how to style cargo pants for fall + winter 2023

if you're anything like us, (trendy + fun), your pinterest + instagram feeds are full of cargo pant outfit ideas. after all, cargos were forecasted to be a standout trend for fall 2023, so it’s no surprise that everything seems to be cargo-coded. 

stylish, versatile, + nostalgic af, these bottoms are key to taking any outfit to the next level. that’s why we’re showing you our favorite ways to wear cargo pants for the fall + winter seasons. whether you’re going for an edgy streetwear look or a chic girlie get-up, we’ve got you, babe.

 

utility-inspired outfits

while there are many variations of these iconic bottoms, the stereotypical cargo pant has a baggy fit + a grungy vibe. so, to ease you into the cargo craze, we’ll start off with some of the more traditional ways to style them.

 

pictured: salty cargo pants + middle of the night striped cardigan + madison loafer boots in dried basil - free people // wesley corduroy pants + heartbeat wrap top

 

to balance out the loose silhouette, we recommend pairing baggy cargo pants with a form-fitting, (and/or cropped) top. slim, long-sleeve knits are great because they show off your bod while still keeping you covered. throw on a pair of chunky sneakers or chelsea boots + you’ll have the perfect on-trend ensemble. 

if you want to play up the baggy, streetwear vibes, oversized sweaters are still totally acceptable (+ aesthetic af). just be sure to tuck in the front of your sweater to keep your waist defined.

 

elevated aesthetic outfits

contrary to popular (+ totally wrong) belief, “dressed-up” cargo pant outfits exist + they are everything. to achieve a more elevated look, start with flared, bootcut, or skinny cargo pants. 

  

 pictured: kenny cargo pants + charlotte wrap top + merriweather trench coat + hardi slingback penny loafer - dolce vita // elevated cargo pants + boston cardigan

 

next, choose something form-fitting like a sleek bodysuit or a short sleeve cardigan, (the more refined-looking, the better). complete the ensemble with loafers + a fitted blazer or trench coat, + poof: perfection.

 

flirty + feminine outfits

 

 

pictured: elevated cargo pants + zuri embroidered blouse // willa cargo skirt + night out tank

 

cargos may have a masculine rep, but there are plenty of ways to make them for the girls. you can pair straight-leg cargo pants with a sultry top for the perfect “going out” look. or, you can ditch the pants altogether +  rock a cargo skirt.

 

pictured: lyla maxi skirt + far away cargo maxi skirt + bonjour tee + runa boots in royal blue suede - dolce vita

 

just as in style for 2023, cargo maxi skirts + midi skirts will turn any outfit into an on-trend moment. whether you style it with a cropped tank + platforms, or a graphic tee + sneakers, the outfit possibilities are endless.

we hope we’ve inspired you to come to the cargo side. with these tips in mind, you’ll have everything you’ll need to make any look a “cargo pants look.” 

for more outfit ideas + iconic styling inspo, follow us on pinterest + ig!

xo, zoco.