Our Favorite Cargo Pants Outfits & How To Style Them

If you're looking for a stylish but understated look, balance your cargo pants with a fitted white tee. While the cargo pants bring the bulk and the utilitarian vibe, the white tee balances that out with a sleek, tailored silhouette.

The versatility of a white tee gives you plenty of options to tailor this look for any occasion. Pair it with black, denim, or another neutral color for a casual, simplistic look, or go bold by opting for a fun print or neon colored cargo pant. You can either tuck your t-shirt into high-waisted cargos or wear a slightly cropped tee that emphasizes your waist. And for footwear? Chunky sneakers or gorgeous sandals can finish the look.

The Gap CashSoft Short-Sleeve Baby Tee in ivory beige frost is a great choice for tucking in with loose-fit cargos. Use a Gap promo code to get the best deal tee, and be sure to check out their wide selection of cargo pants to pair it with.. Need some other options? Here are some of the best white tees we found. (Image credit: @Sheridancarter) 

Thinking about adding a touch of sophistication to your cargo pants? Layer them with a blazer. This look is all about contrast. The clean, structured lines from the tailored blazer will create a beautiful contrast with the loose fit of the cargo pants. Play with different textures and fabrics to add even more depth to the look. Opt for neutral tones for a classic-chic vibe, or add a splash of color with a bright blazer paired with neutral cargo pants. Finish the look off with heels or stylish sandals.

We’ve rounded up our favorite women’s blazers if you need inspiration. You can’t go wrong with the Blake Long Blazer from The Drop on Amazon. With colors ranging from simple black to bright pink, and fabrics from linen to velvet to sequins, there’s a Blake Blazer to match any style of cargo pants you’re using for this outfit. (Image credit: @saraalnaser) 

One of the surest ways to appear effortlessly chic is by going monochromatic. Wearing all black, for example, is simply edgy and cool. The beauty of wearing just one palette is that it also elongates your silhouette. So, if you're looking to slim your look, choose a dark palette and then make that palette pop with bold jewelry — necklaces or earrings. To keep your outfit dynamic, layer your cargo pants with shirts and jackets of different textures or even different shades. Experiment with accessories, too, like a matching bag or shoes.

Brands that excel in simplistic essentials are great for building your monochromatic cargo pants outfit. J.Crew is one of our favorites. Pair their Étienne Oversized Shirt with their High Rise Satin Cargo Pant in black. Add heels and a sparkly clutch for the perfect single-tone look. However you wear it, you can save on this outfit with a J.Crew promo code.

To get a chic look with a cropped top, the trick is to master proportions. Since cargo pants come designed as relaxed and loose-fitting, you'll want to highlight your upper body with a fitted cropped top that will show off your shape. If you choose a loose top, try to tuck the front in so you don't look too slouchy. Check out our selections of the best crop tops under $100.

A cropped tank like this ribbed organic cotton one we picked from Quince highlights your arms and waist without showing too much skin. Try it in black with high-waisted camel cargo pants for a classic chic color combo.

Styling cargo pants with a sweater can be a bit of a challenge. While you want to stay warm, you also want to avoid looking too bulky. If you have a chunky knit sweater, pair it with more slim-fitting cargo pants to give you a streamlined look. We think Free People’s Take Me Home Cotton Sweater is perfect for this outfit.

On the other hand, if you have bulky cargo pants, find a lightweight, fitted top like the 3D Knit Cotton Sweater from Uniqlo. What you're going for is balance, with the slimmer top offsetting the volume at the bottom.

Free People and Uniqlo are two of our favorite brands for versatile sweaters because they offer a wide selection from lightweight and fitted to big and bulky. Both brands offer affordable options, but you can drop the price further by using a Uniqlo coupon or Free People promo code. (Image credit: @latenightwithsara)

If you really want to make your outfit pop and stand out from the crowd, pair your cargo pants with a bodysuit. A bodysuit is not only a beautiful contrast to the relaxed fit of cargo pants, but it can also show off some of your curves.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with colors, or choose a sleek, neutral palette for a classic look. Check out our collection of trending bodysuits for some flattering options. For a minimalist chic look, combine a black bodysuit with white cargo pants. For a more exciting cargo pants outfit, pair a neutral body suit with bright-colored bottoms or a loud print. 

To take your casual style up a notch, pair your cargo pants with heels or heeled boots. By combining the relaxed look of your cargo pants with sophisticated footwear, you can easily elevate your style from casual to polished. For a chic touch, go with stiletto heels. For an edgier look, wear heeled boots. Then, complete the look with a chic, cropped blazer or jacket.
We love the sleek look of The Glove Boots from Everlane, show them off with cropped cargo pants or let them peek out from under wide-leg cargos. (Image credit: @calliso_) 

If you're worried that your cargo pants feel a little too rugged, contrast them with some feminine details on top, like lace, silk or lingerie-inspired details. It's a great nod to your feminine side while still maintaining a grounded, casual vibe. You can complete your feminine look with heels or finish off the style with edgy-heeled boots.

The delicate lace trim of the Natalie V-Neck Lace Trimmed Camisole from The Drop adds a soft touch to the utilitarian style of cargo pants. Pair with structured or camouflage cargos for even starker contrast. Our best lace tops collection is a great starting place for shopping this style.

Simpler is almost always better when styling cargo pants. The rugged vibe of cargo pants already makes a distinct statement, so the key is to complete your look without overwhelming it. If your look is minimalist and understated, use subtle, accent jewelry, like gold hoops or a simple necklace. If you'd like to add a playful vibe, wear a colorful, chunky bracelet or fun belt.

When it comes to handbags, think small. Clutch bags, crossbody bags, and mini backpacks are perfect additions. They add elegance without stealing the spotlight from your outfit. Stick with solid colors for a simple look, or go bold and experiment with prints. (Photo credit: @yourcolorcrush)