Okay, that might sound dramatic, but seriously—the best lightweight “outfit completer” jackets always seem to sell out early in the season. This is the time to scoop up a couple to update your fall wardrobe while the selection is still good, because by the time you really need them, the best ones will already be picked over. But first, let’s talk about why the “third piece” makes all the difference when putting outfits together.
KUT from the Kloth Karie Open Front Linen Blend Jacket in Clay (S) // AllSaints Anna V Neck Tee (M) // MOTHER Insider Flood (31) // Schutz Arissa Flats (8) // similar belt // Dragon Diffusion bag // Tom Ford Selby Sunglasses // Marlyn Schiff necklace // Jenny Bird Florence Earrings
Why A Third Piece Makes All The Difference
In the summer, when it’s super hot, most of us don’t feel like layering. Even if we bring a jacket along in case it’s cold inside, we may not end up wearing it, so it doesn’t really count as part of the outfit. (In that case, I suggest choosing tops with more interest on their own and using accessories to keep your looks polished—but that’s another post…)
Today we’re talking about why a third piece (usually a jacket, blazer, or cardigan—some sort of topper) is the key to making your outfits look complete. It’s the difference between just getting dressed and actually styling an outfit. A third piece instantly adds interest and gives you the chance to introduce another texture, a contrasting color, or even a different tone of the same shade. It can also shift the entire silhouette, shaping the overall style of the outfit in a way that’s hard to achieve with just two pieces. I have a few early favorites I’m sharing today, and I’ll round up even more at the end of this post.
How I’m Styling It
First up is a super lightweight 3/4-sleeve jacket in a gorgeous rust shade they call Clay. (And yay, it just went on sale!) This jacket is one you can start wearing now if you’re having a mild end to August, as we are here in the Northeast. The unlined linen/rayon blend has just a hint of spandex for comfort and ease of movement, and the roll-tab sleeves, button-flap patch pockets, and shawl collar are nice details that keep it interesting.
I styled it here over a simple white v-neck tee (the AllSaints Anna is my current favorite) with ankle-length bootcut jeans (also on sale!) in a mid-blue wash with some light whiskering and fading at the knees. I really like the clean hem and streamlined fit, but these jeans run small. I sized up to the 31 for a comfortable fit.
To finish the look, I added brown ballet flats and a brown belt in a similar shade, and I carried my woven leather tote to keep everything in the same color family. A pendant necklace from Marly Schiff, a stack of delicate Monica Vinader bracelets, my Jenny Bird double hoop earrings, and brown tortoiseshell sunnies complete the outfit.
I also recently added this cloth & stone Flap Pocket Zipper Shacket to my wardrobe, and I’m excited to start wearing it. It’s a rayon blend, so also very lightweight and one I can start wearing right away. I like how it pairs with the olive pants, and I also wore the white tee and brown ballet flats to keep the look simple and classic.
cloth & stone Flap Pocket Zipper Shacket (S) // AllSaints Anna V-Neck (M) // Sanctuary The Marine Cropped Wide Leg Pants (8) // Schutz Arissa (8) // similar belt // Tom Ford sunnies // Marlyn Schiff necklace // Jenny Bird Florence Earrings
And then there is also the Cotton Stretch Twill Swing Jacket from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale that is still in stock in most sizes and colors. I love the Green Sorrel, but it also comes in navy and ivory. This one has some really great details, and it’s very soft and comfortable.
Cotton Stretch Twill Swing Jacket (S) // AllSaints Anna (M) // Ética Romi Wide Leg Jeans c/o (29) // AllSaints Underground Sneakers (8.5) // Mulberry Amberley // J.Crew woven chainlink earrings
Once again, I styled it with my favorite white v-neck tee, and this time I wore mid-rise wide leg jeans sent to me from Ética Denim (you can get 15% off your Ética Denim order with code JOLYNNE15). My exact pair is selling out, but they have lots of other styles to choose from. And I think these white sneakers are so cool. I got them at the Nordstrom sale, as well, but they sold out there so I linked them at Zappos.
Shop Lightweight Jackets for Fall:
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21 Responses
That cloth and stone jacket is a really nice 3rd piece. It’s my favorite of the ones you featured today. 🙂
Yes, it’s my favorite too! I am struggling a bit with the color, though. I feel like it only goes with non denim pants, but it’s a little dark for black. I need to play around with it a bit more… I have heard that camel jeans will be trending this fall and I saw them a few times in NYC. I want to find a pair b/c they will be great with that jacket. Also, the rust KUT from the Kloth Kelsey jeans should work! I think I will try that. 🙂
AllSaints Anna V-neck has become my favorite tee. It’s the right length for me, and it doesn’t flare out too much at the hem when it “grows” a bit. I bought the Caslon swing jacket in green during the Nordy sale, but am still debating whether or not to keep it. The bows on the sleeves are so not me. However, it’s a great weight– a little heavier than some of my other jackets of this type and I love the color. And it looks great on you, Jo-Lynne. Question on jackets– Are we still seeing the longer safari-style or field-style jackets? I just read the Swedish Death-Cleaning book and am on a tear to reduce the amount of clothing I have. I’m hoping that reducing the clutter in my closet will reduce the clutter in my brain.
