Ashley Dupré stepped out of hiding in a very expensive get-up -- looking ready to head back to work, reports the NY Post. "Kristen" has been in self-imposed seclusion since her $4,000 trysts with ex NY Governor Eliot Spitzer led to his resignation.

Ashley was spotted in a sheer top, tight black leather skirt, and a $632 Fendi belt -- proving that the Luv Guv's money was well spent on a classy wardrobe! Dupré allegedly froze when she saw a Post reporter and a photographer, refusing to answer any questions.

The hooker sighting comes on the heels of yesterday's hearing in a Manhattan federal court, where Temeka Lewis -- the booker for Ashley's former pimps, Emperor's Club -- plead guilty to charges of money laundering and prostitution. Ashley has reportedly enlisted the help of a powerful attorney to represent her as a cooperating witness.