How to style cargo pants: Go-to accessories and style tips

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Cargo pants are the perfect response to outfit anxiety. These versatile bottoms have come a long way from their workwear origins and mesh nicely with both streetwear and office-casual vibes.

Cargos pair with endless pieces, including oversized shirts, Y2K crop tops, and chunky sweaters. No matter your aesthetic and body type, cargo pants are a solid addition to your closet.

Read our tips on how to style cargo pants and create a playbook of go-to styles.

How to style cargo pants by color: 6 outfit combos

One of our favorite types of pants, cargo bottoms are as adaptable as your life needs them to be. Check out these women’s cargo pant outfits and style this piece by color and occasion.

1. Black cargo pants

We’re obsessed with the unlimited potential of black cargo pants. Try a stunning urban approach with a bright, bold top and matching heels—we’d go for a vibrant yellow or orange. Finish it with oversized sunglasses and a leather jacket.

While cargo pants are typically casual, you can dress them up for smart-casual occasions with a tailored jacket. Elevate your black cargo pants with a white button-down, navy blazer, and sleek boots.

Refresh your collection and thrift a like-new pair of black cargo pants on ThredUp, starting at $9.99.

2. Khaki cargo pants

Khakis are a more classic cargo pants style, so we recommend leaning into this nostalgic aesthetic with a 2000s look. A crop top with chunky sneakers is great for a relaxed lunch or shopping trip. Add extra personality by using a cropped graphic tee.

For a more elegant approach, pair khaki cargo pants with a seasonal sweater and heels. This contrasting combo balances sporty and feminine vibes and creates the perfect fall outfit.

Browse thousands of khaki cargo pants on ThredUp, from baggy to slim, starting at only $3.99.

3. Brown cargo pants

While brown cargo pants have distinct workwear credentials, you can style them with delicate colors and accessories to embody a rustic, cozy feeling. Try a white lace camisole and denim jacket for a comfortable combination (and a lovely color palette of white, blue, and chocolate), then slip into some heeled sandals on your way out the door.

Complement the warmth of your brown cargo pants by adding a sweater and boots in earthy tones. We recommend tan suede ankle boots and a beige sweater, finishing with an olive green beanie.

Add these versatile pants to your wardrobe, starting at $11.99.

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4. Green cargo pants

Green cargo pants’ tough, army aesthetic looks striking with a no-nonsense approach. Try a simple cream shirt or bodysuit, white sneakers, and a matching green field jacket. We love this understated streetwear look and its contrasting silhouette—nothing hits like baggy bottoms and a tight top.

For a quick variation, keep the cream and green color scheme, but swap the bodysuit for a cotton henley. The field jacket works well here, but we prefer a white denim jacket.

We recommend white sneakers or simple heels for either of these outfits—pick your favorite.

Thrift unique green cargo pants on ThredUp, including oversized, cropped, and wide-leg, starting at $9.99.

5. White cargo pants

White cargo pants offer a bright, clean feeling. Pair them with a flowy oversized button-down for breezy summer vibes. Add flat sandals and a woven basket bag for a refreshing boardwalk style.

These pants are also ideal for super casual, last-minute outfits. Wear your favorite graphic tee with a denim jacket and retro sneakers for friendly meet-ups and weekend errands (we also love this combo with straight-leg or boyfriend jeans).

Level up your wardrobe with preloved white cargo pants—thrift them on ThredUp, starting at $6.99.

6. Camo cargo pants

Camouflage cargo pants carry a strong utilitarian feeling and are most striking in edgy, urban outfits. Create an eye-catching streetwear look with high-waisted camos, a cropped jacket, and a knit beanie. Choose a jacket with a hem that perfectly aligns with the bottoms for a seamless silhouette.

For some extra dramatic flair, wear wide-leg cargo pants. Finish with strappy heels to elongate the legs and add an elegant element to this look.

Find the ideal pair of camo cargo pants on ThredUp, starting at $7.99.

What to wear with cargo pants: Best footwear and accessories

While cargo pants can complement most pieces in your closet, certain shoes and accessories transform any look. Check out our top pairing pieces for a classic fit.

Boots

All types of boots look excellent with cargo pants. Combat boots complement heavy-duty or punk rock vibes, while ankle boots add a more sophisticated touch. We also love Chelsea boots for a look that can flex from relaxed to smart-casual.

This is our top recommendation for cold weather. Cargo pants meet perfectly at the top of most boots, providing total leg coverage (and creating a top-notch silhouette as a bonus). 

Sneakers

Sneakers are a classic pairing—they’re just as effortless and relaxed as cargo pants. White sneakers go with everything and suit any laid-back occasion and most seasons (just avoid them in the freezing cold).

Cargo pants outfits look especially edgy with high tops. Throw on a pair of iconic Converse shoes for a trendy look with a hint of grunge.

Open heels

Strappy heels and sandals add feminine charm to rugged cargo pants. They create a contrasting, clean look at the end of these slouchy bottoms, instantly elevating the outfit for parties and dates.

We love this outfit idea for warm weather. Open heels keep your feet cool and breezy (and highlight summer pedicures).

Statement bag

A bright, bold purse adds personality and color to baggy cargo pants. Choose something daring for the best effect—our favorites are animal prints, cherry red, monochrome stripes, and graffiti patterns.

As for purse types, we love crossbody bags for a sporty look and handbags for casual yet stylish outfits. You can also go bigger and bolder with a bucket bag.

Beanies

Cargo pants are naturally slouchy, so go with the flow and sport a cute knit beanie to evoke skate and hip-hop aesthetics. You can’t go wrong no matter which style you pick, whether you opt for brimless, brimmed, or pom pom beanies.

We’d wear these in anything but the warmest weather. Beanies are the top choice for staying warm and fashionable in winter, fall, and cool spring days.

Assemble endless outfits with cargo pants with ThredUp

ThredUp is the ultimate platform for thrifting affordable cargo pants and complementary pieces. Refresh your closet and build endless outfits with our vast collection—we receive over 50,000 new arrivals daily, so you’ll be sure to find the perfect piece for your personal style.

Get inspired before you shop with our AI-powered Style Chat. Describe your ideal clothing pieces or a special event, and we’ll generate a personalized look on a model. Refine it with prompts like “more colors” or “less formal” until you’re satisfied, and then browse suggested items from our inventory.

FAQs

What goes well with baggy cargos?

We love baggy cargo pants with sleek tops, like bodysuits and fitted tees. This creates a balanced silhouette that’s eye-catching yet casual. For footwear, try boots to complement the baggy pants or heels to contrast them.

Do hoodies go well with cargo pants?

Hoodies and cargo pants are a top-notch casual look for relaxed, cold-weather occasions. This combo is comfy, warm, and a staple of streetwear aesthetic. Finish it with chunky sneakers or boots for a low-fi urban vibe.

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