5 Days, 5 Ways: Modern Cargo Pants
Not your older brother's cargo pants
By Gabi Meyers
Happy First Monday after Daylight Savings Time! If ever there was a time to initiate change, the time is now. While most people choose New Year’s to make changes or goals, I’ve found that holding off until the weather is ready to change makes it easier to hold yourself accountable, and just let winter be what it is – a hibernation period. This may seem like a long opening paragraph that has nothing to do with clothing, what I’m about to say will probably better explain this lead-in than I can in another sentence.
I’m in support of cargo pants.
Now, you guys may have put that together when I shared 5 ways to wear the modern cargo shorts, and while there was some pushback, I still am totally into them and would love to see you rock ’em. As with the shorts, these cargo pants that I want to see you wearing are not the cargo pants your mean older brother was wearing in the early 2000’s. Today’s cargo pants are slim through the leg, and you shouldn’t be able to comfortably hold a can of Bud Light in one pocket and your whole dopp kit in the other. They are a great casual alternative to jeans and chinos, and they nod to the military trend that has been in style for what feels like forever. Also, they are the perfect weight for spring weather!
THE CARGO PANTS: TODD SNYDER, $245
The modern cargo pants are slimmer in cut, with pockets that add visual interest, without the bulk.
MONDAY
Jacket: Brooklyn Tailors, $309 | Shirt: J.Crew, $60 | Boots: Frye, $295
Watch: Shinola, $925 | Belt: Maximum Henry, $115 |Bag: Jack Spade, $378
Wear it well: Dress up your cargo pants for a creative work place with a blazer – roll up the cargo pants AND push your sleeves up to give it a lived in look.
TUESDAY
Denim Jacket: Jean Shop, $225 | Tee: Everlane, $16 | Sneakers: Nike, $135
Sunglasses: Warby Parker, $95 | Key Tag: Various Projects, $20
Wear it well: A few pops of color make your running errands outfit feel more fun.
WEDNESDAY
Topcoat: J.Crew, $290 | Sweater: Sid Mashburn, $375 | Boots: Oak Street Bootmakers, $462
Wallet: Paul Smith, $275 | Fragrance: D.S. Durga, $175
Wear it well: Dress your cargo pants up with a textured sweater and topcoat for a rugged gentleman vibe.
THURSDAY
Pullover: Saturdays NYC, $145 | Shirt: Gitman Vintage, $180 | Shoes: Cole Haan, $170
Glasses: Steven Alan Optical, $195 | Watch: Nixon, $200
Wear it well: A short sleeve shirt, half zip and derbies take your cargos from work to drinks.
FRIDAY
Jacket: Whistles, $560 | Breton Shirt: Saint James, $95 | Sneakers: Converse, $79
Cap: Deus Ex Machina, $23 | Notebook: Field Notes, $10
Wear it well: A breton shirt and a suede collared jacket elevate cargos while still keeping things casual.
TELL US,
HOW WOULD YOU STYLE THE MODERN CARGO PANT?
Want to see more ways to wear your favorite pieces? See five ways to wear lace up boots, a breton shirt and brown derby shoes.
