Looking smart used to be a lot easier.

Early on, those who mastered the loincloth were thought quite advanced. Whale bone corsets, tiny tricky buttons, and powdered wigs have all made their statements over the years.

Nowadays it takes extra special gear to show you’re sharp without actually being a show off.

Meet the purveyors of intellectual chic, Milk. In a space decked out with symbols of the old-world jet set (vintage books, suitcases, a giant old map, and W. Somerset Maugham quotes on the wall), the clothes speak to the head of the class.

Derek Lam, Anna Molinari, Missoni, Aquascutum, and Philosophy share the racks with Geren Ford, Giulia Piersanti, and Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent. Alice McCall from Australia and Sretsis from Bangkok have been flown in to mix with Patricia Underwood hats and headbands, Laurence Dacade shoes, and Alexis Bittar jewels — as well as denim from Bramm and Siwy and an exquisite selection of vintage Chanel, YSL, and Christian Dior. For men: Cacharel, Loomstate, and sneaks from U.K.’s Double Identity.

It’s all you need to look brilliant day in and day out.

Minus the pocket protector, of course.

Milk, 8209 West Third Street, between Harper and La Jolla Avenues (323-951-0330).