Fall Fashion Trends to Try in Santa Maria

Every fall, fashion lovers anticipate the new trends that will influence their wardrobes. While staple pieces like leather jackets and knee-high boots return year after year, the creativity lies in how we style them to match ever-evolving fashion trends.

Although there will always be something new on the shelves, don’t feel obligated to follow every trend—especially if it strains your budget. Instead, find small, affordable ways to incorporate trendy pieces into your current wardrobe. Thrift shopping can be a helpful way to do so.

Look beyond national chains like Goodwill. Santa Maria has a newer thrift store on South Broadway called New Image, where shoppers can discover stylish and affordable pieces. Shopping locally also helps reduce support for fast-fashion retailers and their surplus inventory. Plus, you may be surprised by your community’s fashion sense while browsing secondhand racks.

This year’s fashion trends are broad and flexible, appealing to both minimalist and maximalist dressers. While living on the Central Coast often encourages a casual, beach-influenced wardrobe, that doesn’t mean you can’t step outside your comfort zone. Imagine how you’d dress if you lived in a major metropolitan city. What would inspire your look? Who would be your fashion icons? Fall is a great time to refresh your personal style. Here are a few trends to help you get started:

Polka Dots

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Animal prints are a perennial fall favorite, but this season, expect to see polka dots everywhere—from skirts and jackets to shoes and accessories. Polka dots add a playful yet stylish touch to any outfit. If you shy away from animal prints because they feel too bold, polka dots may be your go-to pattern.

Try pairing a polka dot satin midi skirt with black ballet flats and a black tube top. Early fall can still bring warmer days, especially in September, so this outfit is both stylish and practical. For cooler evenings, layer with a cardigan or suede jacket.

Don’t feel limited to the classic black-and-white dot pattern—colors like deep brown, purple or navy can add warmth and variety to your fall wardrobe. Prefer to keep things simple? Consider incorporating polka dots through accessories such as a bag, shoes, or a headband.

Lace Details

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If bold prints aren’t your style, try adding a touch of elegance with lace detailing. Lace-trimmed clothing is both romantic and minimalist, offering endless styling possibilities. For example, a satin mini skirt with lace trim makes a chic and flirty date night outfit. Style it with an oversized white T-shirt and a cream blazer for a polished look.

You can also layer lace under other pieces for added texture and depth. A lacy tank top can peek out beneath a sweater or another tank. Want to be more daring? Try a lace maxi skirt with an oversized sweater or vibrant button-down shirt.

Lace details work with a variety of aesthetics—from business casual to boho to preppy. Lace-trimmed socks paired with loafers or lace bows in your hair can elevate your outfit without going overboard.

Funnel-Neck Jackets

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Choosing the right jacket for fall can be tricky with so many options in length, fabric and style. This season, funnel-neck jackets are trending—and they’re versatile enough to become a year-round staple.

These jackets come in materials like suede, nylon, sherpa, and knit, so you can choose one that complements your current wardrobe. They're especially practical for layering over long sleeves and chunky sweaters.

For a sleek, put-together look, wear the jacket fully zipped or buttoned. Not only will it complete your outfit, but it will also provide extra warmth on chilly fall nights.