Cargo pants are one of the hottest–and possibly one of the most surprising–trends to hit 2023. If you have yet to jump on the style but want to give them a try, there is still time to make them part of your wardrobe and your weekday and/or weekend attire. Knowing about some of the many ways to wear women’s cargo pants can help you start to plan fantastic outfits.
Keep the Top Fitted
According to Sanctuary, there is nothing wrong with wearing an oversized top with cargo pants, but it is typically better to create a balance by sporting a fitted top. For example, you can sport a camisole, tank top, or a t-shirt that complements the women’s cargo pants. Wear the same type of basics that you would wear with women’s shorts, as the pieces can usually complement both.
Get Them Tailored
Cargo pants are usually meant to have an oversized look, but that does not mean they are supposed to be sloppy. Clothing brand Sanctuary reports that getting them tailored ensures they will fit properly at the waist and will be a length that is ideal for your height without dragging all over the ground.
Tailoring will require paying extra money beyond the initial cost of the cargo pants. However, it can be worth it knowing they will look like they were made for your body and have the right fit.
Avoid Overloading the Pockets
One of the best features of cargo pants is the pockets. However, that does not mean you should overload them. It could make the pocket area look too bulky or–even worse–make the pants look lopsided. Stick to putting the basics in the pockets, such as a cell phone and money, or carry a handbag with you that you can put everything in.
Try Different Hues
When you think of the color of women’s cargo pants, you likely envision shades like army green and khaki. However, do not be afraid to experiment with different hues, especially ones you do not usually wear. For example, if you normally reach for khaki, consider pink or red. It is a fun way to add extra color to your wardrobe.
Offer a Peek of the Midriff
Some cargo pants will sit at your waist, while others will be low-rise. Both offer the opportunity to show a peek at the midriff. However, how much you want to show off is completely up to you. Options range from showing skin only when the shirt moves a certain way to fully exposing your midriff by wearing pieces like cropped tops or sports bras.
Photo by Wesley Davi
Add a Double Top Layer
If you want a little more coverage than a simple baby tee or tank top, think about adding another top layer. Choose a versatile piece that can go with bottoms ranging from women’s shorts to cargo pants.
LA-based brand Sanctuary said a denim jacket provides a classic American style, a cardigan delivers a little sweetness, and a leather jacket adds some drama and edge. Picking a stylish second layer gives you the option of wearing it unzipped or unbuttoned so the base layer is visible, or you can keep it closed for a completely different look.
Add Elegant Touches
Incorporating pretty little touches to your cargo pants outfit can provide a great contrast of details. Let’s say you are wearing your hair up. Instead of using plain bobby pins, consider a crystal-encrusted hair clip. Skip using plain silver ball studs in favor of vibrant gemstone studs or tennis bracelets that complement the color of the cargo pants.
Switch up Sleeve Lengths
As reported by Sanctuary, just like with women’s shorts, a cargo pants outfit can have a completely different vibe based on the shirt with which you wear it. Although it is trendy to wear a cropped top with cargo pants, there are many other options to wear. For instance, you can go sleeveless and wear a tube top on days you feel like showing off skin or a long-sleeve turtleneck when you do not want to showcase any.
So many other sleeve options, including cap sleeves, 3/4 sleeves, and balloon sleeves, as well as strapless options ranging from spaghetti straps to tank tops, offer ample styling possibilities. Play around with the different styles until you find options that you feel best complement the women’s cargo pants and make you love how you look while wearing them.
Play with Footwear Styles
Chances are you might automatically lean toward wearing sneakers with your women’s cargo pants, but similarly to women’s shorts, various other footwear styles can look just as fashionable. For instance, one day you could wear ankle boots with cargo pants, and another day, you might feel like wearing flip-flops.
Once you find one or more pairs of cargo pants you love, try on different footwear choices to see which ones you feel look best with them. If possible, aim to have one primary style, like a hot pair of sneakers, that looks good with all (or almost all) of the pants.
There are so many different types of women’s cargo pants from which you can choose, but all of them have the potential to add something special to your wardrobe. Try different styles, fits, and hues until you find ones that become staples you could wear through every season.
Feature photo by Luke Landon.
