Velvet! Ruffles! Sequins! Oh, my!

On the hunt for a head-turning festive getup with all the holiday fixings? It doesn't matter whether you're of the minimalist mindset or you prefer to max out on details—we've got both camps covered.

1. MAKE WAVES

Architectural ruffles build the foundation of a dramatic look—perfect when dressing for a party. This season's ruffles are like stiff waves, still feminine but with a modern twist

Wear a little

If cascading ruffles are too precious for your taste, give the fashion detail a discreet nod on a three-quarter-length bell sleeve. 

Dress, $181, anntaylor.com. Earrings and ring, aldoshoes.com. Bracelet, winners.ca. Michel Michel Kors bag, michaelkors.ca.  

Wear a lot

A spiralling ruffle snakes its way down from the neckline, doubling as a statement accessory for this simple sheath silhouette.

Karl Lagerfeld dress, $199, thebay.com. Earrings, swarovski.com. Rings, pandora.net. Clutch, callitspring.com. 

2. BLING IT ON

Sequins are a holiday essential—there's no getting around it. But not all sparkle is created equal. Use this shiny detail as the star of the show or place it strategically.

Wear a little (right)

If you shy away from sequins for fear of looking like a pageant queen, skip the full-on glitz and team a sequinned tank with sleek white wide-legged trousers. It's chic with a hint of twinkle.

Wear a lot (left)

If your wardrobe aspirations are to light up the night while working the party circuit, look no further than a sequin-covered LBD. 

Left: Michael Michael Kors dress, $395, michaelkors.ca. Earrings, bananarepublic.ca. Bracelet and shoes, winners.ca. Clutch, callitspring.com.
Right: Top, $75, gapcanada.ca. Pants, $124, and faux-fur scarf, bananarepublic.ca. Earrings, aldoshoes.com. Watch, michaelkors.ca. 

3. HEAVY METAL

Whether they're in cool silver of rich gold, metallic styles can be found everywhere. Try this shiny trend by means of silver slacks or a gilded skirt.

Wear a little (left)

Take an artful approach to metallic threads with a mash-up of unexpected materials, then prepare to rake in the compliments all day (and all night) long.

Wear a lot (right)

You know what pairs great with gilt? More gold. No, seriously. The trick to brining these metallic fabrics together is to choose different textures in slightly different tones. The warmth and the sheen help make the outfit cohesive. 

Left: Sweater, $159, linethelabel.com. Pants, $39, joefresh.com. Earrings, bananarepublic.ca. Watch, swarovski.com. Clutch, callitspring.com. Shoes, express.com.
Right: Blouse, $130, winners.ca. Skirt, $90, gapcanada.ca. Earrings, bag, and shoes, aldoshoes.com. Bracelets, hillbergandberk.com.

4. VELVET CRUSH

A perennial holiday favourite, this luxurious, cold weather-friendly fabric instantly elevates dresses, blazers and blouses, giving them an air of romance.

Wear a little

A slightly oversize navy velvet camisole worn with a graceful skirt lends a delicate dose of holiday glam.

Top, $60, loft.com. Babaton skirt, $165, aritzia.com. Choker and bracelet, bananarepublic.ca. Clutch, express.com.

Wear a lot

Go big or go home in head-to-toe velvet by pairing a ruby-red blazer with dagger-shaped lapels and swooshing bell-bottoms.

Michael Michael Kors blazer, $355, and pants, $195, michaelkors.ca. Blouse, $34, joefresh.com. Earrings and rings, alsoshoes.com. Brooch, bananarepublic.ca. 

5. AMAZING LACE

This refined fabric walks the line between coquettish and conservative. Its timeless essence adds a little drama and gives new life to just about any outfit.

Wear a little

This ultrafeminine fabric—once reserved for the boudoir, weddings and, well, doilies—has come a long way. Work this ladylike material into everyday attire as a dainty trim.

Tuxedo blazer, $240, and clutch, bananarepublic.ca. Blouse, $95, tristanstyle.com. Michael Michael Kors culottes, $195, michaelkors.ca. Earrings and shoes, aldoshoes.com. Ring, swarovski.com. 

Wear a lot

Upgrade your little black dress to a jewel-tone lace frock. The magenta hue is every bit as dramatic as black but less predictable. 

Gabby Skye dress, $128, thebay.com. Earrings and clutch, aldoshoes.com. Ring, bananarepublic.ca.