FASHION

Refined Cargo Pant Outfits for Women Over 50

Cargo pants, popular in the ’90s, are back in 2023. The good news is they’re more wearable than ever, especially for women our age.  Here is a roundup of the latest styles. See what I’ve paired them with to create refined cargo pant outfits for women over 50!

What are Cargo Pants?

Do you love your jeans but want a change? Cargo pants are great for summer!

Cargo pants began as British military wear in 1938. They were adopted by the U.S. army during WW2, and in the 80s, campers, and hikers started wearing these loose baggy pants with big utilitarian pockets. Then in the 90s and 00s, they became street style for skaters and hip-hoppers.  Soon everyone was wearing this popular fashion trend.  I remember my first pair of olive green cargo pants with many pockets. How about you?

Although cargo pants are known for being loose, relaxed, and natural, they’ve evolved quite a bit over the years. They are much better now, with more variety and a cargo pant style for everyone.

 

pants | top | sandals | bag | earrings

 

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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 or too loose and baggy to flatter your figure, don’t.  This spring, there are more elevated styles and a wider range of silhouettes to suit every body type. Here’s what’s new!

utility pants banana republic

Shop these slim utility cargo pants

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What’s New in Cargo Pants

Slim Cargo Pants

Cargo pants that are slim through the hips and thighs give a more elegant look which is what many mature women are after. You’ll find straight-leg, slim cargo pants, joggers, and even bootcut cargo pants. I bought a pair of jogger-style, slim cargo pants  last season , and I love the look and fit.

High-Waisted Cargo Pants

Low-waisted, baggy cargos ruled years ago, but waistlines have risen. Many of the new cargo pants cover your belly, making them more flattering if you have a mommy tummy.

Minimalist Cargo Pants

Pared-down cargo pants are trending, and I couldn’t be happier. I’m not one for a lot of big flap pockets and dangly ties. The new cargo pants are more sleek and tailored, with less “stuff” hanging off them, which makes them more sophisticated.

Exaggerated Fashion Forward Cargo Pants

Bold, exaggerated silhouettes are at the opposite end of the trend. For dramatic fashionistas who want to make a statement, there are extra wide cargo pants with loose, slouchy waists, pant legs that bunch and drag on the ground, and mega pockets.  These look intentionally oversize and, therefore, stylish.

Colored Cargo Pants

Camo Cargo pants have been moved to the back burner, but brightly colored cargo pants add a fun vibe to fashion this spring. Look for all the Pantone Spring 2023 shades, like pink, coral, and yellow.

Cropped Cargo Pants

Shorter, cropped cargos are another trend, both straight and wide leg, and give these classic pants a modern look.

Elevated Fabrics

Twill and Denim cargo pants are still popular, but we’re also seeing cargo pants in more luxurious fabrics. You’ll find silky cargo pants, even satin ones for dressing up, that are often worn with sexy heels.

 

Cargo pants with a white tee
Wear cargo pants with a white tee for a natural look
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What to wear with Cargo Pants?

Some of everyone’s favorite things to wear with cargo pants are

  • white tee
  • graphic tee
  • tank top
  • vibrant color
  • stripes
  • animal print
  • cropped tops to go with high-waisted cargo pants
  • satin top or ruffled blouse. This is one of the more elegant ways to style cargo pants.

 

Cargo Pants - tan with black top

tank | tan cargos | slides | bag | earrings

How to Look Classy in Cargo Pants

Tailored looks in neutral colors like tan and black or navy give a classy, traditional look that always is appropriate.

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pants | top | sandals | bag | earrings

 

How to Look Feminine in Cargo Pants

Yes, Cargos can be feminine when you add a flowy top with puffy sleeves in a feminine color like lilac. In this outfit above, the body-hugging bootcut cargo pants also help give you a curvy hourglass shape. Tucking in is a good way to show off your waist, or if you are uncomfortable with that, try a half tuck.

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pants | t-shirt | sneakers | bag | earrings

How to Look Sporty in Cargo Pants

Bright colors add energy to an outfit and make it look sporty. Try a pair of these coral capris to look sporty and fun. The cropped length and roll-up detail are playful, and tennis shoes also help with the sporty vibe!

 

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pants | top | sandals | bag | earrings

How to Look Slim in Cargo Pants

Look taller and slimmer in cargo pants by wearing all one color or tone- one tone like this all-khaki outfit. 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.

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What Shoes to Wear With Cargo Pants?

Sneakers: An obvious choice and comfy too. White lace-up platform sneakers are trending this summer.

Sandals: Any low-heel sandal look is summery, casual, and appropriate with these casual pants.

Slides;– a beautiful pair of slides with low to medium heel dresses up cargo pants and looks fabulous daytime. Try to find ones with a low-key vibe, like a braided pair which are very popular now.

Pumps – Yes, you can wear them if you are really dressing up cargos 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.

 

Which of these cargo pant outfits for women over 50 did 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 summer.

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