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Ask A Baltimore Stylist: Putting Together Your Best Fall Look

Putting together a unique fall fashion statement that expresses a signature look may be a daunting task. With fashion trends constantly in flux, it is difficult to determine what's in, what's out and what never goes out of style. Considerations, such as age, body characteristics, geography, career and personal taste, all need to be taken into account when making fashion decisions, says Natalie Jobity of Elan Image Management.
Natalie Jobity
credit:elanimagemanagement.com

Natalie Jobity
Elan Image Management
Columbia, Md. 21045
(443) 295-3526
www.elanimagemanagement.com

President of Elan Image Management, and an internationally recognized image consultant who advises professional women on fashion and image crafting, Jobity has more than 15 years of experience in the field. Using her corporate experience, she guides women in creating unique, signature, personal branding through fashion and all other facets involved in projecting a successful image. Jobity shared her advice by answering questions about what it takes to create a fall fashion statement.

plus size model
TORSTEN BLACKWOOD/AFP/Getty Images

What should a woman consider when putting together her own unique look for the fall?

"There are a few considerations a woman should bear in mind when pulling her look together regardless of the season. First, what is her intent with her image? Is she trying to look stylish, unique, be comfortable, make a statement? In other words, what is her overarching goal? Once she answers this question, it will dictate the types of styles and silhouettes she gravitates towards. Second, she needs to understand her figure and proportions so she knows what complements her, irrespective of what is trending. Too often I work with women who gravitate toward styles that do not work with their body type. As women, we all want to look and feel great in our clothing, so understanding what flatters our figures is key. Third, what is her style personality? Does she lean toward trendy, conservative, funky, sporty? This too will determine what styles make sense for her this fall."

leopard print scarf, Alexandra Richards
(Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images)

How much diversity should a fall look include?

"I think this really depends on the woman. There are a lot of exciting trends in the stores this fall so it can be tricky. For the average woman, I believe less is more. If you start trying to do too much in one look, it can end up executing as if there is too much distraction – a hodgepodge, so to speak. Sticking to two or three salient design elements is more than enough. For example, an animal-print scarf paired with a leather jacket and plaid slacks and booties is a look that has diversity but isn't over the top, with style competing for style."

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Wax!
(Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

Should you plan a total approach to a fall look to include hair, makeup, clothing and accessories?

"I think some aspects of a woman's look could remain pretty much unchanged for years. Hair is one of them. Look at Jennifer Aniston as a muse. Once she found her signature hairdo, she stuck with it for decades and women still love her hair. Make-up is really "in" these days, so it is an important accessory. Also changing your makeup with the season is a great way to transition to fall subtly. Plus, changing your makeup is an inexpensive way to keep in step with trends. More muted, brown-toned hues say fall. Out with the coral lipstick and in with the rust. Blush and eye shadow colors can be changed accordingly along with nail color/design. Accessories can also be swapped out. In the summer, I like brighter colored (happy) accessories on women, but for fall, metallics, leather and more dramatic/edgy pieces are very appealing against fall's more muted color palette. And we can't forget about the versatility of scarves."

Frank Sorbier: Runway - Paris Fashion Week Haute-Couture F/W 2013-2014
(Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images)

What are the hot fall fashion trends this season?

"There are a few trends this fall that I am excited about. First is the statement coat. Coats are such an important essential in the colder months. What is exciting is the wider range of bold colors like fuchsia and cobalt blue coupled with really simple but modern design elements...coats this season are baggier than usual so you can actually wear them belted which is such a great look. Some coats have bell sleeves so you can pair with elbow-length gloves. Some are inspired by menswear so they're baggy and more androgynous looking."

plaid skirt, Kat Graham
(Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for alice + olivia by Stacey Bendet)

"Plaid is very en vogue, especially for slacks. A plaid slack adds pattern on the bottom so one can keep the top a solid color. Plaid skirts and jackets are also popular. It's not a look for everyone, but if plaid is your thing, go for it. Mid-length skirts are a continuing trend. This is such a feminine look and so ladylike with heels. Animal prints are always in for fall but leopard prints seem to dominate this season. They're great paired with browns, blacks and red."

"Menswear-inspired shoes are very in. Flat oxfords and loafers with skinny ankle pants is a look that we will keep seeing through winter. Pallazzo pants is a fall trend I'm loving. Great for taller women, it is an elegant and comfortable look when paired with a fitted blouse or jacket. Emerald green is going to be everywhere this season. It's time green got more love. Thigh-high boots have re-returned. Boots including riding boots and booties are a trend from last year that will remain this season. They make every woman look more stylish."

Does putting together a fashion look have to be expensive?

"Absolutely not! In fact, I believe style is not at all about dollars and more about having an aesthetic eye. You can update your accessories, get one new pair of boots, swap out your makeup or invest in a new coat and you will be fresh for fall. Stick with what I like to call your 'Wardrobe Backbones,' from my book 'Frumpy to Fabulous: Flaunting It,' and just add accents to keep it fresh."

scarves generic, scarf
(Photo credit should read ERIC PIERMONT/AFP/Getty Images)

Is there any other advice you have for women who are putting together their fall look?

"Keep it simple. Stick with one statement piece and build around that. Invest in scarves which can be found at every price point and update your look effortlessly with those. Wear styles that accentuate the best of you."

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Jeffrey B. Roth has won numerous state and national news and feature-writing awards during his career. A well-known crime writer, investigative reporter and a feature writer, Roth writes for a number of magazines and newspapers. Listed in the Locus Index of SciFi and Fantasy authors, Roth is the author of a number of published short stories and poetry. His work can be found on Examiner.com.

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