Say hello to a long-lost friend. Y2K revival has brought back nostalgic references far and wide, from noughties rom-coms to iconic hits, and the bottoms that time forgot – the cargo pant. A once loved closet treasure, we’re seeing men and women across the globe reclaiming the pants of their youth, with a modern, minimal twist. Yes, they’re an essential for 2022, and it’s likely you have a pair stashed away (if not, hurry, we have some left here), but if you’re not totally sure how to bring this retro trend up-to-date, here are some styling tips from our Nasty muses.
IG: @jessicastockstill_
How to Wear Cargo Pants Casually
So, how to wear cargo pants casually, all day, every day? Cargos essentially are a casual staple – their loose-fitting silhouette means wearing them is ultra comfortable, and their many (many) pockets make them practical for holding your phone, keys, cash, whatever. For those daytime plans, take Nasty Gal @jessicastockstill_’s streetwear style as inspiration. Jessica’s all blue outfit not only screams bright and bold for summer, it adds playfulness and a sense of informality that would be squashed by an all-black outfit. Opt for a pair of royal blue wide-leg cargos and a matching blue crop top, then pair the look with chunky white sliders and accessories.
IG: @alooopezzz
Dressy Cargo Pants Outfit Ideas
When those day to night plans call, don’t pack away the pants. Instead, switch out your accompanying top and shoes, and continue to let the cargos do the talking. There’s no hiding the fact that cargos are a trend piece, so rather than cluttering your evening look with fussy pieces, strip it back and choose a single color top. We’re obsessed with @alooopezzz’s styling of this strappy simple bra top, teasing a little bit of skin to balance out the conservative bottoms. Alyssa paired this look with flat sneakers for the day, but by switching them out for a strappy black heeled mule that mirrors the top, you have a fit approved for date night.
IG: @sandrashleiwet
What to Wear with Black Cargo Pants
If you opted for black cargos (because, hello, black goes with everything), a simple tee or tank could be all you need for a minimal makeover. But for serious style inspo check out @darcyowennn’s ultra boxy androgynous take on what to wear with black cargo pants. Crisp white shirt (untucked), check. Oversized faux leather bomber, check. Chunky sneakers and mini ecru purse, check check. Darcy ditched figure-hugging for fashion-forward, completing the monochrome look with a slim, black tie and matching sunnies.
IG: @sandrashleiwet
What to Wear with Green Cargo Pants
Continuing with the 2022 minimal take on cargos, we have the stunning @sandrashleiwet showing us what to wear with green cargo pants. Sandra opted for a cool-toned green and styled the look with a plain black high neck tank, longline leather blazer, and failsafe chunky white sneakers. Depending on how wide you choose to go with the leg, consider balancing out proportions and complementing the look with a fitted crop top that shows off your silhouette. Grab a ruched black handbag, and you’re good to go.
IG: @cestclau
How to Style Khaki Pants in Summer
For a true nod to the noughties, opt for khaki. This tan shade is the mother of 2000s cargos – the original color of choice. For how to style khaki pants for summer, take inspiration from the stellar @cestclau, who pairs the pants perfectly with a basic white tank that shows off the stomach (another noughties trend). If you’ve not already gathered, the key to styling for 2022 is simplicity, but for summer socials, experiment with Claudia’s look and play with pops of color that echo the bold 2000s. Integrate sneakers with pops of color, and tie the look together with a neon orange shoulder purse.
For more muse content, check out our post on How to Style a Blazer for the Everyday.