I get it, the bows are a bit of a stretch for me too. But I like the rest of it, so we’ll see. I have kept the tags on for now, until I see what else comes out before I start wearing jackets like that. Although we are getting some really mild weather all of the sudden! I may be able to start wearing them this week! The the longer safari-style or field-style jackets are not really trending, but you can un-cinch the waist and wear them straight to get a more of-the-moment look. If they’re a little oversized, it will look more modern than if they are really fitted through the arms and shoulders, if that makes sense.
I love all of these jackets but I have a hard time with what tee/top to wear underneath. I don’t like to tuck anything in or wear anything too snug. But of course that is exactly what works best under a jacket. I have a bit of a belly and am not keen to show it off, but I’d really like a couple cute light jackets. Any suggestions?
I don’t tuck my shirts in, either, Melissa. I found that wearing untucked tees that are not too long is a much better look for me. The length is key, though, and it changes slightly depending on what jeans I’m wearing.
Thanks for your reply Colleen. As I was reading it I thought I need to just go to my nearest Nordstrom and try on a bunch! And also one white tee is much like another when it’s under a jacket, so if I can find just one or two I’ll be happy.
I get that. You just have to try on different combinations until you find what works. Jen at Everyday Style often says women need to get more comfortable in the “er” – try shorter tops, tighter tops, and play with combinations and proportions until you figure out what works best on your body. It takes some work, unfortunately.
I love that tip! I’ll give it a try. Adding one more “er” – I’ll try it on a skinny-er day 🙂
Thanks.
Welcome to my hometown! Sorry we don’t have better weather for you. But if you’re shooting fall looks, maybe this chilly gray vibe is best anyway.
The rain on Wednesday was miserable, but the cloud-cover on Thursday morning actually worked out well for the photo shoot! 🙂 I haven’t been to NYC in ages, although I used to go all the time for blogging events back in the day. I really enjoyed that area, and I’d like to go more often. Also, the people watching was amazing! I feel like I already have a better sense of what’s trending for fall after just 24 hours hanging out in Soho.
I just received the twill swing jacket in the mail in Navy. I love it and have been knowing I needed navy in my closet to complete outfits. I like it with cognac accessories for Fall since I can’t wear warm Fall colors by my face. I’m kicking myself for paying full price when I should have ordered from the NSALE when I first thought of it. I ordered from your link both the XS and SM and for sure needed the XS. The small was too wide and also long in the sleeves too. The XS fits great even with a sweater under it. I’m 5’3” and about 128 lbs. I never weigh myself. lol You are the one I can thank for all the jackets I have in my closet to complete outfits (most are from your links) and yes I agree to order them now so you are ready when the cool weather hits.
I purchased the Kut denim, collarless jacket during NAS in medium. I’m same size as you. Did you keep the medium or exchange for small. I’m trying to decide if I should go with small? Thanks
I ended up keeping the small. It definitely looks better on me than the medium.
Hi, Its so hard to keep with the new styles. I am always wondering what to do with the older styles I have invested in. I don’t want to get rid of them. Do you think this jacket can still be styled this season? https://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/126618?page=womens-beanflex-utility-jacket-womens-petite
I know cropped boxy is in vogue. I loved all the styles you posted. I am trying to not buy more and re-use what I have trying to be environmentally friendly.
Thanks
Hi, Sue. That style isn’t really trending this season, but it’s a classic that I wouldn’t get rid of if it’s in good condition and you like it. You could make it look more modern by un-cinching the waist tie all the way, so it hangs straight and has a more boxy look. See the way the girl is wearing the River Rock Color in this picture. Hope that helps!
Thanks, the photo really helps with the styling. Mine is a little longer and round at the back.
I can’t wait for the temps to be cool enough to wear my lightweight jacket and not have my neck get soaking wet from sweat. You have several nice options in your wardrobe.
Speaking of jackets—-did you ever decide which leather jacket to keep? Just curious. I did have my eye on that button up one–and wish I had jumped on it when it was on the Nordy sale.
Definitely the button up one. I still have the zipper one too, so I’m waiting to see how I feel about it when the weather cools down. I also have the bomber from last year so… A little much to keep 3 but they’re all a little different, so… 🤪
Thank you for the lightweight jacket post. Would you have any suggestions for something more form fitting for a curvy shape? Thanks!