Utility clothing and streetwear specialist with over 10 years' experience in customer advice, fit and fabric selection.
1. Add a Splash of Color with Tie-Dye
If you really want to ensure your cargo pants are at their peak for 2021, simply add a touch of Tie-Dye. Whether it’s a top, a bag, or sunglasses, here is why: this year’s most popular trend is guaranteed to elevate any outfit into high-fashion territory.
2) Try Leather Cargo Pants
Worried that cargo pants might be a bit too rugged for your personal style? Try leather (or faux leather) cargo pants. The smooth fabric adds a feminine touch to the military-inspired silhouette, whether you choose sand, black, or even fiery red.
Pair them with a short-sleeved blouse for an extra touch of femininity.
3. Cargo Pants and Combat Boots
On paper, the combination of combat boots and cargo pants might make you look like you’re dressed for battle. But when the pants are tapered at the ankle and the boots feature a chunky (yet wearable) heel, the look becomes chic and refined. Just throw on a sheepskin coat and you’re ready for dinner.
4. Try Two-Tone Cargo Pants
Don’t be afraid of statement pants like these two-tone cargo pants. The trick is to keep the rest of your outfit very simple—nothing more than a white t-shirt and matching heels—so your pants can do all the talking!
5. Adopt a Casual Look
Let’s face it, you’re probably living in sweatpants 99% of the time these days. But rather than slipping into your old college sweats, opt for a trendier silhouette that makes trips to the grocery store (or even the kitchen) feel a bit more stylish.
If you wear them with cool sneakers and an incognito baseball cap, no one will suspect you’re wearing loungewear in public.
You can also easily pair this look with a handbag or adapt a student style with a laptop sleeve if needed.
6. Try Wide-Leg Cargo Pants
Although they are technically wide-leg pants with large pockets, they still fall into the cargo category. And how chic do they look when paired with a plaid blazer and simple black boots? Hello, effortless new work outfit.
7. Pair Cargo Pants with a Graphic T-Shirt
Show the world you’re not afraid of cargo pants by wearing them with a quirky t-shirt, like this beautiful poppy landscape print, a bold floral pattern, or an abstract design. Not into prints? You could even add some lovely wicker accessories like a round bag for that extra nice touch!
You can also experiment with unconventional color combinations, like wearing beige cargo pants with a purple or light blue top.
8. Slip into a Cargo Jumpsuit
To get the most out of the trend, try a utility jumpsuit full of pockets. Don’t forget to dress up your outfit with glamorous accessories, such as heeled boots and a luxury bag.
If you’re worried about getting lost in the oversized silhouette, just wear a solid-colored t-shirt or turtleneck underneath to highlight your shape.
9. Highlight Your Ankles
It’s not just the cropped fit of these pants that we love, but also the addition of jeweled buttons on the pockets. And yes, they match these gemstone-encrusted heels with a simple tee.
The theme here is glamour worn without overdoing it. The black turtleneck and leather jacket help temper the sparkle of this look, meaning you can confidently walk out of your house at 9 AM without looking like you’re stumbling home from the club.
10. The Leopard Cargo Look
We always claim that leopard print is a neutral, and this outfit is undeniable proof. The spotted blazer looks so casual when worn over two basic pieces: a simple tee and cargo pants, you almost forget it’s there.
Okay, it might not totally disappear, but this jacket has a proven ability to gracefully share the spotlight with the other elements of the outfit.
11. Roll Up Your Cargo Pants
Do you feel like your cargo pants are a little too long? Rather than taking them straight to the tailor, consider rolling them up once. With a fitted cut, this adds a bit more balance to your lower half and looks great when paired with strappy sandals.
Bonus. What jewelry to wear with wide-leg pants?
To complement wide-leg pants, it is essential to choose jewelry that enhances and completes your outfit with elegance. Handcrafted jewelry, known for its uniqueness and originality, is particularly suitable. For example, a dreamcatcher necklace adds a bohemian and delicate touch, perfect for adding an artistic and refined dimension.
To balance the volume of the pants, consider cuff bracelets. These pieces, whether made of metal, leather, or adorned with stones, add a touch of sophistication to your wrist and harmonize the entire outfit.
Finally, earrings play a crucial role in balancing the look. Opt for dangling earrings or large hoop earrings. They draw attention to your face and balance the silhouette, creating a harmonious and elegant ensemble. Whether you choose simple designs or more ornate ones, the important thing is to find jewelry that reflects your personal style while complementing the wide-leg pants.
