Sharpen your pencils, schoolkids. It’s time to brush up on analogies.

PERFECT JEANS : HAPPY WOMAN ::

a) ACID WASH : FAUX PAS
b) LOW RISE : THONG EXPOSURE
c) SANDBLAST : SEASONAL MISHAP
d) ELASTIC WAIST : PERENNIAL MISHAP

Stumped? No kidding.

Choosing jeans = total brainteaser.

Take a break with Salt Works, the easy answer to the confusing denim marketplace. This brainchild of jean obsessives from AG, Earl, and Paper Denim & Cloth proves that your teachers were right — diligence, practice, and attention really do pay off. The pants, available in four wearable washes and three distinct styles, have a comfy fit and all the right details (frayed hems, snap-button pockets). They’re sure to move you to the head of the class.

So, to review:

SALT JEANS : WARDROBE :: ICING : CAKE

Look who’s a smarty-pants now.

Available at E Street Denim, 1876 First Street, between Central Avenue and Elm Place (847-433-8338); Barneys, 25 East Oak Street, at Rush Street (312-587-1700); or online at scoopnyc.com.