How to Style Black Cargo Pants and Not Look Like You're Stuck in the Past

Published on 3/12/2020 at 3:16 PM

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Cargo pants often get a rep for being too tricky to wear, and I don't blame people from shying away. No one wants to end up looking like they're trapped in the wrong era. While celebrities like Jennifer Aniston have been wearing theirs for years, there's a newer generation in town like Billie Elish, Dua Lipa, and Kaia Gerber who have all managed to make the style look fresh. If you're wondering how to pull them off in 2020, we've got you covered.

Fun fact: some of our editors were inspired to give the trend a try after seeing Emily Ratajkowski rocking a pair from Dickies. (The outcome was pretty spectacular, I must say.) The great thing about black cargo pants is that they will match just about everything in your closet. Whether you want to rock a sporty look and wear them with a crop top and Nikes or make them look preppy in a blazer and kitten heels, there's plenty of ways to style them. Keep reading to see 15 fresh ways of wearing your black cargo pants. Then, shop some of our favorite selects for your wardrobe if you're in the market for a pair ahead.

How to Style Black Cargo Pants

For a fashion girl outfit, style yours with a tucked tee, leather jacket, and chunky boots.

How to Style Black Cargo Pants

For a street style look, style yours with a half tucked-in tee, blazer, and cool sneakers.

How to Style Black Cargo Pants

Style them with an simple knit and colorful mules for a more put-together outfit.

How to Style Black Cargo Pants

Style a pair of black cargo joggers with a matching top and leather boots.

How to Style Black Cargo Pants

If you're running errands, style yours with a button-down shirt and classic trainers.

How to Style Black Cargo Pants

Style yours with a logo t-shirt and a designer bag for the best of both worlds.

How to Style Black Cargo Pants

Show off a touch of skin by styling your pants with a crop top and checkered blazer.

How to Style Black Cargo Pants

Style your black cargo pants with a side chain, Converse sneakers, and a striped t-shirt.

How to Style Black Cargo Pants

Keep it casual by styling yours with a cropped t-shirt and Dr. Martens.

How to Style Black Cargo Pants

Wear a baggy style with a t-shirt, sunglasses, and a pair of eye-catching boots.

How to Style Black Cargo Pants

Style a pair of cropped cargo pants with a printed button-down and high socks.

How to Style Black Cargo Pants

Pair them with a turtleneck and vest for a sleek outfit.

How to Style Black Cargo Pants

Style them with an oversize jacket, combat boots, and a colorful bag to stand out.

How to Style Black Cargo Pants

Style them with a cool tie-dye sweatshirt for a trippy outfit.

How to Style Black Cargo Pants

Style yours with a velvet cropped hoodie and sneakers for a sporty look.

BDG Carter Deep Cuff Carpenter Jean

BDG Carter Deep Cuff Carpenter Jean ($69)

BDG Carter Deep Cuff Carpenter Jean

From

$69

ALICE + OLIVIA JEANS Cargo Pants

ALICE + OLIVIA JEANS Cargo Pants ($330)

ALICE + OLIVIA JEANS Cargo Pants

From

$330

Asos Tiger Mist pocket detail cargo pants in black

Asos Tiger Mist pocket detail cargo pants in black ($119)

Asos Tiger Mist pocket detail cargo pants in black

From

$119

Simon Miller Cargo

Simon Miller Cargo ($330)

Simon Miller Cargo

From

$330

DANIELLE GUIZIO Cargo Pants in Black

DANIELLE GUIZIO Cargo Pants in Black ($210)

DANIELLE GUIZIO Cargo Pants in Black

From

$210

I.AM.GIA Zane Cargo Pant

I.AM.GIA Zane Cargo Pant ($50, originally $95)

I.AM.GIA Zane Cargo Pant

From

$50

Pretty Little Thing Plus Black Woven Buckle Detail Cargo Pants

Pretty Little Thing Plus Black Woven Buckle Detail Cargo Pants ($45)

Pretty Little Thing Plus Black Woven Buckle Detail Cargo Pants

From

$45