New Year, New Wardrobe!

A white jacket is fresher than black

Button a black jacket over your dress and look like you borrowed your date's—or do the bright thing and opt for a white one (Calvin Klein, $119). To 35-year-old environmentalist and social activist Kate Dillon, style is a reflection of your personality. "Black can make you look funereal. White is so much more joyful," she says. The softly sculpted drape front flatters all shapes and works well with this floral silk-blend dress (Marina Rinaldi, $735).

Necklace, Mawi.