Are Cargo Pants Casual?
Whether you’re dressing up or taking an understated approach, you always want to wear comfortable clothes. Among the most practical choices out there are cargo pants. These women's pants are a great alternative to jeans or joggers; these women’s pants are practical both for their comfort and their versatility. You can wear them in many different ways, and they can even be pulled together for a more polished look with the right pieces.
You may wonder if cargo pants are truly casual in that case. Something that looks great with a blazer or a blouse can’t be all that laid-back, right? It turns out cargo pants are just that flexible. Think of them as the little black dress of the pant world. They’re available in a wide range of styles, making them far easier to style than you might imagine. Here’s how to make them an integral part of your casual wardrobe.
Take an Easy Approach
You won’t find pants more suitable for an understated outfit than cargos. They’re easy, easy, easy — and that’s exactly what you want when you don’t want to put too much effort into your outfit. Sure, what you wear might matter, but if you’re in a hurry or aren’t in the mood to wear your usual pair of straight leg jeans, you can easily find the best possible alternative in your cargo pants.
The secret is in the silhouette. There’s something inherently rugged about cargo pants, much like jeans. They’re tough, durable, and robust. Yet modern iterations show that they aren’t all about utilitarianism, either. So there’s room for this new breed of cargo pants that’s suitable to wear anywhere from the park to the ballgame. If you’ve got a relatively easy day on the schedule, pair your cargo pants with slip-on canvas sneakers and a T-shirt for a simple yet pulled-together look. Throw on a flannel shirt if you need an added layer of cozy comfort.
Go for Dressy Casual
At a glance, you can usually tell that cargo pants boast a fairly casual look. There are so many easy ways to wear them casually — with cardigans or sweatshirts, for example. But did you know you can even make a case for an outfit that’s both dressy and casual? Cargo pants fit surprisingly well into this mix, so long as you get the equation right and provide some balance for everything.
Since cargo pants are largely casual, the top you wear should provide the dressy element for the outfit. A women’s blouse with a silky finish makes a great choice, providing eye-catching contrast and bringing that touch of polish to your outfit. Add a pair of heels, and you’ll be shocked at how easy it is to go dressy-casual for the day. For best results, opt for a dark pair or one with a conservative pattern, like a neutral check or vertical stripes.
Casual Friday Cargo Style
What’s acceptable to wear on casual Friday? Sure, jeans might be your go-to, but don’t hesitate to throw on a pair of cargo pants and give it a professional spin with a structured blazer and a pair of pumps. Add a lightweight women’s henley shirt in a solid color underneath, and finish with a statement necklace for a look that takes you from desk to drinks with ease.
You can also take an even more casual approach if you prefer something truly understated. For instance, pairing your cargo pants with a loose-fitting button-front shirt left untucked is a great combination. Step into a pair of canvas sneakers, and you’ve got an easy outfit that you might even want to wear on your days off or when you’re meeting up with friends for coffee or brunch.
Casual At-Home Style
If you’re relaxing at home, you only want to focus on one thing: complete comfort. Fortunately, there are cargo pants out there that are so soft and stretchy, you’ll want to save them expressly for your comfy lounge collection. In addition, they’re great to wear as part of a work from home outfit, along with a sweatshirt and your favorite pair of fuzzy socks.
Cargo pants are also an easy choice if you expect you might have to run out later in the day and don’t want to spend too much time getting ready. In a pair of cargo pants, you’re halfway there already. Pair them with a plain white tee, and you can easily finish that outfit with just a few key pieces. Throw on a pair of booties or heels, slide into a denim jacket or a cropped cardigan, and add a necklace or two. Voila: you’re ready to handle whatever the day brings, whether it’s an outing with the kids, a shopping trip, or some fun with friends.
A pair of cargo pants can play a key role in keeping you comfortable throughout the year. Not only that, but they’re versatile enough to wear in so many different ways. Inherently, yes, cargo pants are purely casual. But the beauty of these bottoms is that you can flex your fashion muscles a bit and have some fun delving into creative new looks. What’s not to love about that?