https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-modern-classic-jeans Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 07 May 2026 01:20:47 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-modern-classic-jeans/page/2#post-948594 Wed, 05 Jun 2013 01:42:56 +0000 K. Period. 948594@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Una, I'm average height: 5' 5" if I stand up very straight. &nbsp;Not trying to push you into bootcuts, just a thought about height and proportion as it affects boot cuts. &nbsp;Too wide a leg is not my best look either. That's why I don't wear trouser jeans without a heel or platform. &nbsp;Too stumpifying! &nbsp;And you do not have wide ankles, you goof. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-modern-classic-jeans/page/2#post-948588 Wed, 05 Jun 2013 01:31:42 +0000 Jaime 948588@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Both classic but the straight legs look more modern to me? I can not remember seeing a single person in real life in&nbsp;bootcuts (myself excluded) in ages. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-modern-classic-jeans/page/2#post-948582 Wed, 05 Jun 2013 01:19:33 +0000 catgirl 948582@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>K, you are tall, yes?&nbsp; I feel like bootcuts don't give me enough distance between wide areas (shoulder and ankles) - rather, they make me look stumpy and like a rectangle sucking in its guts.&nbsp; I feel my absolute &nbsp;frumpiest in them.&nbsp; Hard to explain, and I have no doubt you look fab!&nbsp; I do wear my Joe's Provocateurs which in petite are not as overwhelming. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-modern-classic-jeans/page/2#post-948580 Wed, 05 Jun 2013 01:09:27 +0000 Jamie 948580@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmmm. &nbsp;So interesting. &nbsp;I think I'd have to go with straight legs as the modern classic. &nbsp;Actually, I'm not exactly sure why, but I tend to think of cut as the original. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-modern-classic-jeans/page/2#post-948524 Tue, 04 Jun 2013 23:47:14 +0000 Caro in Oz 948524@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>imo there is a difference between a trouser style boot cut in a dark wash - which could be modern classic &amp; a more casual lighter wash boot cut which would go in &amp; out of fashion. In other words I'm not sure :)&nbsp;I'm with Una on boot cuts though I don't like them on me - I'd rather try to make my shoulders look smaller than "balance my hips".&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-modern-classic-jeans/page/2#post-948522 Tue, 04 Jun 2013 23:39:40 +0000 rachylou 948522@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm going to go with straight legs as classic. The modern classic take would be maybe dark wash and the importance of pocket stitching.</p> <p>Boot cuts are genre. Classic genre maybe, but still genre and thus not classic. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-modern-classic-jeans/page/2#post-948494 Tue, 04 Jun 2013 22:57:08 +0000 DonnaF 948494@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jeans started off as menswear.&nbsp; Straight legs have been around forever, but have varied in how tight they are worn.&nbsp; Around 45 - 50 years ago, I remember that boys would have their mom take in (peg) the legs because skinnies weren't sold.&nbsp; I guess straight legs must have been loose enough to fit boots underneath until bootcuts were invented!</p> <p>For women, I would say that straight legs are definitely modern classic, and that bootcuts have more recently become modern classic, what with the variations of baby boots, flares, and wide legs. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-modern-classic-jeans/page/2#post-948493 Tue, 04 Jun 2013 22:56:06 +0000 K. Period. 948493@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>WARNING: Hijack ahead!&nbsp;</p> <p>That's really interesting, Una. &nbsp;I'm an IT like you and I like bootcuts a lot, even though they aren't really in my rotation right now. &nbsp;I like that they take my slim hips and give me curves to balance out my shoulders. &nbsp;The only jeans that I have that my DH says are hot are bootcuts. I bet you would love a baby bootcut. &nbsp;The width of the bootcut on most is probably overwhelming you. &nbsp;Lucky makes a great one called the Cate. &nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-modern-classic-jeans/page/2#post-948474 Tue, 04 Jun 2013 22:30:40 +0000 catgirl 948474@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>As I've said before, I've never understood why bootcuts are considered flattering for all... they are great on tall leggy skinny gals, but on me I am very cautious.</p> <p>But back to your question - I think straight leg is more modern classic because more universally wearable. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-modern-classic-jeans/page/2#post-948466 Tue, 04 Jun 2013 22:03:25 +0000 Rambling Ann 948466@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz, I just remembered that when I first brought them home, my mother saying she wore the same style in high school. She had special wire stretchers that she dried them on to put a crease in them. I think you can still buy those stretchers online at Lehmans. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-modern-classic-jeans/page/2#post-948464 Tue, 04 Jun 2013 21:55:38 +0000 Suz 948464@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>LOL, I was right there with you with those 501s, Ann!