Red alert! (Literally.) Timothee Chalamet just wore a red halter top on the red carpet of the Venice Film Festival. Of course, it was Hader Ackerman. And of course, it broke the internet. But before you go trying to replicate this at Clandestino (but if you’re set on getting the look: scour eBay or Depop for “satin halter tops” — you’re welcome), don’t get intimidated. You can still dress like yourself while dressing to impress. All it takes is a pair of Levi’s Jeans.

The state of men’s fashion is ambiguous at best. It used to be simple. Tucked in shirt, shined shoes, and combed hair. Now, none of the rules apply.

He ate … but at what costvia Shutterstock

Brad Pitt has been showing up on red carpets in neon and sneakers. Gatekeepers of men’s fashion are holding tête-à-têtes in Dimes Square, arguing about whether Sambas are dead or not. And everyone seems to be wearing Crocs or New Balances. You might think this chaotic energy should be fun and playful. But, honestly, it’s confusing. With this abundance of options, how is anyone supposed to know how to dress?

And here’s the thing: how you dress matters more than ever. The age of TikTok microtrends is not just a major influence on women’s fashion. How bout that indecipherable world of Avant basic, old money/dark academia, or whatever, and then there’s everything in between. But these microtrends are changing how we think about fashion. Expressing yourself through clothes is an art. And the world’s raising the stakes.

Everywhere you look, someone’s showing off their fit pics and posting about how to elevate your style. Who knew there were so many ways to wear tee shirts? And so many are wrong. And every guy you see on the street these days is pairing their 70s-inspired handlebar mustache with ironic trucker hats and trying not to look like an asshole. And you are here, confused.

Then you have male celebrities throwing fits we can’t hope to keep up with. Comparing yourself with any celebrity is a losing game — especially loser celebs. But suddenly, you’re scrolling through GQ’s Instagram and saving outfit pictures of Joe Jonas, Jonah Hill, and Oscar Issac all in the same breath. This is what it’s come to in this bewildering but exhilarating race to look decent.

Despite the likes of Harry Styles, Timothee Chalamet, and Lil Nas X boosting the game on every red carpet, there’s still hope for you. And, believe it or not, there’s no need to disavow the basics in pursuit of the ephemeral “good style.”

The basics: a white tee (a la Carmy from The Bear) and a pair of blue jeans. Levis, of course.

Let’s face it: Levi’s jeans are truly one of the greatest American inventions. A fine pair of jeans is a staple in any wardrobe — no matter how much or how little you care about fashion. No matter where you fall on the fashion-obsessed spectrum, there’s a right and a wrong way to wear jeans.

The wrong way: anything uncomfortable. That’s right! Contrary to popular opinion, jeans should actually be comfortable. My personal favorites are essentially sweatpants — roomy, worn in, and suitable for any activity. I wear them on international flights, long car rides, and nights out alike. And of course, they’re my Levi’s.

Levi’s are a classic for a reason: they only get better with age. How they look depends on how you style them. But their quality brings together any fit. So don’t overthink it. Buy a pair of Levi’s.

Amongst all the outrageous street style and red carpet ensembles your faves are rocking, there’s remains a place in this sartorial humdrum for jeans. Don’t believe it? Here are some fits that prove there’s a style for everyone — and provide inspo about which Levi’s to buy:

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All products featured are independently selected by our editors. Things you buy through our links may earn us a commission.