhattan, to pick three Valentine’s looks for three different New York City women – clothes that showcase the hottest trends for spring and each woman’s personality.

Then we asked each woman’s other half to give an honest opinion. The results: read on.

Mona Thabet, 23, a newspaper circulation representative, from Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, has been dating Stennie Hall (above), 32, a retail services manager, of nearby Sheepshead, since they met at work five years ago. Mona says: “I like wearing colorful, risque outfits as long as they’re comfortable, but Stennie doesn’t like me going out with my girlfriends in anything revealing. It’s fine if I’m with him, however. Otherwise, he would probably tape a jacket around me! My favorite is the cute top and pants, because they’d look great to go dancing in.” Read on to see what Stennie thinks of the outfits.

Stennie’s verdict: COCKTAIL DRESS: “Wow! That’s a definite head-turner, and I love it because it shows off Mona’s whole physique. I’d be proud to have her on my arm wearing a dress like that. I wouldn’t have a problem if she wore it out with me. But, if she’s alone, I’d worry because I don’t think other people would be respecting her personality.” Rating: 9/10

Stennie’s verdict: SASSY SKIRT SUIT: “It’s very neat and presentable, and my mom would definitely approve. It’s a nice Valentine’s outfit, and I love the red. But the blouse doesn’t do much for her figure because it’s too baggy.” Rating 6/10

Stennie’s verdict: CASUAL CHIC: “It looks like she is going to work and is way too casual for a Valentine’s date. The bagginess of the top takes the sexy right out of it, and the pants are too business-casual.” Rating: 5/10

Christine Taylor, 37, a freelance photographer, lives with boyfriend James Kloiber (above), 30, an art director, on Manhattan’s upper East Side. They met online three years ago. Christine says: “I always tend to wear black, brown and gray because they’re versatile and don’t attract a lot of attention. Luckily, James takes an interest in what I wear and has a good sense of style. His favorite outfit will probably be the pink dress because he often wishes I would show off my figure more. I’d love it worn by someone else, but it’s too risque for my tastes. I prefer the pants and top because they’re comfortable and sexy.”

James’ verdict: COCKTAIL DRESS: “It looks a little hoochie and doesn’t really flatter her curves, although it shows off Christine’s tattoos very nicely. I like it, but she could definitely use a bra.” Rating: 7/10

James’ verdict: SASSY SKIRT SUIT: “It makes her look a lot older than she is and like a politician’s wife. The skirt’s a great shape and fit, but the jacket is boxy. I don’t like the print blouse with the red color, as it looks dated.” Rating: 7/10.

James’ verdict: CASUAL CHIC: “I like the drape over the shoulders and the way the top comes together at the waist. The pants are flattering and look modern. This is the best out of the three because it’s a lot classier.” Rating: 9/10.

Shayna Stoyko, 34, a copy editor from Brooklyn Heights, has been dating TV producer Howard Sebold (above), 44, from Park Slope, Brooklyn, since last April after meeting him on Match.com. Shayna says: “I am used to dressing to look cute rather than overtly sexy because I’m more of an observer than a “look at me” kind of person. Howard doesn’t pay huge attention to my sense of style but compliments me a lot, which is great. He’ll like the pants and top because, like me, he’ll think they’re jazzy, funky and fabulous.”

Howard’s verdict: COCKTAIL DRESS: “She would never wear something that low-cut, but it’d be great if she did! It shows off her figure beautifully, although coral isn’t my favorite color, and I’d prefer it in blue from the same palette. It’s very sexy and my jaw would hit the floor if she showed up like this.” Rating: 8/10

Howard’s verdict: SASSY SKIRT SUIT: “This has an office vibe and, despite the funky jacket, is not very sexy. The animal-print blouse reminds me of Bon Jovi and the ’80s-style pussy bow is a no-no for me. It looks like she came straight to the date from work.” Rating: 7/10

Howard’s verdict: CASUAL CHIC: “Shayna looks great in terms of urban sophistication. It’s very sophisticated and nothing like I’ve seen her wear before. The top is flattering but reminds me a little of a Mexican poncho. It’s more suited for lunch than a nighttime date, but very cute.” Rating: 8/10

THE OUTFITS: