Trend Report: Cargo Pants

Cargo pants reported for duty this year as the styles of the early aughts continue to rise and have been on the clock non-stop. Cargo pants merge fashion and function with lots of space to move around and pockets to keep all your secrets, snacks, and much more. Style options ranging from fitted to slouchy offer a bit of wearer’s discretion for ultimate personalization.

Neutral Colors

F/W ‘22 trending colors find themselves to be more neutral based than just the typical army green coloring we usually see. Colors like olive green, white, khaki, and a very neutral pink are all shades you can gravitate toward in safety to make this trend the most wearable. Neutral colors create style options beyond the Kim Possible styling of things, so the limits are far greater than you think.

A Cargo Twist

Recently, there’s been an uprise in pant trends, and the innovation hasn’t been lost on cargo pants. The style known for camping and other outdoor activities is now a fashion statement rather than just a rugged garment meant to weather the test of time. However, by using fabrics like corduroy or cotton rip-stop, the quality we all expect from cargo pants isn’t compromised. Turning from minimalist style heroes like skinny jeans, the denim cargo pairs well with easy tops like knits. Dark-washed cargos with pockets and extra flare aren’t as difficult to style as one would think.

Lean into Gorpcore

Clothing pieces that mimic the attributes of camping gear and work in tandem with cargo pants are a safe bet when creating outfits for the pants. Think about garments with weatherproof fabric, big pockets, and exposed zippers like the Cory Jacket free sewing pattern. A silhouette with a cropped hem and cinched waistband for an overall sleek finish will elevate an otherwise relaxed look.

Mixing Styles

To style these infamously baggy pants in a more inventive way, try to contrast them with a more preppy or date-night approach. Pair a corset top and heels for a sleek look or a cropped cardigan with a tiny tank and loafers for a more preppy or varsity theme. A sweatshirt or relaxed t-shirt is another way to style cargo pants if you’re not as into juxtaposing styles.

The key takeaway for wearing cargo pants into the approaching colder months is to reach for cargo options that work with your style. Nailing down some key looks that you feel good in is essential for adding cargos into your fall and winter wardrobe without being weighed down by the original way of styling, which isn’t the most flattering or stylish.

How are you wearing cargo pants for F/W 2022? Leave a comment below.