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-modern-classic-jeans/page/2#post-948460 Tue, 04 Jun 2013 21:51:16 +0000 Rambling Ann 948460@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>When I was in high school in the late 70's, the trendy girls wore the new designer jeans. Oh for a pair of Sassoon or&nbsp;Sergio Valentes, which were not in the household budget. The rest of us not on the cheerleading squad or with daddy's credit card&nbsp;wore the 501s, straight legs, so to me that's the classic. What makes a classic modern is something I am trying to understand myself. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-modern-classic-jeans/page/2#post-948427 Tue, 04 Jun 2013 21:19:18 +0000 RoseandJoan 948427@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>For me straight legs are the ultimate modern classic style because of their longevity, bootcuts boomed in the 90's and then became ubiquitous and are now deemed as&nbsp;dated in <b>some</b> circles. I think bootcuts will become modern classics in due course but they are not there yet. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-modern-classic-jeans#post-948426 Tue, 04 Jun 2013 21:17:08 +0000 Thistle 948426@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I really think it is both, but not the exagerated bootcut or the very skinny straightleg.</p> <p>I also agree that the modern classic component has a great deal to do witht he wash than the silhoutte. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-modern-classic-jeans#post-948423 Tue, 04 Jun 2013 21:13:20 +0000 Gaylene 948423@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think Shannon's point about geography is important. A baby bootcut is definitely <b>the</b> classic cut when it comes to western wear because a jean needs to fit over a western riding boot. Tucking one's jeans into a western riding boot makes the rodeo crowd double over with laughter, even though the Calgary Stampede finally gave its OK to tucking for its queen and princesses a year ago. Those poor girls were so happy to finally stop tugging their skinnies over their boots!</p> <p>That said, after 50 odd years of wearing jeans, I'd second Ceit's vote for the straight cut as the modern classic. I can't think of an era in which straights haven't been acceptable; maybe not the most fashionable or trendiest cut, but still acceptable. Flares, bootcuts, wide-legs, and skinnies have all had their time in the spotlight but straights have always been a functional runner-up if you wanted (or needed) a different silhouette. Even my cowboy friends will accept a straight cut as a reasonable alternative--and they are a merciless crowd when it comes to their jeans. </p> <p>ETA:&nbsp; A 100-year-old pair of Levis sure looks like a baggy straight leg to my eye!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-modern-classic-jeans#post-948420 Tue, 04 Jun 2013 21:10:15 +0000 Suz 948420@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, you are probably right, Angie. But I'm thinking of James Dean and Marilyn Monroe -- those 50s looks, you know?&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-modern-classic-jeans#post-948418 Tue, 04 Jun 2013 21:06:40 +0000 Angie 948418@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So interesting, Suz! I think of flared jeans (much more flared than bootcuts) and straight legs are the iconic looks - and not BF jeans. Wasn't the first pair of jeans a straight leg? I'm not sure. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-modern-classic-jeans#post-948417 Tue, 04 Jun 2013 21:06:24 +0000 Anonymous 948417@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That is what I would say! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-modern-classic-jeans#post-948414 Tue, 04 Jun 2013 21:02:04 +0000 Suz 948414@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think I'm with Unfrumped. It's jeans that are classic -- and the particular cut or cuts (or washes, for that matter)&nbsp;that will seem "modern" will vary a bit with the times. Right now, I'd say both straights and boot cuts are "modern classic" with skinnies edging into that territory as well, while BFs are still in the "trend" category. Even though BF jeans are kind of an iconic look in themselves.&nbsp;</p> <p>Wow, it's like asking how many angels dance on the head of a pin!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-modern-classic-jeans#post-948412 Tue, 04 Jun 2013 20:59:20 +0000 Angie 948412@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So Tex, straight legs are modern classic, and bootcuts are classic? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-modern-classic-jeans#post-948411 Tue, 04 Jun 2013 20:58:16 +0000 texstyle 948411@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I definitely think the straight legs are more modern classic than the bootcuts. Esp. in this example.&nbsp;To me bootcut jeans are classic but don't feel particularly modern to me right now. They aren't very practical in the dirt/dust either. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-modern-classic-jeans#post-948410 Tue, 04 Jun 2013 20:56:34 +0000 Angie 948410@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>K, that's interesting! I think of modern classics as neither waxing nor waning - but holding the same solitary position in style - although always being updated to suit the the fashion era. </p> </p> <p>And I said before, silhouettes get very tricky to label when modern classics become trendy. Then what! