3 Ways I Styled These $50 Utility Pants With Basics and Thrifted Pieces I Already Had in My Closet
If I've said it once, I've said it a thousand times: I love a good outfit repeat. Whether it's a head-to-toe look or a single piece worn multiple ways, the more wear, the better, in my opinion. My recent repeats include a pretty puff-sleeve dress, a black jumpsuit, and a printed slip skirt styled in various ways for the cold. Now that it's January and we're past the holiday hoopla, I'm moving on to some of the latest 2020 trends, starting with the utilitarian look by way of these Utility Paperbag Pants ($50) from the POPSUGAR collection at Kohl's.
First fact: they're incredibly flattering. With a high-rise paperbag waist and self-tie belt, they're perfectly cinchable with any sort of top tucked in. Second fact: they're super soft and lightweight — quite ideal for caressing one's own leg/transitioning seasons. Third fact: the utilitarian factor is subtle, but sleek; two patch pockets sit right under the waist while a single cargo pocket lines the right leg. Fourth and final fact: they come in two utilitarian-esque colors — a fawn-like khaki and jet black — plus a floral print when the mood skews more feminine.
With such winning attributes, I put myself up to the challenge of styling these modern cargos three different ways. And not only that, I leveled up the challenge by doing so with basics, vintage, and thrifted pieces I already had in my wardrobe (after a major decluttering and reorganization of my apartment ahead of the new year, I'm so excited to "shop" my closet and give love to more pieces I already own!).
Witness my easy-to-replicate combos that feature the $50 POPSUGAR Utility Paperbag Pants from the January collection ahead, starting with a Pernille Teisbaek-inspired look I've been dying to try since she posted the #OOTD five days ago. Not only can you then shop each of my looks head to toe, but also I included similar versions of the pieces I wore from online resale shops and affordable retailers. My 2020 outfit mantra? Style, wear, repeat.
How I Styled My Utility Pants: With 2 Sweaters, White Boots, and Jewelry
For my first utility-pant go, I re-created a look I double-tapped on the 'gram by one of my favorite fashion influencers, Pernille Teisbaek. Tucking a thin gray mock-neck top into the high-rise pants, I tossed on a second sweater in a thicker fabric as an extracozy layer. Fun, yeah? To finish, I styled in white patent boots, a vintage gold necklace, and delicate rings and bracelets as the final touch.
How I Styled My Utility Pants: With 2 Sweaters, White Boots, and Jewelry
Here is a closer look at the subtle cargo vibes of these utility pants by way of the right-leg pocket.
POPSUGAR Utility Paperbag Pants
Inhabit Wool Blend Boiled V
Inhabit Wool Blend Boiled V ($238, originally $398)
POPSUGAR Balloon-Sleeve Funnel-Neck Sweater
POPSUGAR Turtleneck Side Slit Tunic
Rosetta Getty Black Patent-Leather Ankle Boots
Rosetta Getty Black Patent-Leather Ankle Boots ($380, originally $845)
Vintage 90s Double Link Chain Necklace
Catbird Jewelry Her Diamond Eyes Ring
Mejuri Boyfriend Stacker Vermeil
Tiary Pave Charm Hoop Earrings
Anne Sisteron 14KT Yellow Gold Diamond Zoe Huggie Earrings
Baublebar Niata Large 18k Gold Vermeil Huggies
Maison Miru Mini Eternity Hoop Earrings
How I Styled My Utility Pants: With a Sweatshirt, Oversize Blazer, Black Boots, and a Bag
For my second look, I went the tailored route by layering an oversize vintage blazer (this one is a men's jacket I had taken in) over this Popsugar Relaxed Sweatshirt ($40) (worn backwards!). To keep things sleek, I added in a #NewBottegaVeneta crossbody bag (you can find similar styles from affordable retailers or designer versions on resale sites like Vestiaire Collective and The RealReal!), square-toe black ankle boots, and vintage-inspired jewelry like baroque pearl earrings and a twisted chain necklace.
How I Styled My Utility Pants: With a Sweatshirt, Oversize Blazer, Black Boots, and a Bag
I love how high these pants sit with enough room to cinch in thicker sweatshirts and knits!
POPSUGAR Utility Paperbag Pants
Kors by Michael Kors Wool Blazer
Seven Dials Nicole Mid-Calf Boots
Seven Dials Nicole Mid-Calf Boots ($55, originally $70)
Bottega Veneta Leather Handbag
Bonito Jewelry Da Vinci Chain Choker
How I Styled My Utility Pants: With a Puff-Sleeve Shirt, Faux-Croc Accessories, and Jewelry
My third and final look, I went with the khaki-colored pants and worked in another major-for-2020 trend: voluminous sleeves! For a luxe effect, I mixed in a faux-croc bag and boots and tied it all together with a pair of two-tone hoop earrings, layered bracelets, and stackable rings.
How I Styled My Utility Pants: With a Puff-Sleeve Shirt, Faux-Croc Accessories, and Jewelry
The utilitarian vibes are strong in this fawn-like khaki color!
POPSUGAR Utility Paperbag Pants
Khaite White Enya Cotton-Poplin Blouse
Khaite White Enya Cotton-Poplin Blouse ($257, originally $514)
Parisa Wang Enchanted Top Handle Bag
Aldo Ibilia Mid-Calf Boot
Aldo Ibilia Mid-Calf Boot ($100, originally $200)
Adornmonde Kramar Oversized Hoop Earrings
Jenny Bird Landry Bracelet Figaro Chain Links
Roxanne Assoulin White Sands Bracelet
Zoe Lev 14k Gold Initial Bracelet
Barbela Diamond Wilder Ring
Barbela Diamond Wilder Ring ($1,150)
Ashley Zhang Classic Round Signet Ring
Missoma Lucy Williams Gold Pave Ridge Ring
How Will You Style Your Utility Pants?
Show me how you're styling these $50 utility pants for 2020 by tagging #POPSUGARatKohls on Instagram and Twitter!