The 31 Best Cargo Pants for Women, According to Designers and Celebrities
Trust us—this early '00s trend is surprisingly wearable in 2023.
Scrolling through TikTok a few months ago, I noticed a new addition to the ever-present small top/big pants trend. The fashion TikTokers I followed were now wearing their favorite cropped tanks not only with baggy, wide-leg jeans but with baggy cargo pants, too. So I turned to the experts about how exactly to make the best cargo pants work in your wardrobe for fall 2023, especially if you're not a trendy member of Gen Z (or an avid TikTok user).
The rise of the cargo pants proves that we're living in a sartorial blend of '90s fashion and looks from the early aughts. Cargo pants grew in popularity in the grunge-outfit era of the late '90s before really gaining traction in the early years of the following decades; they were loved by Aaliyah, Christina Aguilera, and Britney Spears during that time. The appeal lies in how cargo pants are traditionally workwear-inspired but can have a feminine approach.
Danielle Guizio, the founder of her namesake fashion brand, says she loves cargo pants because they go with everything. "Distinct silhouettes, like the cargo pants, are making their way to be more culturally hybrid amongst all people," she says about why they're trending right now. "Plus, nothing beats the comfort of throwing on a baggy pair of pants far from skintight or uncomfortable."
Now, cargo and parachute-style pants are being spotted on a new crop of It-girls, including Lori Harvey, Bella Hadid, Emma Chamberlain, Hailey Bieber, and Gigi Hadid. They also popped up on the runways at brands like Givenchy, Marques' Almeida, and A.W.A.K.E Mode during the Fall/Winter 2023 season, proving their unexpected longevity.
Emma Chamberlain's Classic Cargo Pants
Cargo pants make a statement no matter their color, so start with a pair that comes in a classic colorway if you're new to the silhouette. Emma Chamberlain styled her deep green pair with a sheer top and lug-soled rainboots for an effortless fall ensemble.
Hailey Bieber’s Black Cargo Pants
Hailey Bieber donned this perfect pair of black cargo pants on a casual day in New York City. She opted for a sportier vibe for the rest of her ensemble, going for a cropped white tank top, slender black sunglasses, and a pair of black sneakers.
Bella Hadid's Denim Cargo Pants
For a summer and fall-ready look, style your pair of cargo pants, an equally oversized denim jacket, and a pair of chunky sneakers as Bella Hadid did. This look is all about being comfortable and casual, so play with proportions to find the ones that work for you.
Gigi Hadid's White Cargo Pants
White cargo is a great alternative to your favorite pair of white jeans because they're often more comfortable. Take a page from supermodel Gigi Hadid and style them with a cropped black T-shirt and matching sneakers for an effortless off-duty vibe. Or, wear them with a white top for a monochromatic outfit.
Lori Harvey’s Nylon Cargo Pants
Parachute-style nylon pants are sometimes lumped into the same category as cargo pants because they have a similar silhouette and are often styled the same way. Take Lori Harvey, who styled hers with a coordinating black top, a black leather jacket, and a pair of black sneakers. The shiny material is casual enough to work for a day off but can be dressed up for a night out.
How to Style Cargo Pants
For Guizio, cargo pants' wearability is tied to their vintage appeal—but you don't need to dress like you stepped out of a Y2K-era romantic comedy. To make them feel updated, Guizio recommends elevating the look overall. "Styling them in a more sophisticated manner from top to bottom is a great way to make them feel refreshed," she says. Consider adding playful accessories to keep them from looking too masculine, like "sunglasses, accessories, and fun shoes."
For daytime wear, Guizio prefers to keep cargo pants casual. "I like to wear my cargo pants with an oversized hoodie and sneakers," she says of her ideal day look. "Then, underneath, I will wear the tiniest top if my mood changes. That way, I have the best of both worlds and can dress for whatever the day brings."
For nighttime styling, Guizio pairs her cargo pants with classically feminine pieces: "A sequin or beaded top and a fun pair of colorful Manolos" are her specific callouts. If you're looking for a similar way of styling your cargo pants, opt for a tube or halter top.
Meet The Expert
New York-based designer Danielle Guizio founded her namesake womenswear label in 2014. Capturing the essence of subversive sensuality and boldness, the designer is inspired above all to empower the wearer and celebrate the female form. The ready-to-wear collection celebrates the modern-day woman who aims to deviate from the traditional and push boundaries in all aspects of life. Woven knits, structured suiting, and signature corsets are emboldened with asymmetrical details, purposeful cut-outs, ruching and custom hardware.
The label has established itself as a favorite among the Hadids, Kardashian-Jenners, Rosalia, Blackpink, and Lady Gaga for their signature corset iterations and form-fitting silhouettes that evoke a sense of unabashed femininity and vulnerability. Finding continuous inspiration through the subcultures of New York, the self-taught designer’s approach to womenswear reflects the spirit of this culture while signaling to the socio-political climate through the lens of the designer as a woman.
