I’m not ashamed to admit it—when I first heard of the return of “cargo pants” I was sceptical to say the least. Like most Millennnials who wore them the first time around, the cargo or “utility trouser” conjured up images of ultra-wide, rustling trousers in camouflage print, covered in pockets and usually some superfluous straps, the kind of thing we confidently wore to the school disco with a sparkly halter-neck top. But now, the cargo trouser has undergone a fashionable update. In 2023 there are fewer pockets, softer fabrics, and a refined colour palette, and after seeing just about everyone from Emily Ratajkowski to Jennifer wearing them, I have been convinced—there’s actually a lot to love about cargo pants.
Most often you’ll find me in a pair of jeans or strong tailoring when I’m heading into the office, but cargo trousers are perfect for occasions that require dress-down comfort and business-casual. You may not believe it but, the styling possibilities of these baggy trousers are endless, making them a worthy investment piece. The loose-legged silhouette is currently taking over, and as we swap our skinnies for low-slung boyfriend jeans, the cargo is the comfier, and more polished alternative that you can wear with everything from heels to trainers (and dare I say it, an ankle boot).
The Frankie Shop first grabbed my attention with a seriously chic, tailored take on the cargo trouser that changed everything I thought I knew about utility styling. Suddenly denim jackets and baby tees were no longer the only option, and any trouser that works with my full roster of blazers gets my seal of approval. As anyone in the Who What Wear office will tell you, I also own a lot of waistcoats, and after Caroline Cook wore her Frankie Shop cargos with a grey vest, I was sold on the high/low pairing of tailoring and casual cargo. It’s both functional and fashionable, what more could a girl could want?
Alice + Olivia Cay Low-Rise Cargo Pants (£622)
After searching high and low for the right pair that would feel smart enough to go with everything and flatter a curvy figure, I settled on Alice + Olivia’s Cargo Utility Pants (and believe me, they’re running low in stock for good reason). After wearing these on rotation, I’ve been singing the virtues of the utility trouser to anyone who will listen. Still, there are plenty of other cargo-trouser options out there should you have a budget in mind, some of which you’re about to see…
So, wondering how do you wear cargo trousers now? Keep scrolling to see five ways I’m styling mine for the season ahead, and to shop more of my favourite pairs.
Style Notes: As soon as there is even a hint of autumn in the air, I automatically reach for a trench coat. I would wear one all year round if I could, but nothing says “transitional wardrobe” quite like this classic—especially with a wide-leg trouser and the simple tank top I relied on throughout summer.
This comes in six different colours, but banana milk yellow feels particularly on trend.
I have a pair of Asket’s jeans, the white tee and the tank top—they’re some of my favourite quality basics on the market.
The perfect wide-leg, low-waist fit.
I wore mid-heel sandals all through summer, and they still work in autumn too.
A bag that’ll transcend the trends.
Style Notes: Big blazers are the one piece that I always fall back on when I don’t know what else to wear. Tailoring always manages to make an outfit feel put together, and when you amp up the proportions, it can take it to a whole new level. Just to make things feel a little bit dressier I added a pointed shoe, and hey presto–an outfit I’ll be wearing to the office on repeat.
I. Am. Obsessed. With this fit.
The T-shirt you’ve seen all over Instagram is still in stock.
These are the definition of smart casual. Well done, M&S.
All of the style of a dressy heel, but without any of the discomfort.
No joke, at least 5 of our editors own a pair of these.
Style Notes: The weekend is calling, and this outfit just answered. If you need a laidback uniform to take you from shopping to brunch, allow me to put forward the slouchy cardigan + cargo trouser pairing. It’s low maintenance in the very best way, and with such cosy layering, you won’t need to worry about taking a coat with you.
This looks just as good with jeans and satin midi skirts.
How to make a simple cami feel that little bit more special.
Some of the best cargo trousers on the high-street.
They’re still not available in all sizes, but act fast— they’re currently back in stock. For now.
I’ll never get tired of this easy crossbody bag.
Style Notes: Just to prove that utility can work for evening too, there’s a nod to Noughties styling in the form of a ruched top, cargos and strappy heels. Minus copious amounts of butterfly hairclips, this look manages to make reference to the 2000s without feeling teenage, likely due to the tonal colour palette and elevated accessories.
We’ve come up with 11 more ways to wear the trending tie front top.
So chic, so simple.
PSA: Charles and Keith heels are exceptionally comfortable, even for those who prefer flats.
Such a beautiful colour.
Style Notes: It just wouldn’t be a comprehensive outfit edit without an oversized shirt, and the same one I wore open over a bikini on holiday now gets the transitional treatment, and looks good semi-tucked into a pair of trousers. Whether you prefer JW Anderson’s maximalist chain loafers or Birkenstock’s minimalist Boston clogs, a slip-on shoe is perfect for the cargo’s laidback attitude. Wear everything loosely, undone, and with plenty of slouch.
There’s no need to buy two sizes up, Zara has taken care of supersized tailoring.
A classic sand coloured cargo, but with a satin finish.
The original black leather pair are a cult classic, but the shearling pair are perfect for cold-weather too.
