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 dated in some circles. I think bootcuts will become modern classics in due course but they are not there yet.

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 Sergio Valentes, which were not in the household budget. The rest of us not on the cheerleading squad or with daddy's credit card 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.

LOL, I was right there with you with those 501s, Ann!

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.

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.

But back to your question - I think straight leg is more modern classic because more universally wearable.

WARNING: Hijack ahead!

That's really interesting, Una. I'm an IT like you and I like bootcuts a lot, even though they aren't really in my rotation right now. I like that they take my slim hips and give me curves to balance out my shoulders. The only jeans that I have that my DH says are hot are bootcuts. I bet you would love a baby bootcut. The width of the bootcut on most is probably overwhelming you. Lucky makes a great one called the Cate.

Jeans started off as menswear. Straight legs have been around forever, but have varied in how tight they are worn. Around 45 - 50 years ago, I remember that boys would have their mom take in (peg) the legs because skinnies weren't sold. I guess straight legs must have been loose enough to fit boots underneath until bootcuts were invented!

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.

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.

Boot cuts are genre. Classic genre maybe, but still genre and thus not classic.

imo there is a difference between a trouser style boot cut in a dark wash - which could be modern classic & a more casual lighter wash boot cut which would go in & out of fashion. In other words I'm not sure 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".

Hmmm. So interesting. I think I'd have to go with straight legs as the modern classic. Actually, I'm not exactly sure why, but I tend to think of cut as the original.

K, you are tall, yes? 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. I feel my absolute frumpiest in them. Hard to explain, and I have no doubt you look fab! I do wear my Joe's Provocateurs which in petite are not as overwhelming.

Both classic but the straight legs look more modern to me? I can not remember seeing a single person in real life in bootcuts (myself excluded) in ages.

Una, I'm average height: 5' 5" if I stand up very straight. Not trying to push you into bootcuts, just a thought about height and proportion as it affects boot cuts. Too wide a leg is not my best look either. That's why I don't wear trouser jeans without a heel or platform. Too stumpifying! And you do not have wide ankles, you goof.