Without a doubt, the 2019 trend [1] I'm most excited about, but also most hesitant to recreate, is the 2000s pop star [2]. We saw low-slung cargos paired with slinky chainmail tops on countless runways, and the look is already being echoed in fashion campaigns, by bloggers on Instagram, and even by Kim Kardashian [3], who always seems to be one step ahead.
But when it comes to cargos, Gwen Stefani [4] has been "with it" since her No Doubt days. In 1997, she wore camo slacks to the Scream 2 Hollywood premiere with a contrast print crop top and dad sneakers, and she continued to work the style into her closet through the years, both on and off stage. In fact, Gwen just stepped out in her now-iconic cargos in LA, coordinated with a yellow turtleneck and fringe booties (perhaps a nod to the recent Western influence, or you know, Blake Shelton's country flavour [5]).
It's not that I won't try cargos, it's just that when I do, I want to get it right, flawlessly working my pants — which should have just enough slouch and give — with the right top. For that reason, I've tracked down some of Gwen's notable outfits for inspiration. I'm pinning them to my mood board, then shopping the silhouette that's rising in popularity as we speak. Cargo pants, you're actually really lovely, underneath it all.
December 2018
Gwen stepped out in tapered cargos in LA, styled with fringed booties, a yellow turtleneck, tortoise sunglasses, and a puffer tote bag.
November 2018
Gwen kept things relaxed in rolled cargos with a tropical print jacket, t-shirt, and Gucci sneakers.
January 2018
Gwen opted for a more subtle print with lace-up stiletto booties while out in LA.
May 2016
Gwen kept her cargos alive on the red carpet at 102.7 KIIS FM's Wango Tango in California. She wore a mesh embellished bodysuit underneath them.
April 2016
For an appearance on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert [7], Gwen wore a look that harked back to her No Doubt days, completing her rollover camo pants with fishnet tights, lingerie, and caged Christian Louboutin shoes.
January 2015
Gwen was spotted in LA working her trousers with a graphic hoodie and sneakers.
November 2010
Gwen wore two belts over her cargos for a daytime outing, finishing the look with knee-high boots and a leather jacket.
December 1997
Gwen joined Gavin Rothschild and wore low-slung cargo pants with a puffer coat and crop top to the Scream 2 LA premiere.
Shop Cargos
Urban Renewal Vintage Stonewashed Camo Surplus Pant [8] ($59, originally $69)
Zara Camouflage Cargo Pants
Zara Camouflage Cargo Pants [9] ($50)
Prettylittlething Cargo Pants in Camo
Prettylittlething Cargo Pants in Camo [10] ($45)
Wit & Wisdom Flex-ellent Camo Cargo Pants
Wit & Wisdom Flex-ellent Camo Cargo Pants [11] ($78)
UO Authentic Camo Cargo Pant
UO Authentic Camo Cargo Pant [12] ($69)
RE/DONE Cargo Pants
RE/DONE Cargo Pants [13] ($250)
Missguided Camo Pants With Chain
Missguided Camo Pants With Chain [14] ($64)
Boohoo Petite Camo Cargo Pants
Boohoo Petite Camo Cargo Pants [15] ($29)
Reclaimed Vintage Flecktarn Camo Pants
Reclaimed Vintage Flecktarn Camo Pants [16] ($50, originally $72)
Topshop Sonny Camouflage Corduroy Trousers
Topshop Sonny Camouflage Corduroy Trousers [17] ($40, originally $80)
New Look Camo Print Utility Pants
New Look Camo Print Utility Pants [18] ($40)