WORDS BY JOSEPH FURNESS
Our love affair with the 90s/00s era is still going strong, which means cargo pants – and lots of them. Yes, the girl band/boy band staple is still trending and has been revamped by everyone from AMI Paris to 1017 ALYX 9SM.
Here to show you how to rock the trend at any time, at any place, is the best cargo pant wearing mega-group since Liberty X.
Why have you chosen these cargo pants for a morning coffee run?
First of all, I really love pockets – the more pockets, the better; hence, it’s easy to see why I love these trousers with extra pockets on the side. Additionally, I love the utilitarian vibe they give off, how comfortable they are and how versatile they are. What better way to finish off your coffee run fit than with a pair of black cargo pants?
Who designed the cargo pants?
These cargo pants are from AMI Paris, and my two favourite things about them are their straight cut and the texture of the material used to create them. Additionally, I love the fact that they’re casual, comfortable and super easy to style.
What have you styled your cargo pants with?
I'm wearing wearing one of my favourite colour combinations, black with green, which I’ve brought to life with a touch of white. I’ve paired the straight cut cargo pants with a dark green cropped boxy sweater and a simple pair of black and white sneakers. The finishing touches to my outfit are a black cap and an off-white tote bag – two super simple but effective accessories.
Why are cargo pants an essential addition to your wardrobe?
Cargo Cargo pants are a wardrobe staple because they’re super functional and versatile. They’re also (usually) very comfortable. I like that fashion is evolving to become more and more practical, and I hope that the cargo pant trend sticks around for the foreseeable future.
How would you style your cargo pants for a different occasion?
Aforesaid, cargo pants are very versatile. For a date night with my beautiful girlfriend, I would style them with a pair of boots and an oversized blazer (black or grey).
Why have you chosen these cargo pants for morning errands?
I’m a biiiiig pockets person; I don’t like my clothes without pockets. I would rather not carry a purse (if I can help it), so I love a great utility piece. These pants not only have extremely deep pockets in the usual places but they also have extra pockets on the sides. Best of all, they still look super chic. I’m a believer!
Who designed the cargo pants?
Natasha Zinko designed this pair and I absolutely adore the silhouette. The oversized fit, which creates a look where the hem of the pants slightly drags on the floor, emanates an easy, laid-back, cool-girl vibe that's reminiscent of Japanese street fashion.
What have you styled your cargo pants with?
I’m wearing a sweater that’s both super oversized and a crop top—a perfect match for these extremely baggy, yet fitted pants.
This outfit actually reminds me of an article I read about clothing for people who prefer a “blob aesthetic”. I was like OMG, that’s me! Clothing that feels effortless and looks like it’s falling off your body but somehow stays in place is my ideal.
Why are cargo pants an essential addition to your wardrobe?
I hope this is the year we eradicate pocketless clothing from womenswear. What's even more infuriating is fake pockets! I want to be radical and wear clothing with as many pockets as possible.
Where would you usually be found doing your morning errands?
At my P.O. box, my daily tea spot, and afterwards at a co-working booth in Soho House.
Why have you chosen these cargo pants for brunch?
I consider brunch a more casual event, and though my typical “casual” uniform consists of an oversized sweater with straight leg jeans, we’re at that point in the year where I’ve worn that combo approximately 60 days in a row. I desperately needed a CHANGE, and there is nothing more refreshing yet still weather appropriate than a killer pair of cargo pants.
Who designed the cargo pants?
These cargo pants are designed by Nº21, a brand I think really has a knack for beautiful structure and silhouettes. There are a few reasons I picked this particular pair. For one, the material is reminiscent of what a proper cargo pant SHOULD feel like, nice & stiff but soft to the touch. I also appreciate the fit and cut of the pant ― they have a higher waist, flare out at the thighs but taper as they cut off a few inches above the ankle. And of course, I LOVE that the waistband is denim. It adds a nice, modern touch.
What have you styled your cargo pants with?
I wanted to go with the 'big on big' vibe so I'm pairing the cargo pants with an oversized vintage blazer and a vintage belt that just so happened to match the hue of the jacket perfectly. Underneath the blazer, I'm wearing a simple white tee with layered gold necklaces and a vintage pair of clip-on earrings. To take the outfit up a notch, I've added a silver mini bag by Zadig & Voltaire and my go-to pair of silver boots by Iro.
Why are cargo pants an essential addition to your wardrobe?
Among all of the fashion trends this season, I find cargo pants to be one of the easiest to wear because they’re so versatile! You can style them down with a pair of sneakers and a crop top, and turn around and wear them out to dinner with a pair of strappy heels and a bodysuit. The options are truly endless ― this is definitely a trend to invest in!
Where would you usually be found eating brunch?
Depends on what I’m in the mood for! On this particular day, I'm craving a tasty bagel with lox, so I've gone to my hometown of Skokie to Kaufman’s Bakery. On other days, you can find me at Lula Cafe, Overeasy Café or The Allis.
Why have you chosen these cargo shorts for a day out shopping?
