Pocket Universe: Cargo Pants are the 2023 Trouser You Should be Wearing

We’ve got 15 of our favorites that are so good, you may just skip your purse entirely.

Remember this old joke: “what do women really want?” answer “pockets”.

It would seem that designers are finally taking us at our word. Cargo pants were everywhere on the runway in all sorts of incarnations from casual joggers to office-friendly fabrics, with fits ranging from skinny to slouchy.

Ready to make room in your closet for some cargo? Let’s go!

JOGGERS

This cinnamon colored pair from Windsor is so versatile, you may want to grab a second while you can. Pair it with a cropped tee and sneaks for weekend wear, add a sweater and some combat boots for a cool off-duty look, or zhuzh it up with a crisp button down and some pumps to spice up your office look. So many choices!

Windsor, Jog My Memory High Rise Cargo Joggers $46.90

These poly/spandex joggers get major upgrades with a faux leather drawstring waistband and gunmetal zipper pockets that read punk chic.

Karl Lagerfeld, Faux Leather Trim Cargo Jogger $55

(on Sale NOW from $99.50)

Talk about two looks in one. These cotton cargos from Boston Proper might well be your new fav pant when the weather gets warmer. The drawstring hem can be tied at the bottom for a full length look, or roll them up to pedal pusher or capri length. The lightweight material won’t bunch up or look bulky.

Boston Proper, Convertible Cargo Pant $79.50

Alo Yoga’s appropriately named “It Girl” pant just radiates street cred. Oversized fit with grommet detailing, belt loops and cinched cuffs, these cargos are so major with a half-zip hoodie or a bomber.

Alo Yoga, It Girl Pant $128

We’d be remiss if we didn’t include a little camo with our jogger cargos. This classic gray/green version from Sanctuary gives a little more visual interest than your solid and will act as a complementary neutral against all those spring brights.

 

Sanctuary, Rebel Pant in Hiker Camo $59.37

OFFICE-FRIENDLY

Sure, cargos may have started as worker wear, but just as blue jeans evolved into one of the most worn styles of trousers, so too are cargos being refined and redefined. Elie Tahari’s luxe vegan suede version is elegant proof of this. The fitted cut and cropped hem make this expresso beauty perfectly office-worthy.

Elie Tahari, Vegan Suede Utility Pant $149

(on Sale NOW from $298)

Just in time for spring, these wide leg cargos from Windsor in crisp white are the perfect pairing for all those bright spring tops. Toss on a tailored trench or a sleek cropped blazer and you are *chefs kiss* ready to go!

Windsor, Not Your Boyfriend’s Cargo Pants $49.90

These silky, champagne-colored cargos from City Sleek can take you straight from office day to dinner and drinks without a need for any wardrobe change.

City Sleek, Cargo Pant $59

(on Sale NOW from $205)

More rich fabric to play with! This time it’s rag & bone’s cargo incarnation in the form of sumptuous and soft faux-leather. These would look lovely with a nipped in button down or silk blouse.

rag & bone, Sands Faux-Leather Cargo Pants $475

(on Sale NOW from $559)

And lastly, for some major color pop (a la Barbiecore) comes this hot pink hottie from Manning Cartell’s new season. The flowing pink puddle legs will give you ample space as you strut your mondaine stuff.

Manning Cartell, Wide Leg Cargo Trousers $348

OFF-DUTY

Of course it would stand to reason that cargos are the perfect item to add in to your more casual looks. Whether it’s running errands, weekend wear, squad lunch or just zhuzhing up your regular off-duty look. So skip the expected jeans and rotate in a pair of cargos as a quick refresh to your fit.

Channel some aughties energy with these low rise beauties from Free People. With six generous pockets to choose from, going purse free is a serious option.

Free People, The Thing Is Black Low-Rise Cargo Pants $59.99

(on Sale NOW from $128)

The contrast stitching and wide leg of these cargos have us feeling a lil bit jaunty…

Rue 21, Black Contrast Stitch Cargo Plus Size $44.99

This buttery yellow, barrel leg version from Izzue just gives us fresh spring vibes all around. The cropped legs would look fantastic paired with this season’s flatforms.

Izzue, Straight Leg Cut Cargo Trousers $59

(on Sale NOW from $117)

Iconic green meets a little flare in these low-rise cargos. And they’re eco-friendly! Made with 50% TENCEL™ fiber, these cargos may give off a 90s feel, but they’re all ’23.

Aeropostale, Low-Rise Flare Cargo Pants $16.99

Rounding out our list, these pink, parachute inspired nylon cargo pants are absolutely made to be noticed. The combination of black straps on bubble gum pink will bring together your street look, with just a dash of 80s punk.

Rue 21, Pink Nylon Cargo Pants $39.99

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