Cargo Pants Are Cool Again—Here’s How to Style Them

Somedays, it seems like there’s really nothing left from the 90s and early aughts that hasn’t come back into fashion yet. Bucket hats, low-rise jeans, claw clips…you name the nostalgic clothing or accessory and it’s pretty much guaranteed that it’s once again trendy. Cargo pants are certainly no exception to the rule. According to Chicago-based stylist Lauren Sharkey, cargos first appeared on the scene a few years ago. Originally more of a street-style piece, they’ve experienced somewhat of an evolution as of late, now a true, utilitarian workwear staple that’s increasingly accessible in a wide array of settings, she says. 

All that being said, they’re admittedly not the easiest pant to style. “Shopping and styling cargo pants requires intentionality, thanks to the unique pocket details and added material,” explains Sharkey. Ahead, a few key things to keep in mind as you style your new cargo pant look.

Consider the fabric.

Cotton, denim, wool, satin—cargo pants come in a variety of materials, says Sharkey. Yes, you’ll want to consider the setting in which you’ll be wearing them; for example, Sharkey says a cotton option is choice for casual, day-to-day wear and suggests pairing them with a white tee, barn jacket, and baseball hat. That being said, lighter materials, such as satin, will drape differently on the leg and ultimately add less bulk than more stiff fabrics, notes designer Nicole Miller. 

Pay attention to pocket placement.

Historically, cargo pockets fall on the sides of the pant, but they can also be forward facing on the hips, Sharkey notes. (And some styles may actually have pockets in both places.) Ultimately, this is truly a ‘try-on and see’ situation in order to determine what’s most flattering for you.

Think about the length.

Cargos can be full-length or cropped. According to Miller, more cropped, shorter versions are preferable if you’re planning on wearing any type of heel. (More on shoe choice in a moment.) “Adjustments to the leg are always helpful for styling in various ways,” she adds. Ones with a drawstring at the bottom ensure the pants can be tightened or loosened based on the shoe you’re wearing. To that point…

Choose a streamlined shoe.

“It’s key to dress around cargo pants in terms of proportions,” says Sharkey. When it comes to footwear, that means minimal shoes are ideal. “No chunky sneakers or platform loafers. Lean into a feminine flat, perhaps with mesh, bow, or Mary Jane strap details, or a narrow tennis shoe or flat loafer,” she suggests.

Maintain balanced proportions with your top.

Similarly, structured and fitted shirts are the name of the game here. For a desk-to-dinner look, Miller advises pairing a vest with more tailored cargo pants, a modern twist on standard suiting and nod to the current menswear trend. And a slightly-cropped pointelle cardigan and satin cargo pants make for a great ladies’ lunch outfit, says Shark