As 2009 draws to a close, we see fit to impart a little sartorial wisdom, gleaned over the course of a tumultuous 12 months. Though investing in quality classics is one of the keys to building a stellar wardrobe, it shouldn’t be undertaken only when feeling nervous about our fiscal futures—there’s a reason why certain wares are considered “timeless,” after all. Of course, tradition begs to be tempered by the edgy and idiosyncratic. While it’s perhaps still easier to justify purchasing the not-so-basics for others, we have a feeling some of these items may very well end up in your closet, too.

Though many women swear by those tried-and-true gold hoops, it’s high time standard accessories got a little quirkier. To go with your new “when the going gets tough, the tough go shopping” ethos, try Agapantha‘s one-of-a-kind, vintage Chain Fight earrings—which would really complement one of those (too) many LBDs in any given closet. Ditto Henrik Vibskov‘s kaleidoscopic, multi-color opaque tights or Camilla Skovgaard‘s fierce croc-print leather cutout sandals.

Even if your plans to gallop off into the sunset fell through this holiday season, you can still get a little equine with Fuzz‘s ivory and silver acrylic horse cuff, or do the urban incognito thing with Henri Guillet‘s black lizard and red frame shades. Eau de getaway: catch a whiff of something decidedly sweet and beachy in Henry Holland’s new Six Scents fragrance, Smell—to make it even sweeter, a portion of proceeds go to Pro-Natura, a charity supporting sustainable agriculture.

Sally‘s hand-painted white jersey scarf could easily do double duty as a cape, but we promise not to behave like children—or, in the case of Priestess NYC>‘s gold bat-wing jacket, nocturnal mammals—and try flying away. You’ll stay on the ground—and wonderfully conspicuous—when donning the latter. Speaking of making an entrance, go like Gaga with Christopher Kane for Topshop‘s mirror- and eyelet-embellished “pants”—a term we use hesitantly here.

Tired of ho-hum crewnecks? Aching for something that doesn’t resemble the sweater you rocked as part of your awesome school uniform? Ann-Sofie Back‘s merino wool zip knit cardigan is the ideal antidote to the straight and staid toppers stuffing your closet, which could also use Vanessa Bruno‘s animal print angora. Once it comes time to peel off a few layers, however, we can think of little better than Zero + Maria Cornejo‘s silk charmeuse twisted v-neck dress. Just throw one of the cardigans over it if you get cold.

If party shoes have left your poor feet with nothing to celebrate, try something without heels for once. Make sure they’re sufficiently festive of course, as with Christian Louboutin‘s Fred Flat Glitter oxford—way chicer than both CZ-encrusted bling and that Mariah Carey movie combined. Pair if you dare with Lippmann Collection‘s Happy Birthday nail laquer. Veritable party girls also need the option of having a bag that goes from day into evening: after you’ve donned your dancing shoes, convert BOYY‘s Slash Limited shoulder bag into the ultimate oversize clutch. Or vice versa, for the morning walk home. Happy Holidays indeed.

—Sarah Fones