The Final Touch : Accessories can resurrect tired outfits as the party season approaches.

Few women have the money to outfit themselves in entirely new party outfits every holiday season. Smart ones know that one way to change the look of existing dresses, pantsuits and other festive ensembles is by adding a few key accessories.

All it takes is a little know-how and a careful eye to pick up on which accessories can transform previously worn outfits into something that not only looks but feels new. By starting with a few basic pieces--a simple tunic, a pair of pants or a slim crinkle skirt--a variety of looks can be created by adding a variety of accessories.

Scarves are one of the newest ways to update dressy dinner suits or evening pantsuits. Velvet oblong shapes are especially popular this holiday season, according to June Rau, fashion coordinator for Nordstrom’s L.A. region. Another item sure to transform simple sportswear into an elegant party look are the elegant velvet sashes that can be worn around the hips.

Some are wide and long enough to function as stoles, serving as an ideal wrap for a cool evening. Others are worn around the neck like mufflers. Add a scarf to a tunic worn with a pair of black velvet pants to a winter white blazer you may easily wear to the office with other separates, and you have a dignified yet festive after-hours office-party ensemble. A variety of festive crinkle pleated scarves, favored this season by designers such as Calvin Klein, are also being worn with tunics and pants or matching crinkle skirts.

Velvet purses, hats and gloves are among the most important finishing touches for the holidays. Panne velvet gloves in deep black and lively teal are holiday party season offerings at Nordstrom for as little as $18. At Accessory Lady in Sherman Oaks Fashion Square, necklace news is the big holiday headliner. A mass of necklaces ideally sets off the long crushed velvet dresses currently lining the fashion racks, said manager Mary Beth Hilliard. Combine shorter chokers layered with charms and add long beaded necklaces for a crescendo of jewels. Bullock’s also has an ample selection of jet black glass bead necklaces and earrings.

Almost every accessory store in the Valley will offer chokers and earrings for the holidays. Many incorporate the crosses and other Celtic symbols so popular now. At Accessory Lady, many chokers and matching earrings are covered in velvet, while others are adorned with rhinestones and pearls. Celtic jewelry styles are also in hot demand at The Icing stores, according to Mary Hering, store manager. Here and in the boutique’s Topanga Plaza store, glitzy accessories of all types are the specialty. Austrian crystal earrings and pins, beaded vests and 1920s-influenced drawstring bags are among the other hot accessories for the holidays. Prices at The Icing range from $20 to $150.

Velvet is also taking shape on handbags. Drawstring and more structured “hard-body” styles are an understated respite from the gaudy beaded bags so popular in the ‘80s. I. Magnin and The Broadway are also showcasing a variety of velvet bags for the holidays.

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On occasions when hats may be appropriate, Accessory Lady offers velvet flop styles enhanced with flowers and bows. More classic headbands adorned with beads, sequins, pearls and gold lace sell for $10 to $50, and are favored by more traditional women and young girls who enjoy hair adornments but shy away from the full-blown drama of a hat. For wilder--and bolder--Western souls, The Icing accessory shops in Glendale Galleria and Topanga Plaza offer gold cowboy hats trimmed in rhinestones and sporty baseball style caps. While neither may be appropriate for black tie, they are designed to lend a dazzling flair to any creative or hip-hop party look. Nordstrom offers damask berets as casual yet festive party accessories.

Whatever the party look desired for the holidays, Rau said one of the most important criteria when coordinating is to add jewelry, hats and other items in moderation to avoid the “Christmas tree” look.

“The key to accessorizing in a modern way is to follow the cues of this simple season,” she said. “Accessories need to remain understated to keep the look elegant.”