Spice up your Fall wardrobe

Autumn on the Central Coast isn’t the same as on the East Coast or even Northern California. Instead of consistent 50- to 60-degree weather, we’re often faced with 60-degree mornings and 80-degree afternoons until December. Thank you, global warming, for giving us hotter autumns and cooler springs. While we may not be able to don stylish trench coats, cozy boots, and hand-knit sweaters, we can still embrace fall fashion. Layering is key during this season on the Central Coast. Wear tanks under long sleeves and long sleeves under crewnecks, topped with an oversized denim jacket. This way, you can stay warm in the morning and shed layers as the day warms up. If you work in an office with constant air conditioning, thick layers will be your best friend.

When shopping for fall clothing, let nature inspire your color choices. Merlot reds, espresso browns, golden yellows, and burnt oranges are perfect autumnal tones. Aim for richer hues that reflect the changing colors of the leaves. However, if you prefer brighter shades in the fall, combine vibrant and darker hues to create a look that works for you. The fun part about fall colors is that you can incorporate them into any piece of clothing, from tops to bottoms to shoes. Here are a few ways to include fall into your wardrobe:

Wool Jackets

Finding the ideal autumn jacket can be challenging. With so many styles, fabrics, and textures available, it’s tempting to buy several, but realistically, one good jacket is all you need. While teddy, denim, and leather jackets are popular this time of year, they may not work with every outfit. Wool jackets, however, are simple yet sleek and will keep you warm on cooler days. Although they can be more expensive, a well-cared-for wool jacket can last for years. You can often find great deals on wool jackets at local thrift stores compared to fast-fashion retailers that sell polyester versions for hundreds of dollars. Consider checking out ThreadUp and Poshmark for a wool jacket that needs a new home.

Wide-Leg Jeans

This summer, we saw attempts to revive capri pants and skinny jeans. While skinny jeans will always have a place in our wardrobes, capri pants should have stayed in the past. Skinny jeans pair well with a variety of shoes, especially if you want to showcase them, but a fall favorite this year is wide-leg or straight-leg jeans. These styles flatter your curves without being too revealing. They fit snugly at the waist and flare out at the bottom, creating an hourglass silhouette. Plus, they are more comfortable for walking and sitting for extended periods than skinny jeans.

Platform Boots

If we had to choose one shoe style to wear all autumn long, it would be platform ankle boots. They add a bit of extra height and flair to any outfit. Style them casually with a crewneck or more luxuriously with a leather jacket, depending on your activities for the day. You can also have fun with the color of your platform boots. They’re an excellent way to incorporate a pop of color into your wardrobe if you prefer to keep your clothing neutral. Consider shades like brown or maroon to step away from black. You can also opt for knee-high styles to wear with shorter skirts or skinny jeans.

Oversized Mock-Neck Sweaters

As much as we wish for sweater weather throughout the day on the Central Coast, we’ll take what we can get: morning gloom. Oversized mock-neck sweaters will keep us warm during the gloomiest mornings. They’re ideal for layering over T-shirts, tanks, or long sleeves, allowing you to remove them as the day warms up. This autumn, look for styles with a wider cut, wide sleeves, and a looser, boxy fit. They feel like a warm hug and look fashionable. Oversized sweaters are also a great way to add color to your wardrobe; choose them in dark neutrals, reds, and greens for fall. Pair your sweater with a satin skirt and platform boots for the ultimate autumn look.

Midi Satin Skirts

Skirts are a staple for every season. Whether you prefer short, midi, or long lengths, skirts are easy to style and comfortable to wear. Denim skirts are great for summer and can transition into fall when they are longer. For a chic look, opt for satin fabric. Midi satin skirts are luxurious and elevate any outfit. They can be paired with an elegant top for a night out or a white tee for a casual look. Additionally, they look great with sneakers, kitten heels, or boots, depending on your desired style. Satin skirts in shades of brown, black, or burnt orange are perfect for fall.