I had a style epiphany in April of this year. Courtesy of a pair of men's skate trousers, my holy fashion grail had been found: casual pants that actually fit—without me having to get them tailored or finding them stretch tightly across my thighs and then gaping at the waist.
If you're like me—smaller in the waist but more rounded out in the thighs and butt—then you'll know that locating flattering trousers and jeans is a regular shopping Everest. So many impossible trousers have been climbed into, and so many times I've failed to look good in them. No matter the price tag, there are very few pairs out there that cater to a curvier figure apart from stretchy leggings. So that's why I was elated to discover that cargo pants were my surprising match.
I had been wanting some camo trousers for a while and took a chance on a pair from a niche skate brand that has a few items stocked on ASOS: Obey's (miracle) camo cargo pants (similar style available here). I've always known that I look best in silhouettes that can be cinched around my waist and then fall a bit looser around the legs, so I bought a size up and put my collection of belts to use.
Sure, these can be worn baggy with a sweatshirt and sneaks (like some of the cooler cargo pant-wearing girls pictured below), I decided to go down a more Carrie Bradshaw–inspired route and wear them with a tucked-in top, rolled-up hems (a little ankle always goes a long way to making my 5'1" frame that tiny bit taller) and some very fancy bow heels.
I received a few compliments on these trousers and felt rather smug telling people that I'd bought them for cheap on ASOS and that they're not even womenswear.
They've worked for the office (and I'm still using them in the colder weather with sock boots and a sweater), but they've also been great for those nights where you have plans but don't want to look OTT.
These humble-looking kecks have been my gateway to further cargo-pant purchases, such as another ultra-baggy pair of khaki trousers from ASOS. I've been putting the other pair to use over the summer with a big vintage Fendi belt and mules for the office, and flats and a tee for a camping trip. Very few items can run that gamut so effortlessly.
Some of Who What Wear UK's followers on Instagram have also been stepping out of standard jeans and into something roomier with patch pockets, sturdy belt loops, and contrast top-stitching. Many of these women are pictured below and can provide you with inspiration for how to wear cargo trousers in 2018. From an over-50 influencer who pairs her trousers with Céline heels to hip French girls who are into streetwear, we have the full rundown below.
How to Wear Cargo Pants
Shop the Best Cargo Pants
These have it all going on.
From the cult internet brand leading the cargo pant trend in its sassiest form.
If you want to take it to the next (luxurious) level.
A very chic version for the office.
Could they become your new going-out trousers? Very possible.
Re/Done's cargo pants are as cool as can be, naturally.
Autumnal colours really lend themselves to this trouser trend.
Just add a belt and you're good to go.
A cropped, wide-leg silhouette works easily with sneakers.
Pockets that are placed lower down are often more flattering than when at the top of the thighs.
This post originally appeared on Who What Wear UK.