I've chosen these cargo shorts for a day out shopping because they’re both stylish and comfy. They’re perfect for shopping all year round because the nylon material is suitable for all weather conditions.
Who designed the cargo shorts? What do you like about them?
These cargo shorts are from 1017 ALYX 9SM, and what I like about them is that they’re a technical piece of clothing enhanced with an array of details – from the pocket to the zips to the embossed logo. I would say 1017 ALYX 9SM is one of my favourite brands right now because of its focus on sleek, utilitarian pieces.
What have you styled your cargo shorts with? Talk us through your choice.
My vibe for this cargo short fit is simple and effortless. I’ve paired the shorts with a 1017 ALYX 9SM tee and bucket hat, Prada Cloudbust Thunder sneakers and a small Prada bag. I love combining Prada and 1017 ALYX 9SM pieces because I think the aesthetics of the two brands harmonise well together. As we all know, black works well with everything so there are endless ways you could style these shorts.
Why are cargo shorts an essential addition to your wardrobe?
Cargo shorts are one of my wardrobe essentials because you can dress them up or down in any season, depending on your mood. What more could you ask for from a pair of shorts?
How would you style your cargo shorts for a different occasion?
If I was to wear these shorts in an office setting, I would style them with a clean white shirt and a tie for a business-inspired touch. If it was a nice day, I would also add a slick pair of black sunglasses into the mix.
Why have you chosen these cargo pants for a business meeting?
For a business meeting, I like to wear powerful and unisex pieces such as suits or cargo pants. I love these ones in particular as they give a modern boyish vibe to my outfit. I love them so much that they've now become a staple in my wardrobe.
Who designed the cargo pants?
My cargo pants are from the emerging luxury label Rokh (LVMH Prize finalist that champion discreet-chic silhouettes). I love the flared cropped cut as it allows me to pair the pants with different types of shoes: ankle boots, heels, sneakers, etc.
What have you styled your cargo pants with?
I have styled these cargo pants with elevated pieces: pearl earrings from Chloé and an oversized yellow pastel silk blouse. I think an oversized blazer could also be a perfect addition to this look. I have also been wearing these pants with my Chloé boots as I walk a lot when I am in Paris. But when I return to Los Angeles (where I mostly use my car) I will be styling these with heels.
Why are cargo pants an essential addition to your wardrobe?
In today's world, being chic is wearing versatile, elevated pieces. Plus this year, pants other than denim or leggings are definitely on the rise. Cargo pants are great as they are easy to mix and match with your office wardrobe. They certainly make a change from the classic workwear. Also, these pants can be worn on weekends with a cool sweater and sneakers.
Tell us more about your career and work wear style.
I am a content creator, fashion editor, and digital consultant for fashion and beauty brands. My style is effortless chic with an edgy twist. I live in Los Angeles but travel a lot to Paris and New York. As I am always on the go ― between meetings, photo shoots and events ― I need to wear chic and versatile pieces throughout the day.
Why have you chosen these cargo pants for a dinner date?
I value comfort from my attire and like most Parisian girls, I am a sucker for androgynous outfits. You will rarely catch me dressing up girly and cute as I prefer to add a masculine touch to my looks.
Who designed the cargo pants?
I selected these cargo pants from Gold Hawk because the fluid and silky texture brings a very chic twist. These black cargo pants are both elegant, comfortable and easy to style with a white blouse that reveals the neckline. It is the perfect compromise between casual and sophisticated.
What have you styled your cargo pants with?
My style is pretty minimal so I styled them with a white blouse with a plunging neckline. I threw an oversized lilac blazer to add a pop of colour, and a pair of high heels to make the look more feminine.
Why are cargo pants an essential addition to your wardrobe?
Being able to pull cargo pants off on a date night is a sign of confidence. It empowers women and shows that we can wear whatever we want as long as we feel good wearing it.
Where would you usually be found on a dinner date?
The bar of the Roosevelt Hotel in Hollywood. I am keeping my other favourite spots a secret.
Why have you chosen these cargo pants for a night out?
I chose these cargos because they immediately caught my eye. This colourway of camo print is one that I've never seen before and I thought they'd be super fun to style.
Who designed the cargo pants?
My cargo pants are designed by Acne Studios, one of my favourite brands. I love how these cargos have so many cool unexpected details - from the bungee straps, hidden zippers, to the 3M logo on the right pant leg.
What have you styled your cargo pants with?
I knew right away that I wanted to style these cargos by colour-blocking. I went for a sporty-chic vibe and styled them with a matching neon-orange Nike sports tank, a vintage baby blue faux-fur coat, and 3M strappy heels. Oh, and I couldn't resist wearing my matching Acne Studios mini bag!
Why are cargo pants an essential addition to your wardrobe?
I think cargos are such an essential to any woman's wardrobe because you can dress them up or down. They're flattering, comfy, and will give any look that "effortless" touch.
Where would you usually be found on a night out?
You can catch me either at my favourite lounge or club in Vegas for a few drinks and some good music.