10 Transitional Style Finds I'm Using to Perfect My West Coast Look

1 week ago 12

Updated on Sep 17, 2026 at 11:25 AM

PS Photography | Lena FeltonPS Photography | Lena Felton

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As the East Coast fully embraces PSL season, September is actually just the beginning of summer in San Francisco — it's when the fog finally burns off, the sun is strong, and temperatures reach into the 80s. I love this sense of changing seasons, when the air takes on a different quality and your changing environment ushers in the sense of possibility.

With summer slipping sweetly into warm September, I decided to upgrade some of my fashion and beauty arsenal. I'll hold onto warm-weather finds for as long as I possibly can for the next couple of months, but thankfully there are a lot of transitional pieces that I know will work well into fall and beyond. From a light jacket that can go with anything to the bag that I've been using nearly every day, these are the stalwarts in my closet right now.

To shop the picks that I'm wearing and using on repeat for the next few months, keep reading below.

Lena Felton's Shopping Must Haves

Topicals Slick Salve Glossy Lip Balm ($16) I am obsessed with clear lip glosses, and always have at least a few on me. But I've been sold on this Topicals glossy balm since a friend, unprompted, said my lips looked like they were shining like the sun. Here it is in action.

Bru Eyewear Hudson Sunglasses ($150)

Yes, Y2K style is everywhere (especially on Popsugar), and I couldn't resist adding some nostalgic touches to my own wardrobe. I love these Bru sunglasses for a sleek, sporty look — they were perfect for SF's Outside Lands festival.

Gap Mid Rise Belted Culotte Barrel Pants ($80)

If anything screams seasonal transition, it's ¾-length pants. I absolutely love the slight barrel in these culottes, and the green color pairs nicely with a white tee. I've worn them with boots for a slightly more autumnal feel, as well as flip-flops for a summer-ready 'fit.

Baggu Nylon Bowler Bag ($54)

I've been using this bag all summer, thanks to its size. It can fit a towel for the beach, my water bottle, and snacks, and its nylon material means that I'm not afraid of getting it a little dirty in the great outdoors. I love the choice of colorways, too, many of which can easily transition into fall.

Free People We The Free Lemon Denim Jacket ($148)

If there were ever the perfect transitional overcoat, it's this one. The material is thin enough that I can wear it on a warm, breezy day in San Francisco, but the oversized look makes it cozy and comfy once the wind picks up in the evening. I love that the muted olive color goes with virtually everything in my closet, too.

Spicy Dan Bean Necklace ($195)

I'm a loyal wearer of silver jewelry, but given that my wardrobe is pretty lacking in color, I love when I can brighten up an outfit with a statement necklace. Enter: this funky, colorful choice from Spicy Dan. I love that it looks different from anything else I have in my jewelry box, and the rich green color will be perfect for proper fall.

Rails Getty Workwear Wide Leg in Onyx ($218)

These have been my go-to pair of jeans for months now. I love the carpenter-style front panels, and the wash is a lived-in dark hue that can be dressed up or down. As a true millennial, I also appreciate the high rise — but the wide leg makes them look a little more hip.

Jewels and Aces the One & Only Set in Silver ($221)

My earscapes have become a way to express myself, but I always get lazy and end up wearing the same several pairs day after day. After seeing Jewels and Aces' earring sets on Instagram, I knew I needed to try them, and I love how versatile this one is. You can mix and match studs, jackets, and chains to create different looks every day, so you're basically getting dozens of different earscapes in one set.

Alohas Nova Studs Black Leather Sandals ($225)

One of my favorite style content creators touted these chunky sandals from Alohas, and I got my hands on a pair. I love how unique they are while still effortlessly looking good with virtually everything in my closet. And they're comfy, too.

PS Photography | Lena Felton

Lena Felton (she/her) is a senior director of special projects at PS, where she oversees sponsored packages, tentpole projects, and editorial partnerships. Previously, she was an editor at The Washington Post, where she led a team covering issues of gender and identity. She has been working in journalism since 2017, during which time her focus has been feature writing and editing and elevating historically underrepresented voices. Lena has worked for The Atlantic, InStyle, So It Goes, and more.

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