Cargo pants are one style it took me a long time to warm up to. Figuring out what to wear with them was a big part of my hesitation too.
But I’ve been on the lookout for some options they’re a refreshing visual palate cleanse after all of the big and blowsy styles that have dominated lately.
Being petite, I find that simple, softly structured styles often work best for me without overwhelming my frame. Here are a few outfit ideas I’ve turned up recently.
1. White Graphic Statement + High-Tops
When you’re running around on the weekend, this is the perfect relaxed outfit formula. It brings together comfort and a laid-back cool factor so effortlessly.
An oversized white graphic tee gives you that ultra-comfy feeling up top, while the black cargo pants keep the whole look streamlined on the bottom.
To finish it off, I’d go with some classic white high-top sneakers for an extra sporty kick. It’s seriously the best casual uniform for those chill Saturdays.
2. Gray Athletic Luxe
I am obsessed with that model-off-duty look, and this easy combo with black cargo pants totally nails it. A cropped gray tank is perfectly casual on top, and the slim black cargos create a long leg line below.
To complete the vibe, ground the look with some chunky sneakers and add a pair of black sunnies for that extra touch of cool.
This has become my go-to weekend uniform for running errands and still looking stylish.
3. Turtleneck + Denim Jacket Combo
If you want to elevate your black cargo pants for a polished weekend look, smart layers are the way to go.
A fitted white turtleneck acts as a great streamlined base, and the light blue denim jacket adds just the right amount of casual touch.
The black wide-leg cargos really anchor the outfit with that utilitarian feel. For the final step, lace up your favorite white sneakers for a style that’s ready for the weekend and offers all-day comfort.
4. Lacy & Elegant
Who says cargo pants can’t be dressed up? This outfit is total proof that black cargos can look elegant for a night out when you pair them with the right pieces.
A white lace bustier crop top brings such a feminine edge, and it contrasts so perfectly with the utilitarian pants. It’s this unexpected mix of pretty and edgy that gives it major date-night appeal.
Just swap the sneakers for some strappy heels, and you’re all set for a chic evening.
5. Orange Pop + Varsity Style
For a bold style statement, try pairing a vibrant color with your black cargos.
This bright orange crop top packs a serious punch against the black pants, which creates such an eye-catching color-blocked look.
Then, you can layer on a varsity jacket in black-and-white for a sporty finish. I’d complete the outfit with some crisp white sneakers to really let that bright top pop.
6. Varsity Chic + Cargo Style
I love adding some athleisure flair to a black cargo pants look. For this one, start with a fitted black crop top and some high-waisted black cargo jeans to get a sleek and flattering shape.
Throw on a classic varsity jacket for a little touch of preppy edge, and finish things off with crisp white sneakers to keep it all feeling fresh and grounded.
This combo is the perfect mix of comfort and style with a bold, athletic vibe.
7. Strapless Crop Top + Wide-Leg Cargos
This breezy cropped top and black cargo pants combo is so perfect for beating the heat. The white strapless crop top keeps everything feeling light and airy on top, while the cargos give you coverage on the bottom.
To ground the whole look, I’d pair it with classic white sneakers and then add some black sunglasses to nail that sporty-chic vibe.
What’s so great is how this outfit transitions from day to night. Just swap out the sneakers for some strappy heels when it gets dark.
8. Denim Halter Statement
You can give your black cargos a totally fresh spin by styling them with light denim pieces. This denim halter crop top makes such a cute style statement.
At the same time, the black cargos anchor the look with an edgy vibe.
Top the whole thing off with some cat-eye sunnies for a fun, playful finish. This outfit is the perfect blend of soft and edgy aesthetics for a downtown cool feel.
9. Classic Black-on-Black Ensemble
For a look that’s both fuss-free and chic, try this pared-back black cargo pants outfit. A strapless black crop top keeps it minimal on top, while the relaxed black cargos create a streamlined lower half.
Then, finish it off with those black-and-white sneakers that you can wear with anything.
This simple outfit shows that you don’t need a lot of pieces to look completely pulled-together. Just keep your silhouettes clean and the colors classic.
10. Graphic Tee + Clear Heels
You can totally dress up your black cargos for some evening appeal with the right additions. This chic black graphic tee and black cargo pants combo makes for an edgy base that’s perfect for a night out.
Then, just finish with some barely-there clear heeled sandals to bring in some sultry vibes. It’s such a simple yet sexy look for hitting the town after dark.
11. Cut-Out Bodysuit Elegance
A body-hugging bodysuit is the absolute best way to balance out a pair of ultra-baggy cargo pants.
This long-sleeved white bodysuit really hugs your frame, and those cut-out and cold shoulder details add a flirty edge.
When you pair it with relaxed, black wide-leg pants, it creates the sexiest tomboy vibe. I’d ground the whole look with white sneakers and finish it off with dark sunnies.
It’s such an effortlessly cool outfit that works for both day and night.
12. Polka Dot Cold Shoulder
Have some fun with patterns by pairing a polka dot crop top with your black cargos. This black-and-white polka dot top makes a major style statement, and the cold shoulder long sleeves bring a flirty edge.
It’s all balanced out by the slim black cargo pants, making a look that perfectly blends playful prints with that utilitarian feel.
Just add some white sneakers to really let that polka dot moment take center stage.
13. Sleeveless Bodysuit + Yankees Cap
You can channel some serious ’90s vibes with this sporty black cargo pants outfit. The sleeveless black bodysuit shows just the right amount of skin, keeping things sexy and cool.
I’d pair it with some relaxed black cargo pants and an NY Yankees baseball cap for that perfect tomboy appeal.
To finish it all off, ground the look with classic black-and-white sneakers. This outfit combines sporty comfort with streetwise edge for a look that’s just effortlessly cool.
14. Minimalist Monochrome Look
An all-black-everything look will truly never go out of style. This monochrome outfit is built around a chic black crop top and matching black cargo pants, giving you an effortlessly sleek vibe.
Grounded with white sneakers, the neutral color contrast is the perfect balance for the all-black palette. I’d keep the accessories minimal to really let this sharp monochrome outfit be the star of the show.
