We’ll forgive anyone for having their reservations about cargo pants, as in the ’90s and ’00s they were bulky, had jumbo pockets and even sometimes had random straps flying off the legs. But cargo pants have come a long way since All Saints wore them extra slouchy and with little black bras and Jennifer Lopez wore her cargos cropped and with a matching mesh top and flat cap.
Unlike their bulky predecessors, cargo pants have become a modern, minimalist staple that can be surprisingly versatile. They are now a firm fixture in street style pictures from outside fashion week and a celebrity favourite – Kendall Jenner and Hailey Bieber have both shown that cargos can be a polished alternative to jeans or black tailored pants.
Over the past couple of years our design team has been modernising cargo pants, offering utilitarian, off-duty styles, as well as more grown-up, tailored iterations, too. The one consistent design detail is the pockets (after all, this is what makes a cargo pant a cargo pant), however in our summer collection you’ll find slim-line, streamlined pocket placements, along with more oversized, baggy styles that are more authentic. Our design team always ensures any additional pockets are placed in the most flattering position on the leg, to ensure a bulk-free effect.
Weekend and working wardrobes are now blurred in a way they never have been before, which means that all purchases need to be hard-working and have lots of styling potential. There are currently almost 30 types of cargo pants in our collection, with navy, black and cream tailored iterations that will provide a modern update to your workwear wardrobe. If you are looking for a more casual style, however, the denim and olive-hued wide-leg cargos are a practical addition to any weekend rotation.
You might assume that these are a heavy-duty piece for fall or winter, but they can also be a trusted foundation to so many summer looks. The ecru denim flares and the cotton culottes, in particular, will inspire so many summer outfits and are a lighter alternative to jeans.
If you are considering investing in a new pair of pants for the upcoming season, we have built five outfits below using spring’s hero cargo pants.
1 | HEAD-TO-TOE NEUTRALS
These cargos are a fashion-forward twist on light denim, as they have a baggy, wide-leg silhouette and statement-making oversized pockets on the thigh. The ecru denim makes them a softer take on the cargo pant trend and they look particularly elevated when paired with other neutrals. Sticking to a cream color palette gives you the ideal base to play with a mix of textures, such as wearing this rib-knit sweater vest instead of a cotton T-shirt.
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2 | A TAILORED LOOK
These cropped pants put a polished spin on classic cargo pants, as they have a slim-fit silhouette, which dials down the utility feel. The tailoring makes these smart enough for the office if paired with a classic shirt and blazer, or you can dress it down on the weekend with a tank top and shirt worn unbuttoned and open. The cropped length falls at the narrowest point of the ankle for a flattering finish, which also perfectly showcases your sandals or loafers.
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3 | YOUR NEW WEEKEND HERO: CARGO CULOTTES
These culottes are given a cargo twist with utility pockets and a stone shade. They are cropped to hit the calf, with an extra wide leg giving a dramatic silhouette. To emphasise this flared shape, keep the top half tailored and close to the body with this crew-neck tank top and fitted jacket.
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4 | REWORKED DENIM
Baggy jeans are having a moment this year and these are a playful twist on classic denim. They have a statement-making silhouette thanks to the high waist, flare and oversized pockets, which will modernize even the most simple basics. Make like the street style crowd and pair your denim with a matching indigo shirt for a polished take on double denim.
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5 | THE CLASSIC CARGO
These khaki-hued pants are perhaps the closest to a classic cargo pant, with multiple utilitarian pockets and crafted from cotton twill. They have a striking wide-leg, however have a comfort-led design thanks to the elasticated waistband and functional pockets. They look just as good with tailored outerwear, such as a cream bouclé jacket or navy office-ready blazer, as a leather jacket, T-shirt and sneakers.
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