Fall Cargo Pant Outfits for Women Over 50

The most modern Fall wardrobes in 2024 include at least one pair of fabulous cargo pants. The good news is they’re more wearable than ever, especially for women our age.

Here is a roundup of the latest styles and some cute, casual cargo pant outfits for women over 50!

Drawstring Satin Cargo Pants

What are Cargo Pants?

Cargo pants were first worn by the British military in 1938. The U.S. Army adopted them during WW2, and in the 1980s, campers and hikers started wearing these loose, baggy pants with big utilitarian pockets.

In the 90s and 00s, they became the street style for skaters and hip-hoppers, and soon, everyone was wearing these trendy pants.  In 2024, they are hotter than ever!

Can Women over 50 Wear Cargo Pants?

Cargo pants don’t have a time stamp and can look great at any age. But if you’re avoiding wearing them because you think they might be too street style, loose, and baggy to flatter your figure, take a fresh look.

You’ll find more elevated styles and a wider range of silhouettes to suit every body type. Here’s what’s trending in cargo pants

Popular Styles of Cargo Pants

shop the look

1. Slim Cargo Pants

This has been my go-to cargo pants style for a while because straight-leg cargo pants can be a little boxy, and they also make my hourglass shape look heavy if they have too many pockets.

This sleek pair has a slim, flattering silhouette, two large but not overbearing side pockets, and an understated fringe hem. The olive is rich for fall and looks great with a cozy brown sweater and booties.

shop the look

2. Cropped Cargo Pants

Cropped pants have been trending, so it’s no wonder we are seeing cropped cargo pants. These are so chic and very Autumn-like in this gorgeous rust shade.

Pull on a beautiful ombre sweater and some elegant slingback flats, and you will be ready to step into the cooler weather.

shop the look

3. High-Waisted Cargo Pants

New high-waisted styles make cargo pants easier to wear, especially when you have a midlife middle. The higher waist hides a tummy and makes your legs look extra long, which helps because a lot of cargo pants are on the boxy side and can make your legs look short.

This inky black pair of high-waisted cargo pants looks modern and comfy paired with the newest shoes- Maryjanes, the newest sweater- an open knit, and a gorgeous plum fall coat.

Black Flowy Wide Leg Cargo Pants

3. Wide Leg Cargo Pants

Bold, exaggerated silhouettes are at the opposite end of the trend. Think extra wide cargo pants with loose, slouchy waists and pant legs that bunch and drag on the ground or are tied up.

Sometimes there are mega pockets too which make these dramatic pants look intentional and, therefore, stylish.

Silk Cargo Pants

5. Cargo Pants in Elevated Fabrics like Silk

Twill and Denim cargo pants are still popular, but we also see cargo pants in more luxurious fabrics like silk or…..

Brown Satin Cargo Pants

Satin Cargo Pants: You’ll find shiny satin cargo pants for dressing up, often worn with sexy heels.

Ugg Dejah Quilted Cargo Lounge Pant

Quilted Cargo Pants: Try the latest in cargo pants for lounging – Ugg’s Quilted cargo lounge pants. Who would have thought?

Eileen Fisher Organic Cotton Cargo Pants

Linen Cargo Pants:  These are light, sophisticated, and very on-trend. In this color they make a great transitional pant.

What to Wear with Cargo Pants?

Some of the best tops to wear with cargo pants are:

• white tee
• sweater
• striped tops
• graphic tee
• sleeveless tank top
• vibrant colored top
• animal print tops
• cropped tops to go with high-waisted cargo pants
• satin top or ruffled blouses for a more elegant way to style cargo pants.

These are from Banana Republic ( last year). Here is the 2024 version, midrise and highrise. These are also similar but cropped.

How to Style Cargo Pants Outfits

Sporty  Cargo Pants Outfit

Jogger-style cargos add energy and are a great starting point for an athletic-looking cargo pants outfit. You can wear them with a striped tee for a natural, sporty look.

Feminine Cargo Pants Outfit

Yes, Cargos can be feminine when you choose a slim-fitted pair and add a flowy top with puff sleeves in a feminine color like lilac. Tucking in is a good way to show off your waist, or if you are uncomfortable with that, try a half tuck.

Classy Cargo Pants Outfit

Tailored cargo pants that look like dressy trousers are more formal. Neutral colors like tan, black, or navy give a classy, traditional look that is always appropriate.

Slimming Cargo Pants Outfit

Look taller and slimmer in cargo pants by wearing all one color or tone- one tone. Choosing cargo pants with minimal detail also helps the eye from looking across and around instead of up and down, which makes you appear slimmer.

What Shoes to Wear With Cargo Pants?

Sneakers: An obvious choice and comfy, too. They’re totally on trend!

Flats: Flat shoes like Ballet Flats or  Mary Janes with straps across the feet are the new shoes that go well with cargo pants. Flat or low-heeled slingbacks add a chic touch.

Booties are great in the Fall. They always look chic. A pointy toe is more elegant than a rounded toe.

Slides: A beautiful pair of slides with low to medium heels dresses up cargo pants and looks fabulous in the daytime.

Sandals: If it’s still warm in fall, any low-heel sandal look is summery, casual, and appropriate with these casual pants.

Pumps – You can wear them if you dress up cargo with a gorgeous top. This is usually an eveningwear look since cargos are generally perceived as practical, and the sexy pointy-toe pumps make this a very alluring look.

The Final Word on Cargo Pants

Which of these cargo pant outfits for women over 50 do you like best?  The best cargo pants in stores right now are linked below each outfit. Be sure to check them out. A pair of cute cargo pants is a surefire way to look up-to-date this fall.