The Shoe, Jacket, and Denim Styles Every Smart Dresser Has in Their Closet

At Who What Wear, we believe that getting dressed is more art than science. Personal style is, well, personal and shouldn't be a one-size-fits-all rubric that only changes with the seasons. 

However, every savvy dresser is almost guaranteed to keep three wardrobe staples in their closet: slingback pumps, a perfectly worn-in leather jacket, and relaxed straight-leg jeans. These three items can be mixed and matched together or added to an otherwise average outfit for an instant upgrade. Trust us—these pieces don't have to be expensive to look polished. 

Ready to have effortless smart style at your fingertips? Shop a few of our favorite slingbacks, leather jackets, and jeans below, and keep them on standby for when your look calls for a hint of sophistication without becoming too haughty. 

Shop Slingback Heels

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(Image credit: @nlmarilyn)

Slingbacks easily elevate otherwise casual outfits.

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(Image credit: @sylviemus_)

Look for slingback pumps with a lower heel if you're going to wear them on the go.

Shop Leather Jackets

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(Image credit: @nlmarilyn)

A well-loved leather jacket never goes out of style—just look inside your local vintage shop.

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(Image credit: @camillecharriere)

Brown leather jackets look so unique once broken in.

Shop Straight-Leg Jeans

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(Image credit: @chrissyford)

Straight-leg jeans are a reliable choice for any outfit.

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(Image credit: @leasy_inparis)

Try pairing your favorite straight-leg jeans and T-shirt with a blazer and loafers for a polished weekend look.

Next, I've Been a Wardrobe Stylist for 10 Years—This Is My 6-Piece French Capsule

Freelance Writer

Drew Elovitz is originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, but has spent the last decade living and working in New York City. She earned a master's degree in media and popular culture from New York University, then began her career on the internet as the Twitter voice of Barbie. She worked previously at Who What Wear as the director of content strategy and also spent several years leading the social media teams at Teen Vogue and Entertainment Weekly. You'll find her byline on the site around topics such as celebrity fashion, must-have basics, beauty favorites (particularly nail polish), and wellness tips and tricks. Her personal style tends to favor the classics: She loves crisp white button-downs, sneakers, and skinny jeans—and no look is complete without a great pair of oversize sunglasses and a trusty leather jacket. After she finishes reading the entire internet every day, she can be found dining out at her favorite restaurants, trying new beauty treatments, or indulging her historical-fiction habit.