3 Ways I Styled These $50 Utility Pants With Basics and Thrifted Pieces I Already Had In My Closet

If I've said it once I've said it a thousand times, I love a good outfit repeat. Whether it's a head-to-toe look or a single piece worn multiple ways, the more wear, the better in my opinion. My recent repeats include a pretty puff-sleeve dress [1], a black jumpsuit [2], and a printed slip skirt [3] styled in various ways for the cold. Now that it's January and we're past the holiday hoopla, I'm moving on to some of the latest 2020 trends [4], starting with the utilitarian look by way of these Utility Paperbag Pants [5] ($50) from the POPSUGAR collection at Kohl's [6].

First fact: they're incredibly flattering. With a high-rise paperbag waist and self-tie belt, they're perfectly cinchable with any sort of top tucked in. Second fact: they're super soft and lightweight — quite ideal for caressing one's own leg/transitioning seasons. Third fact: the utilitarian factor is subtle, but sleek; two patch pockets sit right under the waist while a single cargo pocket lines the right leg. Fourth and final fact: they come in two utilitarian-esque-esque colours — a fawn-like khaki and jet black — plus, a floral print when the mood skews more feminine.

With such winning attributes, I put myself up to the challenge of styling these modern cargos three different ways. And not only that, I leveled-up the challenge by doing so with basics, vintage, and thrifted pieces I already had in my wardrobe (after a major de-cluttering and re-organisation of my apartment ahead of the new year, I'm so excited to "shop" my closet and give love to more pieces I already own!).

Witness my easy-to-replicate combos that feature the $50 POPSUGAR Utility Paperbag Pants [7] from the January collection [8], ahead, starting with a Pernille Teisbaek-inspired look [9] I've been dying to try since she posted the #OOTD five days ago. Not only can you then shop each of my looks head-to-toe, but also I included similar versions of the pieces I wore from online re-sale shops and affordable retailers. My 2020 outfit mantra? Style, wear, repeat.

How I Styled My Utility Pants: With Two Sweaters, White Boots, And Jewellery

For my first utility-pant go, I re-created a look I double-tapped on the 'gram but one of my favourite fashion influencers, Pernille Teisbaek [11]. Tucking in a thin grey mock-neck top into the high-rise pants, I tossed on a second sweater in a thicker fabric as an extra cosy layer. Fun, yeah? To finish, I styled in white patent boots, a vintage gold necklace, and delicate rings and bracelets as the final touch.

How I Styled My Utility Pants: With Two Sweaters, White Boots, And Jewellery

Here, a closer look at the subtle cargo vibes of these utility pants by way of the right-leg pocket.

POPSUGAR Utility Paperbag Pants

POPSUGAR Lounge Sweatshirt

POPSUGAR Lounge Sweatshirt [12] ($50)

INHABIT Wool Blend Boiled V

INHABIT Wool Blend Boiled V [13] ($238, originally $398)

POPSUGAR Balloon-Sleeve Funnel-Neck Sweater

POPSUGAR Balloon-Sleeve Funnel-Neck Sweater [14] ($50)

POPSUGAR Turtleneck Side Slit Tunic

POPSUGAR Turtleneck Side Slit Tunic [15] ($50)

MIISTA E8 Ankle Boot

MIISTA E8 Ankle Boot [16] ($128, originally $210)

Rosetta Getty Black Patent-Leather Ankle Boots

Rosetta Getty Black Patent-Leather Ankle Boots [17] ($380, originally $845)

Vintage 90s Double Link Chain Necklace

Vintage 90s Double Link Chain Necklace [18] ($32)

Aurate Infinity Ring

Aurate Infinity Ring [19] ($120)

Catbird Jewellery Her Diamond Eyes Ring

Catbird Jewellery Her Diamond Eyes Ring [20] ($274)

Mejuri Boyfriend Stacker Vermeil

Mejuri Boyfriend Stacker Vermeil [21] ($60)

Stella and Bow Nebula Ring

Stella and Bow Nebula Ring [22] ($45)

Tiary Pave Charm Hoop Earrings

Tiary Pave Charm Hoop Earrings [23] ($253)

Anne Sisteron 14KT Yellow Gold Diamond Zoe Huggie Earrings

Anne Sisteron 14KT Yellow Gold Diamond Zoe Huggie Earrings [24] ($395)

Baublebar Niata Large 18k Gold Vermeil Huggies

Baublebar Niata Large 18k Gold Vermeil Huggies [25] ($68)

Maison Miru Mini Eternity Hoop Earrings

Maison Miru Mini Eternity Hoop Earrings [26] ($44)

How I Styled My Utility Pants: With A Sweatshirt, Oversize Blazer, Black Boots, And A Bag

For my second look, I went the tailored route by layering an oversized vintage blazer (this one is a men's jacket I had taken in) over this Popsugar Relaxed Sweatshirt [27] (worn backwards!). To keep things sleek, I added in a #NewBottegaVeneta [28] crossbody bag (you can find similar styles from affordable retailers or designer versions on re-sale sites like Vestiaire Collective [29] and The RealReal [30]!), square-toe black ankle boots, and vintage-inspired jewellery like baroque pearl earrings and a twisted chain necklace.

How I Styled My Utility Pants: With A Sweatshirt, Oversize Blazer, Black Boots, And A Bag

I love how high these pants sit with enough room to cinch in thicker sweatshirts and knits!

POPSUGAR Utility Paperbag Pants

POPSUGAR Utility Paperbag Pants [31] ($50)

Kors by Michael Kors Wool Blazer

Kors by Michael Kors Wool Blazer [32] ($65)

Popsugar Relaxed Sweatshirt

Popsugar Relaxed Sweatshirt [33] ($40)

Seven Dials Nicole Mid-Calf Boots

Seven Dials Nicole Mid-Calf Boots [34] ($55, originally $70)

Mango Framework Leather Bag

Mango Framework Leather Bag [35] ($60)

Bottega Veneta Leather Handbag

Bottega Veneta Leather Handbag [36] ($800)

Lili Claspe Baroque Hoops

Lili Claspe Baroque Hoops [37] ($80)

Bonito Jewellery Da Vinci Chain Choker

Bonito Jewellery Da Vinci Chain Choker [38] ($90)

How I Styled My Utility Pants: With A Puff-Sleeve Shirt, Faux-Croc Accessories, And Jewellery

My third and final look, I went with the khaki-coloured pants and worked in another major-for-2020 trend: voluminous sleeves! For a luxe effect, I mixed in a faux-croc bag and boots and tied it all together with a pair of two-tone hoop earrings, layered bracelets, and stackable rings.