The Best Outfit Options To Make Outdated Cargo Pants Work - If You Must
Fashion's cyclical nature ensures that trends ebb and flow over time. For example, cargo pants enjoyed a resurgence in popularity in 2022, much like in the early 2000s and the 1980s, when they were considered the quintessential "it" piece of clothing. Speaking to Woman & Home in 2022, fashion stylist Natalie Robinson shared her take on the contemporary popularity of the now-controversial bottoms. "It comes as no surprise that cargo pants have made a comeback given the increase in hybrid workers since lockdown," she told the outlet, explaining, "Cargo pants are versatile, loose-fitting, and a great casual alternative to jeans, hence suitable for working from home."
Evidently, the polarizing cargo pants fashionably resurface every 20 years or so, but if you thought we completely left them behind in 2024, you'd be wrong. While cargo pants may have been a short-lived trend for many, a lot of fashionistas are still rocking them. If you still like them but have found yourself in a cargo styling rut, fear not — we're here to help.
Although cargos might not be everyone's cup of tea, they're surprisingly easy to update. All you need is an open mind, a touch of flair, and items likely already hanging in your closet. With that in mind, take a look at our six fresh ways to breathe new life into your outdated cargo pants if you're not ready to bid farewell to them just yet.
Go for the monochrome look
If you're still rocking cargo pants, know there's no need to hide your love for them. Embrace them to the fullest with a monochromatic look for a stylish twist on the outdated bottoms. Opt for neutral shades such as khaki, beige, or white to maintain a balanced look without overwhelming tones. The matching color palette will shift attention away from the pants per se, allowing you to play around with fashionable add-ons. To give your old cargos a contemporary edge, consider accessorizing with trendy pieces like skinny scarves or arm warmers. Add a pair of open-toed sandals, and your cargo pants will be as good as new.
Pair them with a going-out top
We know "fun pants" have replaced the age-old "going-out" top, but hear us out — the going-out top is the ultimate piece of clothing you need to elevate your outdated cargos. If you have a pair of cargo pants in a muted shade, simply pair them with a visually interesting going-out top in a similar color. Think strapless styles or even corsets to give your bottoms a chic upgrade with little to no effort. Slip into some sleek, pointy-toed pumps or strappy sandals and sling on a leather shoulder bag — you'll be the center of attention, and those old cargos won't be the focal point of your 'fit.
Treat the cargos as normal pants
Here's a radical idea — treat your cargo pants just like any other pair of bottoms. Naturally, you'll want to go for colors that work well together, but other than that, the cargos are your oyster.
Instead of fixating on the pants, concentrate on the accessories. For example, adding a fun bag and minimalist footwear will instantly make you brunch-ready. Ballet flats or kitten heels will balance out the casual vibe of the cargo pants, while a statement clutch is guaranteed to steal the show, even with the cargos present. Stick with your usual jewelry, and don't hesitate to throw in an extra add-on, like a cool headpiece.
Bare some skin
Cargos, outdated or not, are very slouchy pieces of clothing. If you want to counter their relaxed silhouette, you don't necessarily have to wear a fitted top. Simply exposing some skin can do the trick, and it doesn't have to be excessive. For example, while pairing a basic shirt with your old cargos might not immediately seem like a winning combination, imagine leaving the shirt unbuttoned from the bottom up to the third or fourth button from the top. Complete the look with cool shoes and an even cooler bag, and you'll effortlessly hide the age of your cargo pants.
Color is your friend
When reviving your cargos, don't be afraid of color. If your cargo pants lean toward a neutral color palette, introducing a complementary shade into the outfit can easily elevate its style quotient.
It's important to know whether your cargo trousers align with cool or warm tones, as this will dictate the color you'll want to integrate into your look. Once you've determined this, exercise restraint; a colored bag or jacket can work wonders, but resist the urge to overwhelm your trusty old cargos with an array of vibrant hues. Add square-toed boots or pointy pumps, and watch those outdated bottoms come to life.
The cool-girl approach
Whether you have cargo pants that have gotten the high-fashion upgrade or not, revamping the outdated bottoms is easier than you might think. Approach them as the cool girls do — throw on a fun graphic tee, a sleek leather jacket, and trendy sneakers, and feel the cool vibes emanate from your outfit.
The great thing about this method is that you get to decide what "cool" means to you. Whether you tuck them into knee-high leather boots and later with a long coat on rainy days or choose mesh slippers and a tank top for sunnier weather, the possibilities are endless.