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-modern-classic-jeans#post-948407 Tue, 04 Jun 2013 20:52:03 +0000 Angie 948407@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great thoughts, unfrumped! I think of skinnies (and straight legs actually - which is why I keep on moving backwards and forwards on my opinion) as a long running trend. I think of bootcuts - a modern classic - as in style but not on trend. </p> <p>AND THEN THINGS GET EVEN TRICKIER when <b><i>modern classics become trendy</i></b> - like the Equipment style blouse, moto jacket, simple blazers and pointy toe pumps. </p> <p>I don't think there is a right or wrong answer. It's a fun academic discussion - that's all </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-modern-classic-jeans#post-948404 Tue, 04 Jun 2013 20:45:49 +0000 K. Period. 948404@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmmm. You are making me really think this over even more, Angie! &nbsp;I don't think I put my thumb on it the first go. &nbsp;</p> <p>I think of a classic as timeless and&nbsp;iconic to some degree. &nbsp;To me, classic means shapes that form part of our style vocabulary. &nbsp;Turtle/polo necks, crew necks, v-necks,&nbsp;scoop necks, boat necks. Wrap dress, sheath dress, fit and flare dress. &nbsp;A-line skirt, pencil skirt, etc. &nbsp;Classics wax and wain because they don't always dominate the style scene, but you can usually find "current"&nbsp;adaptations of them to let you continue to wear them. &nbsp;For example, a&nbsp;few years ago when&nbsp;a-lines were "the" shape, it was harder to find pencil skirts. &nbsp;However, you could find them, but with a slightly more flared shape than the classic. That adaptation let them skim by and look current. &nbsp;It converted the classic into a modern classic adaptation. &nbsp;</p> <p>And all this is entirely only reflecting my on disjointed thinking and theories--I claim absolutely no credibility in making this distinction!!! :)&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-modern-classic-jeans#post-948402 Tue, 04 Jun 2013 20:41:42 +0000 unfrumped 948402@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It is confusing to me much of the time.</p> <p>Yes, I see the drawbacks of bootcuts in wet climates. And I have likely been able to sit out the skinnies and tall boots because I'm in a mild climate, so while I could aim to get them to create a more modern outfit, they're not essential to winter survival, if something else is more flattering or just more practical for more seasons of wear.</p> <p>I've read&nbsp; &nbsp;your post(s) on what is classic, and why a vintage or ? I forget the&nbsp; term, special statement item, can be worn as-is, the exact item. sometimes for decades while other "classic" items need to be updated.</p> <p>For example, a blazer is classic, but are all blazers classic? So is it jeans that are classic and ultimately&nbsp;any one of &nbsp;the shapes could be given the heave-ho and be considered not-classic according to the trends?&nbsp;As in whether&nbsp;bootcuts are not classic but are a long-running trend. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-modern-classic-jeans#post-948397 Tue, 04 Jun 2013 20:34:35 +0000 Angie 948397@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>K! I missed your comment - sorry. Ah! So how does a classic wax and wain in popularity? And do you mean that shorts that are 3 to 5 inches and skinnies are a modern classic? </p> <p>You are very cute, abc </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-modern-classic-jeans#post-948389 Tue, 04 Jun 2013 20:28:53 +0000 abc 948389@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If you take the styling variable out then the quesiton is way harder! &nbsp;I guess that is why you are a super stylist, you throw hard questions out there for us to ponder.</p> <p>Now that I am thoroughly stumped I am going to think about it for a while and see if I can make sense of this...it is a really good question and a tough one to answer.</p> <p>Funny about our same-time posts earlier </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-modern-classic-jeans#post-948384 Tue, 04 Jun 2013 20:24:36 +0000 Angie 948384@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Diana, abc, and Janet - ultimately EVERYTHNG depends on how it is styled. A funky 20 something will take a pair of "Mom Jeans" and style it with lots of fashion forward spunk and become an it-style-icon on the Sartorialist. Those hectically dated jeans suddenly became fashion forward because of how they were styled. </p> <p>Sooooooo, my question is, can't we take the styling variable out of the equation? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-modern-classic-jeans#post-948379 Tue, 04 Jun 2013 20:19:37 +0000 Janet 948379@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Abc said what I was thinking. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-about-modern-classic-jeans#post-948374 Tue, 04 Jun 2013 20:14:52 +0000 Diana 948374@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think of them both as "classic" and the "modern" is how you style them.<br />Relatedly, the wash is as important or more so than the cut in projecting a particular type of style, if you ask me.&nbsp; So for modern classic it would be dark or medium wash, very clean, no distressing or whiskering. </p>