Popsugar Fashion Fashion Trends How to Wear Cargo Pants How Stylish People Really Wear Cargo Pants 10 April 2019 by Hannah Weil McKinley Image Source: Getty / Matthew Sperzel When I wore cargo pants in primary school, I certainly didn't look cool. When they cropped up decades later on the Spring '19 runways, I held my breath and thought, HERE WE GO AGAIN. I was not ready for this — was anyone ready for this? Maybe Jenna Lyons could show me the way. I think I saw her styling cargo pants with a sequinned blazer once, and remember thinking: I want that whole outfit. Jennifer Aniston also had a memorable run in cargo pants circa 2001. Brad Pitt may have had a matching pair, but I digress. The point is, how the heck are we supposed to wear these right now? The short answer is that Jenna Lyons and Jennifer Aniston were on to something. They transformed the utilitarian-looking pants with slim-fit t-shirts and fashion-forward frills (read: sequins and heels). If, like me, you've resisted the trend, our editors have some ideas. I also tapped into the street-style set to deliver on outfit ideas to last all season. Ahead is a veritable buffet of looks to choose from, because cargos are back and they don't have to look anything like the outfits you put together in seventh grade. Unless, of course, you want them to (and in which case, you're far cooler than I ever was). Image Source: Getty / Vanni Bassetti This take-your-cargo-pants-to-work look relies on understated separates, simple, functional footwear, and a blazer to tie it all together. 1 / 13 Image Source: Getty / Matthew Sperzel Want to keep your cargos from feeling like a blast from the past? It's all in the right cut, like this paperbag waist, and contemporary pieces like a cool tee and PVC slides to give it edge. 2 / 13 Image Source: Getty / Matthew Sperzel In a cropped cut and understated colour (like good ol' basic black), cargos are just as streamlined as your favourite slim-fit trousers, albeit infinitely cooler. Top them with an easy knit and finish with style-forward mules. 3 / 13 Image Source: Getty / Matthew Sperzel Embrace the utilitarian vibes of your cargo pants and adopt the coordinating-outerwear trend. Make it more wearable with easy footwear, like a ballet flat or simple sneaker. 4 / 13 Image Source: Getty / Christian Vierig No-fuss styling solution? Just top cargo pants with a slouchy sweater and finish with heels. 5 / 13 Image Source: Getty / Edward Berthelot Feeling fashion-forward? Top a sporty pair of cargos with a blazer and add ankle boots for the finish. 6 / 13 Image Source: Getty / Kirstin Sinclair Temper a camo-print cargo pant with a classic white button-down. 7 / 13 Image Source: Getty / Melodie Jeng . . . Or lean into the early 2000s vibes with camo cargos and a cropped top. 8 / 13 Image Source: Getty / Claudio Lavenia Neon colorways are one sure-fire way to keep the cargo-pant look fresh for a new season. Just add an ultrabright hoodie or tee to stay on theme. 9 / 13 Image Source: Getty / Christian Vierig Sophisticated cargos? That's a thing when you style neutral cargo pants with a cape and jeweled heels. 10 / 13 Image Source: Getty / Matthew Sperzel Lean into the layered look and utilitarian vibes with an army jacket and denim to top off a pair of cargo fatigues. 11 / 13 Image Source: Getty / Edward Berthelot Keep it simple with white sneakers and pared-down layers to counter old-school-feeling cargo trousers. 12 / 13 Image Source: Getty / Melodie Jeng Lighten up a heavy cargo pant and boot combo with a flash of skin and a printed blazer. 13 / 13 Fashion TrendsStyle How-ToPants