We always hear that a “third piece” is the secret sauce for making an outfit look complete, but what about when it’s too hot to add another layer?
In the fall and winter, the third piece is usually a jacket or blazer—the extra element that instantly pulls a look together. But summer calls for a different approach. When layering isn’t practical, that’s where creative styling comes in.
HINT: A third piece doesn’t have to be a topper. It can be anything that adds polish, personality, or a bit of visual interest to your outfit.
How to Look Chic When It’s Hot Outside
Here are my favorite third pieces to help a simple summer outfit feel styled and complete—no jacket required.
1. Statement Handbag
You knew I’d start here, didn’t you??? It’s no secret that I’m a sucker for a fabulous handbag—and that’s because a great bag can do so much more than just hold your essentials. It can instantly elevate an outfit, adds interest and texture, and sometimes it even sets the tone for your entire look.
Dragon Diffusion Santa Crose Shoulder Bag // stripe top (option) // MOTHER Insider (29) // Sam Edelman Bambi Raffia Buckle Slides (8) // Jenny Bird bangle // YSL sunnies
Whether it’s a straw tote, a bold pop of color, or a structured crossbody with unique hardware, the right bag adds personality without any extra effort. I love reaching for raffia or woven leather styles to elevate my everyday spring and summer looks, and this Dragon Diffusion Santa Crose Shoulder Bag is a favorite. The variegated tones in the woven leather are simply stunning, and the size and shape make it perfect for everyday use.
PAIGE Anessa Utility in Tonal Ecru (29) // Bobi Utility Tee (S) // Sam Edelman Bambi Raffia Buckle Slides (8) // Dragon Diffusion Santa Crose Shoulder Bag
Of course, that is just one example, and you certainly don’t have to splurge to get the look. Amazon has this woven tote in tons of colors and this shoulder bag style, and this one is super cute for a smaller going-out bag.
2. Bold Jewelry
When your outfit is simple, as summer outfits often are, jewelry is where you can really have some fun. Admittedly, I tend to overlook my accessories in favor of my tried and true classic pieces, but a bold accessory can really add that extra bit of personality and polish without any suffocating layers.
Gap Factory Linen Vest & Skirt (M) // Tory Burch sandals (8) // old raffia hoops // similar bracelet // Baublebar necklace
Right now I’m loving wood and raffia textures because they go with everything and feel perfectly summery.
Wesley Wood Earrings // bracelet pack // KUT from the Kloth Sleeveless Denim Dress (M)
Of course, it’s not just about earrings. A colorful statement necklace can completely change a basic tank or dress, and a stack of chunky bracelets (especially in gold or mixed materials) is an easy way to add interest without overheating.
3. A Fun Shoe
Even the simplest outfit feels more polished when you add a standout shoe. Whether it’s a bold slide sandal, a colorful sneaker, a raffia slide, or a metallic flat, the right shoe can work like an accessory—and absolutely count as your third piece.
Sam Edelman Bambi Raffia Buckle Slides (8) / Dragon Diffusion Santa Crose Shoulder Bag // Frank & Eileen Gaucho Jeans (29) // Frank & Eileen Linen Button-Up (S)
Take these Sam Edelman Bambi Raffia Buckle Slides, for example. The mix of textures and thoughtful details—earthy raffia, a bold tortoiseshell buckle, and a low wood-grain stacked heel—make them interesting without overpowering the look.
I’m also loving the trend this summer of metallic accents that almost feel like jewelry for your feet, like the Dolce Vita Mylee heels or these Loeffler Randall strappy thongs.
Dolce Vita Mylee (7.5) // MOTHER jeans (29) // WHBM vest (M)
The right shoe has a way of tying everything together, especially when it echoes another element like your earrings or bag. And even if you’re not into bright colors (raises hand!), a shiny metallic or textured raffia still adds that little extra something while staying neutral enough to wear with everything.
I hope this was helpful, if you’re struggling to feel stylish in the summer heat! I’d love for you to add your best tips.
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25 Responses
Helpful tips for those of us who live in a warm climate year round, since a third piece of clothing is a rare occurrence! 🙂
Hi Jolynn!
Are there any raffia cross body bags or bags that close, that can be used as a stylish travel bag? Most raffia bags are open at the top.
Thank you!
What size? I would google zipper raffia bags. That would narrow them down. My daughter is in Greece right now and she brought this one. But it’s pretty small.
Your jewelry seems to all be gold, is silver “out” this summer?
It’s all out there! I think both look current.
Great ideas that I apply. Because I can’t have my hair hanging down on my neck in this heat, I will try to use a ponytail holder or hair clip that either blends in with my outfit or one that coordinates in a fun color and/or texture.
I wish I was better with hair. Hair accessories are also a great 3rd piece.
I am just grasping the concept of a third piece . Would love to see your suggestions for the anniversary sale . That is the only real hole on my closet .
I certainly can! I was trying not to inundate people with the Anniversary Sale, lol. I think these leopard pumps are a great example of a fun shoe that’s more of a fall style. The navy Madewell suede hobo, and the AllSaints suede hobo are great statement bags. As for jewelry, this is delicate, but I love this stone bracelet. I can see layering it with other delicate pieces. There isn’t a lot of statement jewelry in the #NSale, but you can always layer delicate pieces for a more statement look.
Great suggestions! I also find myself gravitating to bright colored tops and prints more in the summer, they’re such an easy “one and done” way to add visual interest! Love all your raffia accessories, such a fun find for summer!
Yes good point! A bold print can sometimes do the trick without another piece.
I also think a bright lipstick is a good addition to a more simple outfit.
Along with a bright mani/pedi! I only paint my toenails a bright color (even blue!) in the summer. Matching that to my jewelry is a bonus!
Yes, for sure. 💅🏻
Definitely. I wish I could wear bright color lipsticks. I have such thin lips, I stick to lighter colors. But I think that can definitely level up a look.
I love a fun summer hat as a completer piece. I constantly wear a cute fedora, straw bucket hair or even a floral ball cap to keep the sun off my face and protect my hair color.
That totally counts! I’m not a hat girl but they look cute on others.
I employed all these tips today for my excursion to Nordstrom. It was a little chilly this morning but I didn’t want to wear a jacket, so I went with dark wash 501’s and a white, long-sleeve, Swiss dot pop-over blouse. To make it interesting and unique to me, I added a beaded necklace, consisting of purple mica and garnets, canvas leopard-print loafers and a black, woven shoulder bag.
I did try on some boots at the sale and went with the Sam Edelman Barrett Harness bootie in black. I found them to be TTS and pretty comfortable.
Sounds super cute!
I really like the paisley top you’re wearing in the first picture, but I don’t see a link for it. Can you please tell me where it’s from? Thank you!
It’s old. I’m sorry. I was trying find something simple that I didn’t use later in the post.
Hi! Jo Lynne share this cute top in a recent post. I bought it in store recently and it’s super cute with white denim. Not suet this link will work but it’s from her post.
https://www.loft.com/clothing/tops/catl000011/floral-pleated-mixed-media-shell/775602.html?irclickid=yQZzet19BxycTuTQPpwAJU%3AMUksSrRy-uXfA0g0&sharedid=&irpid=3323486&irgwc=1&CID=AFF_3323486
That’s pretty. I love their mixed media pieces, the knit back is so comfy.
Can you tell me the brand watch you are wearing in most of your pics? Is it Michael Kor? Do you know if its still available? It looks to be silver and gold? Thanks in advance.
It’s Michele. There’s one similar in the sale.