Standing at a Ted Leo performance in Chicago's Union Park last summer and listening to a speech this winter in Neve Ilan, Israel, I was greeted with the same disconcerting comment: "I love your column, but I don't think it helps me much." That I have international fame is irrelevant, but the fact that some think my column only speaks to those who already have some fashion sense-and is useless for those "beyond hope," in anyone's opinion-concerns me.

2007 is the year for you. It's the year you can have agency over your appearance. That doesn't mean you have to look like Angelina Jolie on the latest cover of Vogue, or any of the other 49 best-dressed individuals in that issue. It means you can feel empowered to wear things that make you feel comfortable, confident and creative. Below is my advice for the new year:

Do: Be optimistic. This is essential to keep in mind when shopping or putting together an outfit. Being optimistic means trying things on because there's a good chance they will look good. It also means that when something doesn't work, you trust that a different size, cut or color will look better. Knowing things will get better is the best way to make them do so.

Don't: Be cocky, especially when it comes to sizes. There's nothing worse than a man who picks up a pair of 34-waist jeans, doesn't try them on only to realize later that they're too small, but insists on wearing them because "34 is his size." This looks foolish, can't be comfortable and is painfully easy to remedy. Don't fall into the trap of being inflexible with sizing: Never trust a manufacturer to be consistent.

Do: Friendship. True friends will tell you when there's something you can do to improve your appearance. Even I-incredible as it may seem-have days when I wear something that looks just atrocious, and if I ask a friend how it looks, he or she would be wise to tell me the truth.

Don't: Try to compete. Take the skinny jean, for example. It's a trend, and it's a hot one. But it's completely useless if you don't have a body that's the right shape. So if some of your friends are pulling off the super-skinny True Religions with black pumps and a velvet blazer this winter, try going for a look that's equally trendy in a different way, or go completely opposite! Sticking with the traditional is a good way to be recognized as "well-dressed" because you're never taking risks you shouldn't.

Do: One Cosmopolitan. It's classy and sweet, it's not entirely alcohol like a martini (though those are good, too), and most importantly, it tastes really good and won't make you sick. If you're channeling Carrie from Sex and the City, which is usually appropriate if you want to be more fashionable, and if you "are what you eat," then one cosmopolitan is the perfect way to start the new year.

Don't: Do a keg stand for an hour. This is just unattractive, even if you do look like Angelina Jolie.

Do: Take care of yourself. This means sleeping, eating well, exercising, brushing and flossing your teeth and limiting stress. You might feel too busy for these, but if it's any motivation, you will get acne, greasy hair and bags under your eyes. Taking care of yourself will not only make you look better, it will also make you feel better, which is paramount, because looks are primarily emotional. If you feel confident, you will exude confidence and that's what the majority of men and women find attractive.

So it's clear that we're starting a new year and, hopefully, starting it off right. What we so often forget is how much our appearance can vary. Even the most beautiful people have days when they don't look great, and the fact is, appearance is important because it's a reflection of ourselves-often the only one people get to know.

So get up, get dressed and welcome 2007 with confidence!