Lately I've Been Wanting Cargo Pants, and I'm Really Scared
I've been marinating on my resistance to cargo pants for quite some time now. I see the trend everywhere (yes, they're officially a trend again) and want to participate in it, yet there's something holding me back. With one quick fact check with my old friend Merriam-Webster, I realized what's holding me back is my pride.
My favorite definition of this word is "a reasonable or justifiable self-respect." I love justifying things. I love justice. But unfortunately I love it more in the petty sense. Rather than screaming "Let's go fight injustice worldwide!" I text my friends paragraphs about how I have personally been victimized by an (insignificant yet upsetting) injustice like my ex-boyfriend spreading rumors about why we broke up or not being able to get into my favorite ClassPass class. Life is so hard!
By now you're probably wondering how on earth this relates to cargo pants. It relates because I have, in the past, spoken negatively about cargo pants. There—I said it. I may or may not have even made fun of people who wore them. So now I find myself in a pickle. Wearing cargo pants will simultaneously label me a hypocrite and strip me of my pride. Am I ready for that? Am I ready to admit I was wrong about cargo pants? I told you, I was a fashion bully, and I am very opinionated. Not saying any of that is okay, but here we are.
Basically, this story is a public declaration of my sincerest apologies for ever speaking poorly of cargo pants, a confession that I am scared to wear them, and a promise that I will, despite my pride, buy a pair and wear them with confidence. I honestly think the return of this pant trend feels fresh and exciting. There are so many ways to style them that after owning a pair, you and I may even consider swapping our jeans out for the trend. At least for a few weeks.
I would have never reported this as good news, but I'm a changed woman, so I'm telling you there are actually tons of incredible cargo pants to choose from. And if camouflage prints and oversize, mysteriously placed pockets frighten you, simpler utility styles might better suit you. If you need styling inspiration, I've pulled a few of my favorite street style shots. Additionally, I shopped out the pairs I'm loving right now so you too can immediately hop on the cargo pant train.
This is how I will look at anyone who questions me wearing cargo pants from this point forward.
This festive pink striped sweater lightens up a heavier cargo pant.
A statement stiletto bootie does wonders with a utility/cargo pant. Also, when in doubt, throw a visor on.
They even look good with a puffer…
This may or may not be my favorite look and is further proof that an outlandish furry jacket makes every outfit better.
Shop cargo pants I love:
This brand continues to win my heart, and these pants are no exception. Available in sizes S to L.
A stiletto balances these pants out with ease.Available in sizes 1 to 4.
Basically a culotte with a little cargo.
Available in sizes FR34 to FR44.
One of the easiest to wear pairs in the bunch.Available in sizes 0 to 14.
Adding some color into the mix for dramatic effect.Available in sizes 1X to 3X.
Wear with a white T-shirt and call it a day.Available in sizes 0 to 8.
Next time you see me, I may be wearing this exact outfit.Available in sizes S to L.
A sleek change of pace for the cargo trend.Available in sizes IT38 to IT42.
The proof is in the pudding—these pants are so easy to wear! Available in sizes IT38 to IT46.
Cargo pants' best friends? Sneakers, duh.Available in sizes 16 to 30.
After this long-winded story about my journey to accepting cargo pants, I hope you don't end up hating me but start loving the trend instead. Don't let me know if it ends up being the former.
Lauren Eggertsen is currently the editorial director of Who What Wear and has worked at the company for over eight years, where she started as an associate editor and has since worked her way up. Lauren has over 10 years of experience in the fashion editorial space, starting her career with internships at Marc Jacobs, Marie Claire, and The Zoe Report, where she was later hired as their editorial assistant. Lauren has worked in the Los Angeles and New York Who What Wear offices but currently calls L.A. home. It is here where she leads and manages Who What Wear's fashion team and oversees all day-to-day editorial content and large tentpole moments. This includes all of the runway, trend, and shopping-driven content that ultimately helps to build a strong brand reputation within the industry. Lauren's role also includes helping to set the fashion direction for all original photo shoots and often styles many of the celebrity cover shoots, including big names like Kaia Gerber, Normani, and Kristen Stewart.
She has also attended multiple fashion weeks, including New York, London, Milan, and Paris, where her personal style has been featured on sites such as Vogue, Harpers Bazaar, and Elle. She prides herself on discovering and supporting small brands and on her knack for a good vintage shopping find. When she isn't working, she enjoys researching and dining at reputable restaurants around both her neighborhood and the globe.
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