The ’90s called: cargo pants are back
I found a goldmine of cargo pants inside an an unnamed, pier-side boutique in Torquay. What began as a wholesome weekend of BBQs and windswept coastal walks soon turned into an impromptu shopping spree, as a gust of sea breeze nudged us off the path and into the boutique. Inside, we found cargo pants for every personality. – long, short, oversized, sporty-chic. Unfortunately, the shop took only cash. I walked out empty-handed but not empty-hearted, because cargo pants are everywhere right now.
Whether you’re channelling ’90s Jennifer Aniston in a slouchy red pair or reinventing the Y2K staple in monochrome for a more Phoebe Philo take on things, cargos are the comfortable, utilitarian heroes of fuss-free dressing. Less restrictive than denim but more put together than those threadbare trackies, the humble cargos are the Charli xcx-approved option of the moment – and let’s be honest, no one wants to dance in skinny jeans.
Back to black
Ok, so cargos may not be your first thought when it comes to monochrome minimalism but an all-black cargo look is the way to do goth-girl summer meets utilitarianism.
Camo cool
The ’90s are back (only joking, they never left, if our love of crop tops and slip dresses is anything to go off) but this time, it’s less about clashing camo with flannel shirts and more about adding a statement print to your neutrals.
Crisp whites
If you’re looking to keep things a bit brighter and lighter this summer without veering into full Wimbledon whites, these neutral cargo trousers offer a more polished take on the trend.
Jewel tones
Dopamine dressing is a thing for a reason – and when better to indulge in something more joyful than those long summer months when everyone is instantly 100x happier simply because the sun is shining. A pair of statement cargos make the perfect accompaniment for any white tank tops you’ve got lying around from last year’s Brat summer.
Classic khaki
Sometimes, you can’t beat the classic – and the OG cargo in khaki is the tried-and-tested way to go. Worn with ballet flats, this is an easy and unfussy option that’s likely to land you on an Instagram street-style account tagged “what everyone is wearing in London”.
Tonal neutrals
A summery take on the classic khaki, a pair of cargos in a sandy neutral is the in-the-know take on the classic. Paired with a boho blouse, this is an on-trend option that taps into the 2000s Chloé girl revival sweeping our feeds, without going too saccharine sweet.
