If you haven’t noticed already, the cargo pants trend seems to be sticking around, and honestly, I am here for it. When it comes to how to style cargo pants, you first have to consider the overall look and fit of the pants. They come in so many different styles, ranging from your everyday blue denim to pastel colors. Plus, you can find them in a variety of fabrics, like dressier silk options and more relaxed cotton styles.
Whether you’re dressing for warm summer temperatures or you’re looking for a go-to outfit option to take you into the fall, cargo pants make for a great base layer. They’re easy to dress up or down and offer a “cool girl” feel that’s both effortless and fun.
You truly have endless choices for what to wear with cargo pants, but there are a few things I’ve found that always just seem to work. Here, I’m sharing exactly how to style these trendy bottoms, and I’m also including some cargo pant outfit inspo for every season and occasion.
How to Style Cargo Pants
What to Wear with Cargo Pants
Dress them up with heels.
Cargo pants can tend to lean more on the casual side of things since they have a looser fit, but there are always ways to dress them up and make them the perfect go-to for your nights out. Try adding a strappy pair of heels or a simple heeled sandal to elevate your cargo pants outfits a little bit.
Grab a statement bag.
You can never go wrong with a fun bag! We all need one to throw our necessities in anyway, so why not accessorize with a bold purse to step up your look and add a bright touch of color.
Go more casual with a baseball cap.
We all have those days where we need a cute causal outfit but don’t have time to do our hair before running out the door. In those cases, throwing on a cute baseball hat with your cargos is the perfect way to accessorize.
Pair them with a bodysuit.
If you love the look of a tucked in shirt, try pairing a bodysuit with your cargo pants. Not only is this a practical and comfy everyday outfit, but the form fitting style of a bodysuit perfectly complements the looser and more laid back feel of cargos.
Style them with white sneakers.
I don’t know about you, but white sneakers are a must in my wardrobe. They go with everything and are easy to throw on during those days when you aren’t really sure what to wear. Styling sneakers with cargo pants is a no-brainer and makes for the ideal day-to-day outfit.
Cargo Pant Outfits
Cargo Pants With Black Heels
Need a refresh on your favorite date night outfit? Try an olive pair of cargo pants with all black! Adding in black pieces is always a fail safe and sophisticated way to dress up your look. I love the simplicity of this black top, yet there is still something so unique about its cut. It seems like a piece you’d have in your wardrobe for years to come.
With a good pair of cargo pants and a staple top like this, you can accessorize with really anything, but I think some chunky silver jewelry would be perfect with this color palette. Finish off your look with a leather belt and a classic black bag to be ready for a night out.
Cargo Pants With a Sweater Vest
For my girls who love an ultra feminine look but need a change up from dresses and skirts, this one is for you. How sweet are these pink cargo pants? Pink probably wouldn’t be the first color that comes to mind when you think of cargos, but I love how girly these are.
Style them with a few staple pieces you likely already have in your closet, like a white sweater tank and a dressy white sandal. Accessorize with sunglasses, a fun leather shoulder bag, and some gold or pearl jewelry to polish off the look.
Cargo Pants With Metallic Slingbacks
If you need the perfect outfit that seamlessly transitions from day to night, look no further. You can essentially style a denim pair of cargos in a million different ways for a wide variety of occasions, but I’m loving them dressed up a little and paired with a metallic pair of slingback heels. For the top, I’d choose something a bit more form fitting since cargos tend to be a looser fit.
Add a pop of color with your bag or layer on some jewelry for the finishing touches. I don’t think there could be a better outfit for a day at work followed by a happy hour with the girls. If you need a bit more sophistication in the office, just layer a blazer over this look and you’re all set!
Cargo Pants with Sneakers
For a more relaxed way to style cargo pants, try pairing them with your favorite sneakers and a cute baseball cap. Keep this look simple on top with a basic ribbed tank, then accessorize with a stylish pair of sunglasses. Don’t forget to grab your tote bag to carry all of your essentials! This would make such a perfect airport outfit—it’s something different from the typical athleisure look while still being comfortable for a day of travel.
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