Sick of Jeans? Swap Them for Cargo Pants

Closeup of the lower half of a woman wearing cargo pants walking while holding a purse.

(Image credit: Christian Vierig/Getty Images)

published 25 June 2020

You've likely sported a pair of cargo pants (opens in new tab) before. You've also likely tried to forget those years, which were filled with cringe-worthy fashion choices (opens in new tab). The baggy cargo pants silhouettes of the aughts were undoubtedly comfy, but were they flattering? Not so much. Historically worn as military fatigues and later, as one of dad's bad sartorial choices, cargos are now straying from their strictly functional roots. The cargo pants of the runways are made to flatter the female form: Designed with higher waists, slimmer side pockets, and tapered hems, these fashion-forward options are made for pairing with your delicate ruffle tops and playful summer heels. Officially It-girl approved (opens in new tab), the pants that were once synonymous with bad fashion have been given their second chance. Ahead, you'll find five new, no regrets, cargo pants options to shop right now.

Sara Holzman is the Style Director at Marie Claire, covering runway trends and tracking down the latest finds to buy and wear. When she’s not writing about fashion, she pens about the best places to jet-off to. Over her six years with Marie Claire, Sara has reported on the ever-evolving world of fashion— covering both established and emerging designers within the industry. Sara has held fashion positions at Lucky and SELF Magazine and was a regular contributor to Equinox’s Furthermore website, where she wrote across their style, wellness, and travel verticals. She holds a degree in Journalism from the University of Missouri, Columbia, and currently resides in Manhattan. Follow her along at @sarajonewyork.