How to Style Cargo Pants: 3 Streetwear Outfits
By Capella Fits
Cargo pants give an outfit volume through the leg and detail at the pockets. To style them, start with the shape you want: a shorter top that shows the waist, a loose silhouette from shoulder to ankle, or an open shirt that breaks up the layers. Change one of those elements before adding more accessories.
Here are three ways to work with a relaxed pair, using pieces from Capella's clothing range.
1. A cropped top with a relaxed leg
A shorter top leaves more of the trousers visible. It works well when you want the waistband and pocket placement to be part of the outfit. Try a cropped, boxy top with cargos, then check where the hem lands when you stand, sit and raise your arms.
The Illuminati Waffle has a cropped boxy fit. Wear it with relaxed cargos and simple sneakers for a silhouette that is broad across the shoulders and open through the leg. Let the top finish naturally; pulling it down repeatedly usually means you would prefer a longer body length.
If you want more coverage, try a thin base layer underneath. Keep its visible hem deliberate: a small contrast at the waist creates a different effect from a long layer covering the cargo pockets.
2. An oversized top with room through the leg
You can wear volume on both halves of an outfit. The useful check is where that volume ends. A longer top can cover the waist and upper pockets, while a shorter oversized cut leaves those details visible.
For an easy starting point, pair the Against All the Odds T-shirt, which has an oversized fit and drop shoulders, with relaxed cargos. Look at the outfit from the side as well as the front. If the layers feel crowded, try a shorter top or bring the trouser cuff in slightly before changing the whole outfit.
An oversized hoodie creates another version of this silhouette. Check that the waistband does not bunch over the cargo pockets and that you can move comfortably with your everyday essentials in them. Browse the hoodie collection for that extra layer.
3. An open shirt over a simple base
An open shirt adds a vertical line down the front of the outfit. Choose a base layer that sits comfortably underneath, then leave enough room at the shirt's shoulders and sleeves to move without pulling.
The Denim Shirt has short sleeves, a relaxed fit, dropped shoulders and two front pockets. Worn open, it gives cargos a different balance from a hoodie. Because both pieces have pocket details, keep the rest of the outfit simple if you want those details to stand out.
Use the cuff to change the finish
Capella's Cargo Pants – Built for the Bold have a relaxed fit, flap pockets and adjustable drawstring cuffs. Those cuffs let you change the outline at the ankle:
- Leave them loose for a more open line over your footwear.
- Cinch them lightly to reveal more of the shoe and bring the leg in at the ankle.
- Check the hem while walking so it does not drag under your heel. A cuff adjustment cannot correct every length issue.
Try both settings with the same top and shoes. It is a quick way to see whether you prefer a straighter outline or a more gathered finish.
Before you choose a size
Start with waist and length information, then look at the room through the seat and thigh. A relaxed cut already provides volume; going up a size also changes the waist and length. Compare the product's available measurements with trousers you already like, using the same measuring method.
Check the product page for current size information. If a measurement you need is missing, contact Capella before ordering rather than guessing from the size letter.
Build from the trousers
Choose one cargo silhouette first, then change the top or cuff setting to make it your own. Explore Capella pants, shirts and waffle tops for different proportions.
Next read: Boxy vs Oversized Fit: How to Choose Your Proportions.