Saran in an all-black ensemble on Morgan Avenue. — Photo by Molly Hamilton. Click to see full version.

It’s a sort of chicken-or-the-egg argument; is the all-black outfit considered elegant because it’s so intrinsically New York, or do New York women wear black because it’s elegant? It’s a pretty foolproof outline for looking good, but although anybody can throw on all-black and look put-together, it takes ingenuity to stand out amongst all the bland little-black-dresses and business-casual.

Saran Johnson, 23, “Floater”

Ms. Johnson’s outfit got me excited for colder weather and creative layering, so I snapped her photo and asked her some questions. I found her on Morgan Avenue, walking home from work in a sleek all-black ensemble, punctuated by a stunning gold necklace. The layers Ms. Johnson had on were obviously well-coordinated color-wise, but also texturally diverse (knits, leather, wool) and thoughtfully chosen. Although skinny black jeans and a black cardigan were the more classic framework, the details here were unique and interesting: zip-up leather booths, a satin-collared blazer. The necklace was attention-grabbing, yet understated at the same time. One piece she pointed out to me was a Zara vest with a long attached necktie, which she’d picked out because it reminded her of something by Helmut Lang.

So where are you living?
Melrose and Wilson. AKA Melrose Place. I just moved here two months ago.

What were you going for with this outfit?
Well, I had to wear all black because of work.

Where do you work that you have to wear all black?
Today I was working a sample sale for a designer, Morgan Lefey, but I intern for a fashion PR firm called Bizmarck Phillips.

And how do you like the neighborhood?
I like it so far, it’s a good mix of people. I find myself not really going out to Manhattan anymore, because there are great places right around here. I mean it’s a good mix of young people and native residents, there are some cool galleries… Good flavor.