So Long Jeans—I'm Now Wearing These Casual Trousers Instead
By now, you'll be well acquainted with the never-ending '90s and noughties renaissance that has been dominating fashion for some time. If the Juicy Couture tracksuit or dangerously low-slung jeans revival didn't give you the heads up, then it'll be TikTok and its many users' sudden obsession with mini bags, trucker caps and hair gems—often worn together with total commitment to the full throwback look.
For those of us lucky enough to have worn the best that the late nineties and millennium had to offer the first time around, it's been a nostalgic trip down memory lane—I dare you to check out the Blumarine S/S 22 show and not feel all of the Tammy Girl feels. However, if you don't relish the thought of donning a handkerchief halterneck top and dusting off your platform trainers, there are more elevated ways to tap into the trend, and the first—and perhaps most important—is via a pair of cargo trousers.
Part sportswear and part utility with a healthy dash of All Saints energy (the girl group, not the brand), this laidback style is one of the more surprising pieces to have reappeared in my Instagram feed lately, but as with any trend that champions comfort first, I'm here for it.
With styles ranging from classic khaki to tonal tan, a wealth of cargo trousers have appeared on the high street almost overnight, but the brand to truly give cargo trousers the luxe makeover they so desperately needed is none other than The Frankie Shop. As soon as the now sold-out Jenna Cargo Pants dropped a couple of months ago, they were considered an influencer must-have. And for those a little sceptical about the ubiquitous shade of milkshake pink, the brand also has nine styles of cargo trouser currently available, from the tailored Maesa to the voluminous, oversized Hailey.
Perhaps I've taken so well to cargo trousers because they were a natural progression from the loungewear I loved during lockdown, or perhaps it's the nostalgia, but either way, forget everything you once knew about these baggy combat trousers. The new styles on the block are anything but teenage.
So keep scrolling for 18 of the best pairs of cargo trousers that will make transitional seasonal dressing that much easier.
See How the Fashion Set Is Styling Cargo Pants
I do love a cashmere and cargo pant combination—so chic.
With a layered knitted vest, belly chain and sneakers, this look couldn't be more 1997.
When in doubt, simply add in all of your favourite basics and treat your cargos like jeans.
Denim cargo pants might just be my new favourite thing.
Combine with the season's adidas Sambas, and you instantly modernise the look.
Shop the Best Cargo Pants
A wide-legged pair of tailored trousers perfect for those looking for grown-up cargo.
This straight leg silhouette will go with everything in my wardrobe.
Abercrombie's utility trousers come in nine sizes and three leg lengths to help you get your best fit.
These lightweight cotton twill trousers come in classic khaki brown as well as an updated shade of off-white.
Who knew a pair of cargos could work so well for a night-out look?
Inspired by this winter white version, pair with chunky cable knit for easy weekend vibes.
Allsaints's tapered trousers are slightly cropped, so you can make the most of them with a chunky lug soled boot.
Cargo trousers and heels is always a vibe.
So you like the trend, but 100 pockets is too many. These slim-fit organic cotton trousers are more of a subtle nod to the style.
Made from organic cotton, this version will go with everything in my wardrobe.
Denim and cargos aren't mutually exclusive—you can have the best of both worlds.
Up Next: Spring/Summer 2023 Trends: The 21 Looks You Need to Know About
Remy Farrell is a London-based shopping editor with nearly 10 years of editorial experience covering fashion, beauty and lifestyle. After graduating with a journalism degree and working on the editorial and fashion teams for titles such as Grazia, Elle, Cosmopolitan and British Vogue, she moved into the luxury e-commerce sector, working as fashion assistant at TheOutnet.com styling for the social media channels and helping to develop the collections for the in-house brand Iris & Ink. After expanding an assisting and styling portfolio that includes shooting talent such as Gigi Hadid, Victoria Beckham and Miquita Oliver, she also branched out into beauty, creating tried-and-tested reviews and diverse beauty content.In her role as shopping editor at Who What Wear, Remy is interested in discovering new and exciting brands to share with the Who What Wear readership and particularly loves uncovering hidden gems at affordable prices to make shopping accessible to everyone.Born and raised in Sheffield, Yorkshire, Remy moved to London in 2014 and lives in the Docklands with her partner and pug Billie.
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