7 ways to wear your cargos

Love them or loathe them, cargo trousers are having a major revival this year – and yes, it is okay to wear them now if you lived in them back in the ‘90s. They’re cool again, the ‘90s. You know that. We should be thankful we lived through them when we were young because we had the BEST time with no phones, no social media and no regrets. My children are even (whisper it) a bit jealous that I was their age during the dawn of Britpop and big outdoor raves.

If you’re in the loathe camp when it comes to cargos, then maybe this post isn’t for you. But, equally, maybe I can change your mind. It was quite easy to wear them in the summer with a simple T‑shirt and flip-flops, but if you’re struggling to think of ways to style them as we move into autumn, I’ve got you.

DOUBLE LAYER T‑SHIRT & LEATHER JACKET

I mean, could we be any more ‘90s with a layered T‑shirt? Of course, you can do what we always did, and layer a plain long-sleeved T‑shirt under your favourite band tee, but I do like the exactly-the-same-colour effect too. It’s a more subtle and grown-up nod to this revived trend.

I really wish I’d kept all my band T‑shirts from the ‘90s. I don’t even know what happened to them all. Maybe I just went off them. Maybe they ended up down the back of a nasty old sofa at an after-party – one will never know. But if I had kept them, they’d probably be worth a fortune now. Oasis at Knebworth, Blur at Ally Pally, Pulp at Glastonbury – alas, all my hard-earned souvenir T‑shirts are long gone.

SWEATSHIRT & BASEBALL TEE

I know I’ve featured a baseball T‑shirt almost every week recently, but I’ve always loved them, and I’m so happy they’re having another moment. Wearing one puts me right back in my comfort zone. Add a sweatshirt on top if it’s a little chilly and this is my perfect look for a casual day.

BLACK FOR SMART/CASUAL

Can you wear cargos out in the evening? I’m saying yes, you can. Add some statement earrings, a nice top (love this crochet jumper from ME+EM), a good blazer and, if you’re that way inclined, some heels. It’s giving French girl chic. A great mix of casual and glitzy, it’s my favourite way to dress for a night out. I might do a ‘night out’ blog soon if everyone is keen.

SALOMONS — STILL COOL

Salomon trainers had a moment late last year, and they’re still having one this season, specifically the XT‑6 style. They’re great trainers for winter as they’re waterproof, or at least they appear to be. I wore mine to Paris in February, where it pissed it down for an entire day. My feet remained bone dry, despite walking around in the rain from morning until night, so I can only assume they are actually waterproof.

ADD A DENIM SHIRT

We all know that khaki matches particularly well with denim. Go for a puffier style of sleeve on your denim shirt or jacket if you want the look to be less masculine. These Toast trousers aren’t technically cargo pants due to their lack of outside pockets – and I think you need a wealth of pockets for them to qualify. But they’re a good option if you want a simpler shape.

CLASSIC BLAZER & SHIRT WITH CAMO

If you’re really feeling brave, why not go full force with this trend and get yourself some camo combat pants? With these, I’d try to wear something more tailored on your top half and steer clear of any heavy boots – otherwise, people might actually think you’re on manoeuvres. Although, to be fair, they won’t actually be able to see you as you’ll be camouflaged.

STRIPES & CHECKS

Mix up your prints but in a more autumnal style. Small checks are a big trend this season, and they work well with that striped top you’ve had forever. Stripes never go out of fashion in my book.

I might have a bash at going-out outfits next week. I’ll do my best to take it beyond just jeans and a nice top.

K x

WearsMyMoney

I spent it all on clothes by the looks of things...