Published: December 01. 2009 2:00AM

By Kondria Woods
CONTRIBUTING WRITER

The wreaths have been hung, the gifts are all wrapped and you’ve decked the halls — as well as the rest of the house — for the holidays. Isn’t it your turn?

’Tis the season to be decked out, daring and dazzling in an array of the best looks in accessories. Call it a fortunate sign of the times, but many trends won’t require a big investment from your handbag … just add a little color to it.

“The most popular accessory is a new handbag in a new color,” said Barbara Corell, director of Millie Lewis Models & Talent. “Women aren’t just carrying a basic black and brown bag anymore. Deep green, mustard, purple, red — all are being requested. Pewter and bronze are great, too, because of their versatility.”

Shrinking violets, it’s time to trade in the drab and go for gutsy color and bold pieces of jewelry. The tools for crafting a little personal tinsel may be as close as your own jewelry box.

“Certainly, with everyone trying to be more budget conscious, the first thing women are trying is adding a new, reasonably priced accessory to last year’s garment to give it a new look,” Corell said. “The newest trend in jewelry is the chunkier necklace worn shorter. Long necklaces are still in, but the shorter statement necklace with volume is the newest look.”

Use your own turtleneck or scoop-neck top from last year to make this look stand out, or take it to the office with a crisp, collared blouse. Either way, for day or play, you’ll look like you stepped straight off the catwalks of Paris, New York or Milan.

“Overall there is a totally new, fresh look in accessories right now with a big and bold look,” said Caroline Kimball, owner of Savvy, Inc. “Bib necklaces are all the craze with rhinestones, studs and gems attached to a cloth material and worn as a statement at the neck. Some tie in the back with a satin ribbon that adds a soft, feminine look. Mix materials and use chains with delicate soft torn ribbons mixed in, or mix metals for a kind of rock ‘n’ roll look. Junk it up and make your look eclectic by layering necklaces or bangles. Take large statement necklaces, made of mixed metals in chain necklaces with a mangled look and layered cuff bracelets. There are no rules today.”

Step inside Savvy and add a few fashionable flourishes with the sumptuous selections of Alexis Bittar, CC Skye and Ted Rossi’s leather cuffs in exotic skins with Swarovski crystals.

“We also have a line of jewelry made from vintage and antique chains and charms called stella adorned, which I make myself,” Kimball said. “They are so unique and popular because no two necklaces are alike, and the antique charms cannot be replicated. We even allow the customers to get involved and handpick the charms and chains they want from an antique tray, and we will put their combination together for them.”

Customized style is the name of the game, whether you’re draped in jewelry or swathed in another cool-weather trend: a great scene-stealing scarf, paired with a fun fad making a reappearance from the ’80s.

“Long scarves are back this fall, and are being tied around the neck in lots of ways: loose and dropped down the front, or encircling the neck like a big collar,” Corell said. “Shorter scarves are back in style, too, and fingerless gloves. This is obviously a younger trend, but it’s a spinoff from the movie ‘Fame.’”

While every season features its share of retro looks, there are some accessories that are perennial classics. The old standbys are standing tall, so shop at home before you hit the stores.

“The cocktail ring is always a classic bit and it’s made a big comeback,” Kimball said. “This has always been a winning accent from the days of Grace Kelly to the flower power movement in the ’70s. It is a fun look, allowing you to carry off several costume options or invest in a classic style incorporating your favorite gemstone. It can be passed down in your family for generations to come.

“Otherwise, I would say rhinestone hoops or bangles. Take you own necklaces and bangles from the previous season and play with layering them. Mix some of your CZ bangles with your silver and gold bracelets. You will have a fresh new look without even buying new accessories.

“Another great idea is to layer several strands of pearls cascading from your neck and pin in a vintage brooch on the pearls off to the side. That’s the way to wear a classic look in a new way.”

Not sure about joining the ranks of the fashionably fearless with the accessories of the moment? Start with the resources on hand and build your own look, in your own way.

“I say try things on,” Corell said. “Many women will come to us and say ‘I can’t carry a large bag,’ ‘that necklace is too trendy for me’ or ‘I can’t wear a big loop earring.’ Then once they put it on, their whole attitude changes and they love the reactions they get from friends.”

Kimball added, “I think making a statement and having a focal point of the outfit have influenced the demand (for accessories). People are looking for versatility and value in their accessories these days. They can take the perfect little black dress and spin it several different ways; with different accessories, they can dress the look up or down.”