Cargo Pants Are Trending Again—These 8 Outfits Make Them Easy to Style

We don't need to convince anyone that it’s worth having at least one pair of jeans in your wardrobe (or in my case, one in every wash imaginable). But how about cargo jeans? Yes, you read that right—I'm talking about denim cargo trousers. And I can understand how this particular style might not be for everyone.

Admittedly, I needed some persuading to support this revived trend. Because this isn’t the first time we’ve seen cargo jeans, and while there's no denying that Y2K fashion has come back in full force over the past few seasons, those who lived through it the first time tend to have mixed feelings. After all, we want our sartorial tastes to look a little more Bella Hadid than Backstreet Boys, right?

But all it took was some guidance from Instagram's most skilled dressers and I was able to push my natural aversion to noughties trends aside. It turns out, cargo jeans are almost as versatile as regular jeans, working with everything from cropped knitwear to oversized blazers, and the abundance of pockets adds an interesting dimension to the outfits.

Need further convincing? Carry on to see my favourite looks involving cargo jeans courtesy of some of our favourite IG stars, then keep scrolling to shop the most stylish pairs I've spotted on my travels.

See How to Style Cargo Jeans:

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(Image credit: @jen_wonders)

Jen gives her cargo jeans a smart spin, teaming them with a relaxed blazer and white mules. Very of-the-moment.

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(Image credit: @ciaracherise)

Cargos can be just as wearable as regular jeans—style them as you would straight-legs, like Ciara with her shacket-and-boots combination.

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(Image credit: @alyssainthecity)

Brighter days are coming, so take your cues from Alyssa and inject some colour into your look. I'll be spending the rest of my afternoon hunting down a pair of blue court shoes.

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(Image credit: @mcristinastyling)

Cristina shows how you can build a chic look around cargo jeans using pieces you probably already own. 

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(Image credit: @annabelrosendahl)

When the temperature rises, switch out your boots for sandals like Annabel to carry this trend into the summer months.

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(Image credit: @slipintostyle)

In my eyes, this is the perfect spring outfit. A cute cropped cardi will keep the cold at bay, and chunky clogs are set to be *the* footwear choice of 2023. Thanks, Ellie.

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(Image credit: @emilyjdawes)

Our very own Affiliates Editor, Emily Dawes, looks so chic in her Mango jeans paired with a leather bomber jacket and heeled boots. Perfection!

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(Image credit: @taniceelizabeth)

Tick 2 trends in one outfit by wearing your cargo jeans with a suede jacket, just like Tanice.

Shop the Best Cargo Jeans:

Next Up: I Think Jeans Look Even More Fashionable With These Shoe Trends

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Freelance Fashion Editor

Bébhinn Campbell is an Edinburgh-based fashion and lifestyle writer and editor. She started her first blog at age 14 and went on to intern at print and digital publications in Berlin and London, including Dazed & Confused and Indie magazine.

A job at a fashion startup took Bébhinn from Ireland to Scotland in 2019, where she now works as a freelance journalist and copywriter covering everything from travel and interiors to styling advice. As a contributor to Who What Wear, Bébhinn always keeps her eyes peeled for emerging trends and looks worth writing about. She prides herself on her ability to cut through the noise and identify solid investment buys, exciting new brands and fresh takes on classic design.

In her spare time, Bébhinn enjoys perusing Edinburgh’s best vintage shops, working through her out-of-control book collection and watching dog reels on Instagram.