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How to wear cargo

Cargo can go from day to night, you just need to know how to style it.
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Allow us to style this season’s tricky trend for you! Cargo is a newbie on the block and it’s safe to say we are shopping up a storm.

Watch: 4 Affordable Ways To Style Maxi & Midi Skirts For A Chic, Minimal Look

The cargo trend is no longer just about the Y2K low-slung pants and instead is moving into a new territory of high-waist denim, cute miniskirts and even overshirts.

And the best thing is, these separates can be easily styled with existing pieces in your wardrobe – think: your favourite striped shirt and go-to boxy blazer.

Yep, cargo is perhaps one of the easiest trends to try.

Wondering where to start? I’m here to show you how you can work it different ways for a variety of occasions!

woman-wears-outfit-for-the-office-cargo-pants-heels-blue-blazer-and-white-tee
A blue blazer is a capsule wardrobe staple – and works great with cargo pants. (Credit: Who magazine)

How to style cargo for the office

Cargo doesn’t always have to be casual. You can effortlessly polish it up with a boxy blazer for smart office attire. To keep things comfortable around the office, just add a small kitten heel and cotton tee underneath.

Holly wears: (pictured above)

  1. Zara blazer, $109
  2. Uniqlo T-shirt, $29.90
  3. H&M pants, $49.99
  4. Witchery heel, $169.95
  5. Zara bag, $55.95
woman-wears-blue-shirt-cargo-skir-sneakers-and-orange-bag
Maxi skirts are back, and that doesn’t exclude cargo skirts. (Credit: Who magazine)

How to style cargo for running errands

Just because you’re on the move doesn’t mean you want to skimp on style! That’s where choosing a button-up shirt over a tee to pair with a cargo skirt gives it a smarter finish. Simply do a twist-tuck, and accessorise with sneakers and a cross-body bag.

Holly wears: (pictured above)

  1. Zara shirt, $65.95
  2. Glassons skirt, $49.99
  3. Mimco bag, $199
  4. Nike sneakers, $300
woman-wears-cargo-pants-button-up-shirt-white-heels-and-green-bag
A pop of colour can make your cargo look more exciting. (Credit: Who magazine)

How to style cargo for drinks

Classic cargo pants speak for themselves, so when you’re styling them, opt for a shirt that you can tuck in to flatter the high waist and pocket detailing. To elevate for the evening, a block heel and bold statement bag will tick the box.

Holly wears: (pictured above)

  1. Summi Summi shirt, $229
  2. Showpo pants, $79.95
  3. Kate Spade bag, $589
  4. Billini heels, $99.95
a-woman-wears-brown-cargo-over-coat-with-white-tee-green-skirt-brown-knee-high-boots
Safari jackets are the look. (Credit: Who magazine)

How to style cargo for brunch

For a weekend look that is comfortable and cool, you can’t go wrong with a midi skirt and comfy boots. Then incorporate the cargo trend with an overshirt for a no-fuss finish! And it makes a great trans-seasonal outfit when the weather won’t make up its mind.

Holly wears: (pictured above)

  1. H&M jacket, $69.99
  2. Witchery t-shirt, $49.95
  3. H&M skirt, $34.99
Profile picture of Holly Hampton-Thayers
Holly Hampton-Thayers

Holly is an Australian-based fashion and beauty writer with over six years of editorial experience in the print and digital space. After completing a journalism degree and working with editorial and fashion teams across UK titles such as Cosmopolitan and Refinery29. Holly began working in the e-commerce sector as editorial assistant at The Outnet. In her current role across the Are Media weekly titles, she loves putting the latest beauty products to the test, discovering new and noteworthy fashion brands and showing readers how to look luxe for less.

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