Cargo Pants Are About to Be Everywhere

New York Fashion Week will soon be upon us and you can bet that we’ll be seeing showgoers cart around their necessities in either hugely oversized bags, teeny-tiny micro purses or fanny packs. But there’s another trend that may make these bags obsolete: cargo pants. Yup, the utilitarian pants are back and come with just as many pockets as their predecessors, meaning you can cart virtually all your goodies with ease.

Cargo pants on the Spring 2018 runways at Alexander Wang Spring 2018, Emporio Armani Spring 2018, Sies Marjan Spring 201 — Alexander Wang Spring 2018, Emporio Armani Spring 2018, Sies Marjan Spring 2018; Images: Imaxtree

Designers are definitely pushing cargo pants. For Spring 2018, brands seem to favor the slouchier styles. Alexander Wang made his in classic army green and teamed them with a lacy top, black corset and a fanny pack worn crossbody. Emporio Armani went the sportier route, topping off its silky sets with track-jackets-cum-blouses. And Sies Marjan presented an office-appropriate incarnation in a 70s rust shade complemented by a crisp white button-down.

Cargos also proved popular for Pre-Fall 2018. Sonia Rykiel Pre-Fall 2018, Stella McCartney Pre-Fall 2018, Just Cavalli Pre-Fall 20 — Sonia Rykiel Pre-Fall 2018, Stella McCartney Pre-Fall 2018, Just Cavalli Pre-Fall 2018; Images: Courtesy

But it was the recent Pre-Fall 2018 collections that really made a case for cargos. Sonia Rykiel has us rethinking our winter wardrobes by pairing cargos with an eye-catching sweater ideal for combating another snowpocalypse. We should have expected some kind of jean renaissance from Stella McCartney after she pushed acid wash everything for Spring 2018, but her cargo jeans actually seem surprisingly wearable — sans faux fur coat, of course. Just Cavalli opted for a sleeker, shinier vibe by adding pockets to joggers.

Cargo pants get the street style treatment; Images: Imaxtree

In case you were wondering how to pull off cargos IRL, take a cue from the street style set. While we’re anticipating cargos will be huge next month, some insiders got a head start. If you’re planning on rocking camo cargos, add some texture with a silky patterned top boasting a Mandarin collar and a jean jacket. Relaxed khaki versions look great with spaghetti-strapped tops. Look like you’re ready to enlist by tucking a camo tee into green cargos paired with heels and a long belt. Ready to try out the trend? Here are 18 pairs of cargo pants that will convince you to take a break from jeans.

[ Next: Wide-Leg Pants Are the New Skinnies and You’ll Get No Complaints From Us ]

Cargo Pants

t By Alexander Wang

Washed Cotton-Canvas Tapered Pants, $350 at Net-a-Porter

Top off with a ruched shirt to draw attention to the drawstring waist.
Topshop

Moto Cargo Wide Leg Cropped Jeans, $75 at Topshop

Wear with literally anything.
I.AM.GIA

Keidis Plaid Cargo Pant, $109 at Urban Outfitters

Channel your inner Cher Horowitz (with a touch of Tai) by opting for the matching top.
Obey

Relaxed Cargo Pants in Camo With Pockets, $119 at ASOS

Sport with a band tee under a puffer jacket plus colorful sock boots.
Mango

Cargo Pants, $59.99 at Mango

Tuck in a Breton stripe long-sleeve shirt and finish with navy pumps.
Sies Marjan

Sidney Cropped Wide-Leg Cotton Cargo Trousers, $174 at Matches Fashion

These call for a deconstructed white button-down and some mules.
Helly Hansen

Cargo Ski Pant in Blue, $222 at ASOS

Wear off the slopes with a slouchy sweater and ankle booties.
Urban Renewal

Vintage European Cargo Utility Pant, $54 at Urban Outfitters

Style as shown. Feel free to incorporate a plaid shirt for some 90s realness.
Proenza Schouler

PSWL Leopard Cargo Pant, $425 at Farfetch

Play up the wild factor with a Kenzo tiger sweatshirt.
See By Chloe

High-Waist Wide-Leg Cargo Trousers, $415 at Neiman Marcus

A fitted blazer, turtleneck and maroon boots FTW.
Free People

Desert Cargo Pant, $128 at Free People

Chill out in a cashmere sweater and comfy kicks.
I.AM.GIA

Ace Relaxed-Fit Cargo Pant, $129 at Urban Outfitters

Your basic white tee layered under a track jacket and some Dr. Martens should do the trick.
Helmut Lang

High-Rise Cotton and Linen Blend Cargo Trousers, $180 at mytheresa.com

Complement the zippers with floral footwear; top off with a pale sweater and baseball hat.
Rachel Comey

Roam High-Rise Straight-Leg Cargo Trousers, $189 at Matches Fashion

Make sure you at least half tuck your shirt (preferably patterned) to show off the buckled waist. Loafers and statement earrings will help seal the deal.
Bambah

Magnolia Cargo Pants, $386 at Farfetch

A classic white ribbed turtleneck tucked in and kitten heels will work for the office or date night.
RE/DONE

Cargo Pants, $140 at Opening Ceremony

If you can find a ringer tee, these are the cargo pants to pair it with.
J Brand

Margho Mid-Rise Cargo Jeans, $260 at mytheresa.com

Dress these up by trying out the old dress-over-pants trick.
Norma Kamali

Sheen Cargo Jogger Pants, $185 at Bergdorf Goodman

While we don't recommend hitting the gym in shiny joggers, we do favor styling them with a hoodie and heels for a juice run.