Spring pant trends are always my favorite to see throughout the season. They’re often functional for the weather without compromising style. From culottes to capri pants, clearly, fashion people have been ready for the warm seasons to arrive. There’s another pant trend catching the attention of the fashion-conscious this year, and it’s not the usual trouser or barrel fit; it’s a pair of cargo pants. Yes, the casual, extra-pocketed pant trend is back, and even better, it’s fully functional.
As a child, I wore a purse pretty often with my outfits, but once I started wearing cargo pants, I’d stuff each pocket with my tiny belongings. Fast-forward to the present, and I will definitely be doing the same on days that I simply don’t feel like carrying a bag. I noticed cargo pants growing in popularity on Instagram as the most stylish influencers started incorporating them into their outfits. It’s safe to say I’ve been influenced, and once you see these looks, you will be too. Keep scrolling for cargo-pant outfit inspiration and shop each look.
Chic Monochrome
A deep gray color scheme may not feel intuitively spring-friendly, but trust me, this outfit might change that. Try styling your cargo pants with a classic bomber jacket in the same tone. This is an especially functional outfit for the chillier spring days. Complete your look with a few accessories like black sunglasses and pointed-toe boots to contrast the streetwear look. You can also do this with other colors, like olive green, if you’re going for a brighter-hued monochrome outfit.
Shop the Look
NYC Cool-Girl Uniform
Cool girls in NYC have been wearing cargo pants for quite some time, and each look they wear is chicer than the last. Tube tops and strapless tops have been on trend for the season, and they both contrast and complement cargo pants perfectly. I love a dainty and functional juxtaposition. Style a classic olive green pair of cargoes with a simple black tube top. Then accessorize to bring the outfit to life with sunglasses, an east-west bag, and thong sandals.
Shop the Look
Go Gorpcore
Light layers are synonymous with spring. Think oversize button-downs, lightweight barn jackets, baggy cargo pants, and even a pair of boots. That’s why this look below works so well. It’s fashionable and easy to assemble for those days you don’t feel like rummaging through your closet to get dressed. Accessorize with a baseball cap for the messy hair days and a simple handbag.
Shop the Look
Classic Camo
Camo cargo pants are classic and fun to wear. While this is a super-casual item, you can make it look really chic and cool with a lightweight leather bomber jacket and a pair of white-and-black sneakers. Accessorize with a simple black bag and sunglasses, and you have yourself an It-girl outfit to wear all season.
Shop the Look
Keep It Casual
Sometimes less is more in regard to getting dressed. I have to agree because this outfit is proof. Sometimes all you need is a simple, lightweight cardigan sweater to make your outfit look polished, even with a pair of casual cargo pants. You can go with any color combinations you please, but butter yellow and olive green are just a pretty pairing. Complete your outfit with simple flip-flops and a pair of sunglasses for those days you don’t feel like overthinking an outfit.
Shop the Look
A Quirky Fit
Cargo pants are perfect for a quirky outfit. They’re a versatile pant trend that blends with an outfit quite seamlessly. Try wearing a jersey-style top with dark-colored cargo pants. Then add a pair of flats in a navy hue or whatever slight pop of color you prefer, and layer a red leather jacket over your shirt. All these colors seem a bit much, but once put together, it’s actually a fun look.
Shop the Look
Brown + Blue
Brown and blue is a seasonless color pairing in my humble opinion. I haven’t seen an outfit in those colors that I didn't like. A cargo-pant outfit is also no exception. This look features brown cargo pants with a brown lightweight leather jacket over a simple white tee. I’ll be copying this head to toe with a pair of blue loafers to complete my look. How chic and polished is that?
Shop the Look
Why Trust Us
At Who What Wear, fashion is our speciality. Our editors have years of industry experience, from reporting on seasonal fashion trends seen at international fashion weeks to working with some of the most recognizable names in fashion. Every item we recommend is carefully selected based on current trends, quality, and real-world wearability.
We regularly try pieces ourselves, including everything from best-selling jeans to designer shoes; speak to external experts and fashion insiders; and stay closely connected to what our readers are searching for. Our advice is grounded in expertise and has to pass our exceptional taste levels, so you can feel confident in every recommendation.