On the off chance I decide to venture out of my dark, air-conditioned basement into the blistering heat, I try to wear as few clothes as possible without looking like I’m trying to wear as few clothes as possible.

It’s a tricky thing to remain modestly dressed when every part of my body is sweating saline tears, but I like to tell myself that the short skirt and tank top I’m wearing are balanced nicely by the jewelry I paired with my outfit.

There’s something about a large-faced watch or a huge, stacked necklace that can take an outfit from a titch too scanty to a lovely summer uniform. Here are three of the coolest pieces of jewelry I’ve seen Lawrencians wearing this summer as well as some similar pieces I’ve found in local shops.

Spotted: Boyfriend watch

Boyfriend watch: Found Weavers for 9.99.

Watch

Watches went “out” for a while when cellphones took over the planet, but just as vinyl records are climbing back into popularity despite changes in technology, so are watches.

There’s been a movement over the past couple years to re-establish watches as an everyday accessory, and an even more interesting shift in trend from dainty, feminine watches to large-faced, thick-banded watches.

There’s a small, quality selection of these “boyfriend watches” at Weaver’s, 901 Mass. The one I found is BlacLabel Pink brand for $29.99.

Spotted: Stacked necklace, a summer layering solution

Stacked necklace, found at Wild Man Vintage, .

Stacked necklace

In the interest of covering up a bare neckline, a large, stacked necklace like the one I spotted on a woman on Mass. Street works brilliantly.

In summer, we’re forced into wearing relatively simple outfits without layers or interesting textures

Instead of creating complex ensembles, we get to use accessories to add depth and variety to the clothes we wear. In lieu of a scarf or sweater, creative jewelry is a great alternative.

The stacked necklace I found at Wild Man Vintage, 939 Mass., for a breezy $8 is enough to dress up any summer outfit without being too overbearingly obnoxious for the wearer.

Spotted: Knotted ring, a handmade wedding band.

Knotted ring: Female version found at Phoenix Gallery for 9.

Knotted ring

There’s nothing like a handcrafted, one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry that can make me swoon. I just happened to be talking to the man wearing this unique wedding ring when I looked down at his hand and exclaimed, “I have to take a picture of that!”

He happily agreed to let me and explained that it had been made by one of his good friends. I didn’t think I would be able to find a similar ring in a local store, but I walked into Phoenix Gallery, 825 Mass., for a separate errand and stumbled upon a ring that is just about as awesome. This female version of the knotted ring is $29.