The Best Ways to Wear Cargo Pants for Women Over 50

Cargo pants are popular once again and if you are remembering the super baggy versions that were popular in the 90s with fondness or nostalgia, then this fashion trend might be for you.

Can Cargo Pants Work for Women Over 50?

There’s no denying that cargo pants can be practical, and if you get a version that’s a little more refined than outdoorsy they can be quite stylish too. Think sleeker pockets that might not hold as much (do you really want to have random bulges on your hips or thighs?). Also try a silhouette that is more straight or stovepipe than flared or ultra baggy.

A few tips for making cargo pants work for you:

• Fitted on top and loose on the bottom is almost always preferable to loose all over.
• If you are going for volume on the top and bottom, tucking your top or belting your waist is a good idea.
• If you want to soften up the look, pair your cargo pants with more feminine accessories like delicate layered jewelry and sleeker shoes (no heavy lug soles or platforms).
• Alternative cargo pants can add some edge to girlier pieces like a lace-trimmed or anything pastel. 

Cargo Pants for Women Over 50

Here are some of our favorite ways to rock the cargo pants trend right now:

Olive and Khaki Cargo Pants

These are the cargo classics, and perhaps one of the easiest ways to wear cargo pants. If you want to go for a real 90s throwback, try these 1822 Denim wide leg cargo pants or these loose fit from Gap – they are both relatively sleek. If you pair them with a grown-up top (we like a mock-neck, perhaps with a longer pendant necklace to draw the eye vertically). Wear them with streamlined sneakers or perhaps Chelsea boots, you can make the style modern.

Basic Black

For those of us who always choose the option that comes in black (you know who you are), these cargos from Sanctuary are a great choice that will be wearable for several seasons to come, as opposed to cargos in trendier colors or patterns. 

Super Bright

Cargos can go Barbiecore if they are done in hot pink, like this pair from Floerns via Amazon. And if pink isn’t your thing, they also come in bright orange! With bold shades and shapes like these, you can keep the rest of the outfit simple – just a basic white or black tee and fun sneakers would work. 

Cargo Skirts?

That question mark isn’t a typo, we’re questioning ourselves for including them on this list. However, cargo skirts from the 2000s era hip-slung minis to the longer maxi styles are definitely on the runways. If you want to try the look, we suggest going a little techno with something like this skirt from BDG via Urban Outfitters, and keeping the rest of the look super simple (although a neon handbag wouldn’t be out of place). 

Cropped Cargos

The renewed popularity of cargos shows no sign of waning, so a pair of cropped cargos might be in order. Something like this pair from the Gap or these from DKNY are a great way to show off your favorite shoes. They can toughen up dainty sandals or ballet flats, and look great with a simple fitted tee or button-up. 

Cargo Joggers

Want to ease into wearing cargos again? Pick up a pair of cargo joggers for casual days, like these from Banana Republic Factory that come in five different colors, all under $50. 

Shop Cargo Pants

1822 Denim Wide Leg Cargo Pants, $59

Gap Loose Khaki Cargo Pants with Washwell, $79.95

Sanctuary Cargo Pants, $109

Floerns Women’s Drawstring Pockets Casual Neon Joggers Baggy Cargo Pants, 28.99

BDG Urban Outfitters Maxi Utility Skirt, now $48.98

Gap High Rise Pleated Cargo Pants with Washwell, now $19.97

DKNY Cargo Pants, now $53.40

Banana Republic TENCEL™ Cargo Jogger, now $49

We know revisiting styles that were au courant when you were younger can be divisive. So do you love or hate cargo pants? How about their more complicated cousin, cargo skirts? Do you really want to wear cargos and stovepipe jeans again? Or did you leave that behind in the Y2k era? Let us know in the comments or in our Growing Younger Facebook Group!  

– Jacqueline Zenn

You may like to read more of Jacqui’s Styling posts like Full Length Glamour: Chic Maxi Looks for Women Over 50 and How To Keep Warm and Stay True To Your Personal Style

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