What To Wear With Cargo Pants: 12 Styling Tips

If you're yearning for a change from blue denim, then switching to this season's cargo pants is the way to go. They're among the most comfortable choices due to their slouchy design and come with a bevy of colour and pocket options. If you're wondering what to wear with cargo pants, they're heaven to style. All shades of brown are the rage, so you can't go wrong with this for your first pair. 

 

Today's version has been refreshed, revamped and re-designed to make them an on-trend look. They're also much more feminine, making what to wear with cargo pants fun. You'll love the exciting fabrics, wider legs, and flattering silhouettes of the latest offerings. Whether you prefer minimal outfits or full-on Y2K, the look is as versatile as your jeans. If you still need to secure a pair, now's the time!

How To Change A Sporty Silhouette Into On-Trend Style

With a significant move away from their military past, cargo pants outfits on the catwalk have been streamlined and elevated. Gone are the sweatshirts, hoodies, and schoolyard separates. In their place are chic corset tops, delicate frills and lace, metallics and high heels. 

 

Of course, when choosing what to wear with cargo pants for a no-fuss look, there's no better option than the classic white tee. But if you're hunting for styling inspiration, why not express yourself when you pull on your favourite new pants?

1. Try Some Vintage Inspiration

Go high-rise and baggy or heavy-duty and wide with your cargo pants for a distinct retro feel. When thinking of what tops to wear with wide-leg pants, a tucked-in graphic tee or your favourite slim-fitting top will balance the overall silhouette. If you prefer a straighter leg, add some refinement with a French-tucked crisp white shirt, which will always create a fresh look. 

Look to the 70s when deciding what shoes to wear with these cargo pants outfits. Pair them with white vintage sling-backs, low-heeled pumps or nude-beige platforms. To complete the look, ensure you have a crochet tote or creamy beige shoulder bag this season.

2. Experiment With Bold Colours

You can always choose a splash of colour for your tops when considering what to wear with beige cargo pants or neutral shades. There's no need to stick with traditional khaki mixes; the colour will instantly uplift your outfit and mood. This season's fabrics include beautiful satin and linen blends in the rainbow spectrum. 

 

You can make a statement from sunshine yellow to salmon pink and indigo blue. Add some evening glam to your look with a colour that stands out from the crowd of neutral tones. Trend-setting chartreuse is a refreshing change set to top this year's colour chart. 

3. Make An Eye-Catching Statement

Everyone has a statement top in their wardrobe that reflects their style. Welcome to the perfect pairing when you're wondering what to wear with cargo pants. Although they're an everyday style, they're easy to balance with a knock-out top and look amazing. It's an infallible and striking combination.

 

This year's fashion trends include shimmering bandeaus and glittering sequins. The chic mix of utilitarian and glamour creates an eye-catching outfit perfect for evenings that need some sparkle without going over the top. 

4. Add Some Feminine Charm

Although they have a nonchalant vibe, you can easily add a seductive or girly twist to your outfits. What to wear with cargo pants for a female-style femme fatale means adding a touch of contrast. Choose an off-the-shoulder blouse, floaty chiffon layers or a delicate lace top to complete the look. 

 

If you want to get dressed up, try a slinky silk or satin pair of cargo pants and pair them with short sleeves, ruffles and frills. Strappy heels and a cute clutch will give you the ultimate feminine party look and a radiant glow. 

5. Get Cute And Cropped

Pairing your cargo pants with crop tops and short cardigans can create an exciting contrast and add a street edge. High-waisted designs in neutral colours will complement your existing wardrobe and work well with this season's pastels, sand, beige and cream shades. 

 

What top to wear with cargo pants for the cropped look? Think gorgeous waist-length buttoned cardigans and complementary crop tops with lace collars and cute pearl buttons. Alternatively, opt for a sweet bandeau or a fitted corset with boning for a beautiful silhouette.

6. Go Grungey Glam Metallic

Silky metallic cargo pants look fabulous - particularly with fluid, straight legs. You can wear them on any occasion, but styling is key, and keeping the rest of your outfit fairly neutral is important. This means staying away from bright colours or flamboyant tops.

 

Think sleek tailoring and silhouettes when styling what to wear with your cargo pants, whatever the metallic shade. If it's an evening out, combine them with a fitted white top or blouse and layer with a streamlined blazer. Try a cropped black top or a simple white tee for street chic. 

Outerwear Choices - What Jacket To Wear With Cargo Pants

7. Chic Trench

The current craze is for trench coats, and there's no denying that the longer length paired with any cargo pants style is sensational. Slip on this sleek coat in a complementary shade and deliver a major fashion moment.

8. Cropped Jacket

You can't beat a little cropped jacket when deciding what to wear with cargo pants to balance the overall look. Look for one that sits snugly just above your natural waistline, and you'll create a lovely, lean silhouette.

9. Timeless Leather 

Leather jackets are versatile and a staple to add to any outfit, including cargo pants. An effortless combination, especially when choosing what to wear with black cargo pants, they look great for any outing.

10. Oversized Puffer

When it's cold outside, you can bend the rules of what to wear with cargo pants and go with oversized vibes for outerwear. It's good to team puffers with a form-fitting top and stick to a neutral colour palette for a slick outfit. 

11. Faux Fur

A faux fur coat is the answer if you're debating what to wear with cargo pants for fashion-forward moments or party time. They can create an interesting and stylish vibe, which is great for power dressing in winter months.

12. Streamlined Blazer

When you take your cargo pants out on a dinner date, level up your look with a smart blazer. Try an oversized style that sits just below your waist. Drawing the eye down creates an elongated silhouette, pulling your whole look together.

Finishing Touches - What Accessories To Wear With Cargo Pants

What to wear with cargo pants is a personal choice, so consider what vibe you want to achieve, and add some small elements. Your favourite flats, sandals, heels and boots will all go with cargo pants. Be they broad leather or slim and shimmery glam, you can add belts. Remember not to overload your utility pockets, so grab a bag and choose simple, delicate jewellery. 

Why not check out NA-KD for the latest trends? You'll find inspiration even if you need help on how to style faux leather pants or need help deciding what to wear with green cargo pants. You only need the right cargo pants and accessories to add a unique touch to any outfit.