Update: This post was originally published on May 17, 2015.
It's Look Like A Fashion Person 101: Wear a pair of single-soled pumps with a pair of well-loved jeans, and you're set. It almost doesn't matter what you have on top; with a ratty T-shirt or a couture blouse, the combination of jeans and pumps gives your outfit a "on my way to a fashion show" verve.
And, while there are lots of ways to mix and match jeans with heels, there are a few rules to follow, too. The following six people have mastered the balance. Click through to soak in their secrets — and then give the style trick a spin for yourself.
Don't shy away from layering a dress over the jeans.
Photographed by Victoria Adamson.
A double cuff on the bottom of Garance Dore's skinny jeans shows off the most important ingredient in this recipe: the ankles.
Photographed by Christian Vierig.
The baggier your pants, the more severe your shoes should be.
Photographed by Christian Vierig.
A low-cut pump is essential. Start embracing your toe cleavage!
Photographed by Christian Vierig.
A nude pair of pumps gives your legs the Stretch Armstrong treatment.
Photographed by Christian Vierig.
If you go for a mule or bootie, make sure your ankles are still out on in the open.
Photographed by Christian Vierig.
No jeans are too oversized for this styling trick. Embrace a wide cuff to show off the shoes, and play with proportions by sporting a billowy, printed blouse up top.
Photographed by Victoria Adamson.
Balance embellished jeans with classic nude heels.
Photographed by Victoria Adamson.
Try a bootie-style heel with some distressed jeans.
Coco Chanel would approve.
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
What Was Life Before Cropped Jeans?