M&S’s Cargo Trousers Are the Chicest I’ve Seen—4 Ways I’ll Wear Them

I can't lie—it took me a while to get on board with the cargo-trouser revival. As a fashion editor, I certainly appreciate the throwback appeal of it all and, naturally, have felt it important to relay the trend to you, given how prevalent it has been over the past few months. However, as for buying into it myself, I've managed to resist—that is, up until now. 

I tried on a few pairs of cargo trousers, ranging everywhere from Zara to H&M all the way up Frame. However, none of them felt all that chic on me and I had given up hope of finding a cargo that could change my mind. Then, along came Marks & Spencer's cargo trousers which are, hands down, the most elevated pair I've seen on the high street. Available in sizes UK 6-24 and in petite, regular and long lengths, it's also one of the most inclusive cargo-trouser options too. 

In place of a thick starched cotton, Marks & Spencer's cargos are made from a soft woven material—akin to the sort you find on more formal tailoring—which drapes beautifully. The high waistline and wide-leg silhouette ensure a sophisticated finish. In tandem, the brand has also honed an expensive-looking colour palette. While there's no olive or khaki, there are three other versatile colours to choose from, black, navy and cream, all of which contribute to the trousers expensive-looking aesthetic. Of course, the cargo's signature patch pockets are in situ on the lower thigh, bestowing the trouser with a casual cool edge that otherwise it would be missing.

If you're anything like me and have been waiting for the right time to jump on the cargo trouser trend, consider this a sign to do so. I've taken my favourite pair of Marks & Spencer cargo trousers—the cream—and have styled them up with other brilliant M&S buys to come up with four effortless autumn outfits. Scroll on to see and shop them, and to see the M&S cargo trousers in every colourway. 

Shop Marks & Spencer's Cargo Trousers In Every Colour

See How I'll Style My Marks & Spencer Trousers

1. Leather Blazer + Vest Top + Cargo Trousers + Sandals

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(Image credit: WHO WHAT WEAR UK)

Style Notes: Give your cargos an evening spin with the addition of a blazer—I'm into this leather option—and strappy sandals. 

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2. Oxford Shirt + Shoulder Bag + Cargo Trousers + Slingback Shoes

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(Image credit: WHO WHAT WEAR UK)

Style Notes: Amplify the relaxed aesthetic of these trousers with an Oxford shirt (I'd leave mine untucked) and some elevated accessories. 

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3. Cardigan + Scarf + Cargo Trousers + Heeled Boots

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(Image credit: WHO WHAT WEAR UK)

Style Notes: Matching your scarf to your knitwear is going to be a huge trend this season, so why not tackle it with cargo trousers in tandem? 

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4. Padded Jacket + Stripe Jumper + Cargo Trousers + Loafers

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(Image credit: WHO WHAT WEAR UK)

Style Notes: Whether you're running errands or heading to brunch, this combination of a striped knit, cargos and loafers will become one of your most reliable throw-ons. 

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Next Up: The Autumn/Winter 2023 Fashion Trends That Really Matter

Maxine Eggenberger
Deputy Editor

Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over thirteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content specifically for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, leads the editorial team in their SEO strategy and keyword planning, works closely with the beauty team on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media, including her own Who What Wear UK TikTok franchise, French Style Fridays. Previously, Maxine appeared on ITV's This Morning in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o.

Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship at Look magazine, she was offered a position on the brand's fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. Her passion and natural talent for writing and styling meant she swiftly rose through the ranks to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion and beauty writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief, overseeing both print and digital, before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others.

Maxine is based remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh where she spends her downtime renovating her house, walking her dogs, hosting friends and trying to master the art of making Old Fashioned cocktails.