Cargo pants have undergone a significant transformation since their heyday in the 90s. Gone are the days of brown, baggy, and pocket-heavy designs that defined this fashion staple. Today’s cargo pants come in a wide range of styles, from sleek and slim-cut to relaxed and comfortable fits, all offering a unique aesthetic. The color palette has also expanded beyond traditional earth tones, with vibrant hues like bright blue, green, and white adding a pop of personality to any outfit.
While formal or semi-formal events may not be the best showcase for cargo pants, they can be styled in numerous creative ways to elevate casual occasions, such as a night out on the town, a hike with friends, or even a dance party. Let’s explore some of the most innovative and stylish ideas for making the most of your cargo pant wardrobe.
Wear a Cropped Top with Baggy Cargo Pants
There’s a reason why pairing a cropped top with baggy cargo pants is a staple of summer street style – it looks amazing. The combo creates the perfect balance between showing off your toned physique and covering up any areas that make you self-conscious. This ‘tight top, baggy bottom’ trick not only makes you look taller but also draws attention to your best features.
Of course, not everyone can pull this off without feeling exposed, which is why it’s crucial to put in the effort to maintain a healthy lifestyle through exercise and a balanced diet. If you’re struggling to get started or need some motivation to tackle those pesky love handles, be sure to check out our article for some valuable advice and inspiration.
Black or White Tee & Long Necklace for the Casual Street Look
Elevate the simplicity of a white or black t-shirt paired with cargo pants by incorporating unexpected details that add visual interest. A long, casual necklace can be a game-changer in achieving a stylish yet laid-back look. Opt for a relaxed fit to create a comfortable and chic ensemble.
Stand Out by Wearing Cargo Pants in Bright Colors
To make a statement on a sunny day, consider donning a pair of vibrant cargo pants. While I’m not typically drawn to bold hues, I find that a brilliant blue Cargo pant combination to be particularly effective in turning heads. Other options like fire engine red or sunshine yellow can also work well, but for my taste, the humble blue cargo pants stand out without being too over-the-top.
To complete this look, a crisp white top serves as a timeless and versatile complement to the bright colored bottoms.
Wearing Cargo Pants with a Tank Top for Hiking
When venturing out on a hike, having the right gear can mean all the difference between a comfortable and enjoyable experience or an unpleasant and potentially painful one. Cargo pants, in particular, are an excellent choice for hiking due to their exceptional durability and ability to provide vital protection for your legs. For casual, easy hikes, pairing cargo pants with a tank top creates a sporty and energetic look that’s perfect for a day outdoors.
To add an extra layer of style, consider topping off the outfit with a hat in a matching color – the result is a cohesive and fashionable ensemble that’s sure to turn heads.
Wear a Blouse with Cargo Pants to Work
For those who don’t require formal attire daily, smart casual is a viable option for the workplace. By pairing a blouse with cargo pants, you can create a stylish outfit that’s both comfortable and professional. If you’re unsure which blouses complement your cargo pants best, opting for a classic white blouse is often a safe bet, as it tends to work well with most bottoms.
Wear Baggy Cargo Pants for Zumba and Street Style Dance
When it comes to dancing the night away at Zumba or busting a move to your favorite street dance beats, having the right attire can make all the difference. Baggy cargo pants offer the perfect blend of comfort and style for those who love to get their groove on. For those unfamiliar with Zumba, this high-energy workout combines Latin and international music with aerobic exercise, originating from South America.
Its global popularity stems from its effectiveness in getting people in shape while providing an exhilarating experience. While we’ll save the specifics on Zumba for a future fitness-focused blog post, one thing is certain – a good outfit can elevate your dance game. To complete this look, consider pairing those comfy cargo pants with a sports bra top or cropped tee for a chic and functional ensemble.
Wear Cargo Pants with a Comfy Sweater
Embracing a effortless yet stylish vibe, pairing cargo pants with a cozy sweater creates a quintessential fall ensemble that exudes femininity. The laid-back combination is ideal for a casual evening out, whether you’re heading to a dinner date or simply want to unwind in comfort.
Wear with One Shoulder Top
Elevate your style by pairing cargo pants with a chic one-shoulder top. The asymmetrical design adds a touch of sophistication, creating an undeniable allure to the overall look. Furthermore, this combination has the added benefit of creating the illusion of being slimmer and taller, making it an excellent choice for those seeking to elongate their frame.
Wear with Cold Shoulder Top
While the classic pairing of cargo pants and one-shoulder tops yields a chic, put-together look, swapping in a cold shoulder top instead adds a touch of effortless cool. This versatile outfit combination is perfect for those who aren’t yet comfortable with the more dramatic off-the-shoulder silhouette, as it still offers a stylish yet relaxed vibe.
Wear Denim Jacket with Cargo Pants
When it comes to styling cargo pants, I’m particularly fond of pairing them with a denim jacket. There’s something undeniably charming about the combination of textures and hues that just works. For those who share my love for denim jackets, this opens up a world of possibilities beyond the usual jeans-and-jacket combo.
While many of the cargo pants styling ideas I’ve shared thus far are geared towards casual, everyday wear, pairing them with a denim jacket can add an extra layer of sophistication to your street style look. If you’re looking for more inspiration on how to elevate your streetwear game, be sure to check out our article on wearing boyfriend jeans. And don’t forget to explore the rest of our site, where we share a wealth of outfit ideas, beauty tips, fitness advice, and more.
