So Long Jeans—I'm Now Wearing These Casual Trousers Instead

By now, you'll be well acquainted with the never-ending '90s and noughties renaissance that has been dominating fashion for some time. If the Juicy Couture tracksuit or dangerously low-slung jeans revival didn't give you the heads up, then it'll be TikTok and its many users' sudden obsession with mini bags, trucker caps and hair gems—often worn together with total commitment to the full throwback look.

For those of us lucky enough to have worn the best that the late nineties and millennium had to offer the first time around, it's been a nostalgic trip down memory lane—I dare you to check out the Blumarine S/S 22 show and not feel all of the Tammy Girl feels. However, if you don't relish the thought of donning a handkerchief halterneck top and dusting off your platform trainers, there are more elevated ways to tap into the trend, and the first—and perhaps most important—is via a pair of cargo trousers.

Part sportswear and part utility with a healthy dash of All Saints energy (the girl group, not the brand), this laidback style is one of the more surprising pieces to have reappeared in my Instagram feed lately, but as with any trend that champions comfort first, I'm here for it.

With styles ranging from classic khaki to tonal tan, a wealth of cargo trousers have appeared on the high street almost overnight, but the brand to truly give cargo trousers the luxe makeover they so desperately needed is none other than The Frankie Shop. As soon as the now sold-out Jenna Cargo Pants dropped a couple of months ago, they were considered an influencer must-have. And for those a little sceptical about the ubiquitous shade of milkshake pink, the brand also has nine styles of cargo trouser currently available, from the tailored Maesa to the voluminous, oversized Hailey.

Perhaps I've taken so well to cargo trousers because they were a natural progression from the loungewear I loved during lockdown, or perhaps it's the nostalgia, but either way, forget everything you once knew about these baggy combat trousers. The new styles on the block are anything but teenage.

So keep scrolling for 18 of the best pairs of cargo trousers that will make transitional seasonal dressing that much easier.

See How the Fashion Set Is Styling Cargo Pants 

best cargo trousers

Photo:

@smythsisters 

I do love a cashmere and cargo pant combination—so chic.

best cargo trousers

Photo:

@camillecharriere
 

With a layered knitted vest, belly chain and sneakers, this look couldn't be more 1997.

When in doubt, simply add in all of your favourite basics and treat your cargos like jeans.

Denim cargo pants might just be my new favourite thing.

best cargo trousers

Photo:

@nlmarilyn

Combine with the season's adidas Sambas, and you instantly modernise the look.

Shop the Best Cargo Pants

A wide-legged pair of tailored trousers perfect for those looking for grown-up cargo. 

Trust me when I tell you these look designer IRL.

Wear with ankle boots now and chunky sandals come Summer.

This straight leg silhouette will go with everything in my wardrobe. 

If your'e a fan of dark denim these should be on your radar.

Abercrombie's utility trousers come in nine sizes and three leg lengths to help you get your best fit. 

These lightweight cotton twill trousers come in classic khaki brown as well as an updated shade of off-white.

Who knew a pair of cargos could work so well for a night-out look?

Inspired by this winter white version, pair with chunky cable knit for easy weekend vibes.

Allsaints's tapered trousers are slightly cropped, so you can make the most of them with a chunky lug soled boot. 

A jogger/cargo hybrid for your post-gym cool-down. 

So you like the trend, but 100 pockets is too many. These slim-fit organic cotton trousers are more of a subtle nod to the style.

I'm obsessed with the cuffed hem detail.

Made from organic cotton, this version will go with everything in my wardrobe.

Denim and cargos aren't mutually exclusive—you can have the best of both worlds.