The party season is in full swing. Here’s how to update your wardrobe with holiday accessories | Canada Voices

‘Tis the season for festive gatherings, and all you really need to create a memorable party look – for the office holiday party, or New Year’s Eve out with friends – is the right accessories.

To help you find the special extras that will take your current wardrobe from standard to standout, we asked Toronto-based freelance stylist Ashley Galang to share her must-haves for the season, and tips for pulling it all together.

“What I’ve been really seeing from the runways are big earrings” for women, she says. Look for 1980s-inspired, chandelier or sculptural styles that will make a statement. “Big chunky chain necklaces” and chokers are also back in fashion, as are long pendant necklaces and stacked bangles – just don’t wear it all at once! “I would choose between one statement earring or one statement necklace,” says Galang, who styles for magazines and celebrity clients. “Sometimes it can get distracting if you put on too many accessories.”

On the red carpet, celebrities have been accessorizing their suiting with a brooch or two. “That’s also a good way to add your own personal touch” to a suit or blazer, says Galang.

A chic evening bag can also add sparkle or texture to an outfit, while helping you keep the essentials at hand. The stylist suggests a “smaller clutch with a strap, something that’s a little bit more sculptural” for men, and a wristlet-style clutch or very elongated “east-west” shoulder bag – one with a wide, elongated shape and long, thin straps – for women.

Finally, a dressy new pair of shoes can make any outfit feel fresh again. This holiday season, Galang recommends a lug sole or penny loafer for men, and either shoes with some texture – “anything that has a fringe or fur” – or a “ladylike” shoe such as a Mary Jane or T-bar pumps for women.

And footwear is where you might want to spend a bit more for something that will wear well and elevate the whole look. “You could save money in other areas of your outfit, but I would always try to invest in good-quality shoes,” says Galang.

Six buys to try

In the men’s section

“I think a lot of men now are more open to experimenting with jewellery,” says Galang. These recycled sterling silver stud earrings, by a Vancouver-based certified B Corp company, can be purchased as a single or in a pair. Pyrrha star symbol stud earrings, $183 through pyrrha.com.

There’s nothing wrong with your standard derby or oxford shoe, but for a more fashionable moment you could consider pairing your go-to evening suit with lug soles or a slightly chunkier penny loafer. This shiny pair, available in black and maple, fits both bills. Coach Reagan loafer, $310 through coach.com.

In the women’s section

This oversized chain necklace by Toronto’s Biko makes a statement on its own, but could also be paired with gold stud earrings or a sculptural ring. The 14k gold-plated links are sure to make any outfit shine. Biko Nova collar, $485 through ilovebiko.com.

Add a little sparkle to any look with this angular, faux-crystal star brooch from Quebec-based retailer Simons. Just pin one, or three, to your shift dress or blazer lapel. Simons twinkling star brooch, $19 through simons.ca.

This velvet wristlet clutch features a faux-pearl strap that can be removed depending on your other jewellery for the evening. Available in black and jewel-tone colours, it’s designed in Toronto and made in Korea. Ai VP clutch, $130 through ai-co.ca.

The sparkly, fuzzy texture of these leather and fabric sandals from this Canadian brand are very on trend, as is the square-toe shape. Plus, details such as an adjustable ankle strap and supportive block heel will keep you moving in comfort. Maguire Toro heels, $200 through maguireshoes.com.