How To Wear Cargo Pants: 5 Tips From Our Editors

Cargos are super. freaking. versatile. So much so that we wanted to do a little dive deep into styling ’em. Not only can cargo pants be dressed up or down, but they’re a great (mayyybe more comfortable?) alternative to jeans, too. They’re also more casual (and street-friendly?) than trousers, and the utilitarian details make them functional while looking stylish. A+.

The cargo pants we’re seeing now have a nostalgic nod to the ‘90s, but we hesitate to call cargos simply a “trend”. Cargo pants tend to be a wearable and practical choice period, and, even as a trend, they tend to be pretty long-lasting. Honestly, we’d argue that cargo pants are classics – we’ve been wearing and covering them in some form or another since 2016(!!), but there’s no doubt they’re especially trending for fall 2024.

The Best Cargo Pants For 2024 + 5 Styling Tips From Our Editors

If you’re in the market for a new pair of cargos, you’re in luck – there are a ton to choose from right now. Be picky! And take into consideration how you’ll wear this supremely versatile pant the most. Not only are they a good replacement for shorts in summer, but they handle the tricky shoulder seasons with ease, and look just as good with boots in the winter.

Shop Our Favorite Cargo Pants

For 2024, there’s a wide range of cute cargo pants in a variety of styles, lengths and textures: flowy wide-leg cargo pants, joggers, or the classic straight-leg. Additionally, one can opt for cargo pants in linen, denim, parachute, or silk. (Technically, you can also find cargo pants in wool…but they’re not practical for year-round use.)

Five pairs of cargo pants that the team currently owns & loves are 1) this denim pair from Reformation (also at Nordstrom), 2) Kat’s cool-girl pair by Good American, 3) this lightweight Gap pair that Amy loves, 4) this comfy Wit + Wisdom pair that Laura was pleasantly surprised with (like… all pros, no cons) and 5) this under $50 jogger pair that Anne found.

Shop Neutral-Toned Cargos

Shop Green-Hued Cargos

Shop Dark-Colored Cargos

Here are some cargo-styling tips from our team of Editors…

Tip 1: Go Monochromatic and Make Them “Work” 9-5

Depending on how you choose to style them, cargo pants are practically perfect to wear in most work environments. Pair wide-leg cargos with a top in a close color to give the look of a matching set. Add some chic, simple earrings & heeled mules and the whole look is elevated. Or pair with loafers for a more classic look.

Tip 2: Play Around With Texture & Shape

Offset the casual vibe of cargo pants by dressing them up with fancier elements — ex: a silky top + loafers or clogs.

Or get a pair in an unexpected fabric like silk (or satin): A wide-leg silhouette will read leg-lengthening, and a jogger style will read sporty & unexpected in such a luxe fabric.

Tip 3: Replace Your Shorts

Sworn off the shorts? There are cargo pants in all sorts of summer-friendly fabrics that will keep you cool & covered. Try linen or Tencel and style them like Scotti did, with a basic tank & flip-flops.

You can also pair your summer-y cargos with a lightweight cami or tee, and fresh sneakers. Going to dinner? Throw on cute slides or mules and add a fun layer to battle the AC.

Tip 4: Balance The Silhouette (And Try The Wrong Shoe Theory)

Since cargos tend to be baggier, pair them with something more fitted (doesn’t have to be tight!) on top. Or, alternately, you can pair them with a flowy or oversized top to make the cargo pants feel less bulky.

Cargo pants always look good paired with clean, white sneaks, but try the “Wrong Shoe Theory” and pair them with sleeker shoes like sexy sandals or ballet flats for an unexpected take.

Tip 5: Wear Them For Date Night

Pair your cargo pants with a cropped blazer, a pretty little top + something heeled (or sneakers for comfort). Add a small going out bag (even beaded or feathers) and you’ve got a perfect date-night outfit.

We also love the idea of something like a pair of not-so-fancy checkered Vans with a cropped, striped blazer and silk cami for a more nonchalant vibe.

And here are some articles we’ve written about cargo pants for even more outfit inspo…

Jess’ 5 Workwear Outfits With Cargo Pants

Read it here.

Julieta’s Chic Cargo Pants (Think: Sophisticated, Not Slouchy)

Read it here.

Laura’s Denim’s Cooler Sister: These Cargo Jeans, A Year-Round Closet Staple

Read it here.

Danielle’s Trend Alert: Styling Cargo Pants 5 Ways

Read it here.

Kat’s The Parachute Pants That I Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop Wearing

Read it here.

Go cargos, go cargos!

Xo, Team TME