The Best Women's Cargo Pants of 2023 for Chic Utilitarian Style

If you’re seeing cargo pants everywhere, it’s because the beloved bottoms of the ’90s are back in action. What’s the best way to lean into the look? For sartorial guidance, we looked to none other than Oprah Daily’s creative director, Adam Glassman.

According to Glassman, the best cargo pants for women are suitable for a number of occasions, depending on the material, as well as how you style them. “The fabric of the pants helps determine if they are more weekend-friendly, work-appropriate, or nighttime-wearable,” he says.

For the weekends, Glassman says materials like cotton, linen, and canvas tend to lean toward the casual side. To complete a daytime look, light tops work nicely when tucked in and paired with a flat sandal or sneaker.

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Weekend Wear

Banana Republic Tencel Army Green Cargo Jogger

Now 21% Off

$55 at gapfactory.com

Old Navy Stretch Wide-Leg Cargo Pants

$40 at Old Navy

Carhartt Relaxed-Fit Canvas Navy Cargo Pants

Now 15% Off

$42 at Amazon

For an office or evening-ready look, opt for a more sophisticated cargo style that feels appropriate for your destination. Glassman says that fabrics like gabardine, wool, cashmere, and silk tend to be more tailored and dressed up. Plus, they’re perfect transitional pieces as you build your fall wardrobe—which is arriving sooner than you think.

Tailored Trousers

H&M Khaki Cotton Cargo Pants

$50 at H&M

Express High-Waisted Cargo Trouser Pant

Now 32% Off

$60 at Express

Mango Cotton Wide Leg Cargo Pants

$70 at Mango

Wilfred Free Highway High-Waisted Cotton Cargo Pants

$128 at Aritzia

Wild Fable High-Rise Straight Leg Cargo Pants

Now 20% Off

$24 at Target

Proenza Schouler White Label Khaki Wide-Leg Cargo Pants

$495 at Saks Fifth Avenue

High Shine

The Drop Jessenia Shine Black Cargo Pants

$60 at Amazon

Simkhai Artemis Blue Parachute Cargo Pants

Now 55% Off

$178 at Saks Fifth Avenue $257 at Nordstrom $276 at ShopBop

Reformation Ethan Cargo Pant

$198 at The Reformation

WHBM Belted Satin Utility Trouser

Now 46% Off

$59 at whitehouseblackmarket.com

FRAME FRAME Relaxed Fit Straight Leg Satin Cargo Pants in Bone at Nordstrom, Size 14

Now 25% Off

$321 at Nordstrom

Theory Crushed Satin Straight-Leg Cargo Pants

$239 at Neiman Marcus $355 at Bloomingdale's

How should you style cargo pants? Glassman notes that complementary clothing and accessories play a significant role in communicating where you’re headed. While sneakers and clogs keep things casual, heels can lend a touch of glam. A pair of cargo pants with a pointed-toe pump? Perfection. Glassman recommends a strong utilitarian boot that carries a modern Mad Max look into the fall.

Glassman also suggests balancing cargo pants by playing with shape or color on top. His suggestion? “Try an oversize bomber jacket, blazer, or trench coat, either in a monochromatic palette or with a pop of color. A cropped jacket helps balance the fullness of cargo pants while visually creating a more flattering silhouette.”

You can also try a statement oversize knit sweater for a fashion-forward-meets-preppy look. Alternatively, a statement top—think sequins, feathers, lame, silk, or off-the-shoulder— gives a casual glam night out vibe. “Try adding a statement belt to jazz it up,” suggests Glassman.