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Welcome To The Denim Cargo Pant 2.0
The fashion world has been slowly - but surely - reintroducing us to the denim cargo pant, but not as we have seen it before.
There was a time, not so long ago, where the mere mention of cargo jeans would've sent a shiver racing down fashion editors’ spines.
This is a style of denim most associated with the trends of yesteryear, when jeans hung low, and tops were blink-and-you'll-miss-them levels of barely-there. Popularised by all manner of famous faces in the public eye in the 00s, the denim cargo pant was the mainstay of that bygone era. But, just like that, the reign of the cargo jean was over – and in swept the skinny jean to take its place.
Until suddenly, as part of the 2022 collections, the boyish charm of denim cargos reared its head like the ghost of Christmas past. At the spring/summer shows, cargo pants were interpreted in pretty pastels and cool cottons; by the time the autumn/winter collections swung around, they’d been reimagined in dark and inky shades of denim. The fashion world was reintroducing us to the cargo pant, but not as we had seen it before. We were compelled to take note: this was the denim cargo 2.0, and it was cool in a way it hadn’t been before.
In the months following fashion’s reintroduction to the denim cargo pant in February 2022, Net-A-Porter noted that searches for ‘cargo jeans’ became one of its top searches on the website, while TikTok has similarly confirmed the denim cargo pants’ return to the fore. The #CargoJeans has been viewed more than 480 million times on the app, with users waxing lyrical about how to wear theirs with fitted T-shirts and tops for an evening time and loose knits for a modern take on daytime chic.
Browns Fashion’s Womenswear Buyer, Mia Notley, is one of the cargo jeans’ devotees. ‘Agolde’s Vivian jeans are the perfect pair of jeans for winter. I love the ones in the darker colourways with the chunky silver hardware to give a more edgy feel,’ she tells ELLE UK.
As for how to wear these larger-than-life jeans in real life, the Copenhagen street style set has offered a sartorial schooling for such matters. At the SS23 shows, they paired their OTT denim cargo pants with even light and loose knits; this is a game of epic styling proportions, after all. Like oysters and Tabasco, cargo jeans and nifty knits is a pairing that just works. Once you’ve got your hands on a pair you love, simply slip your feet into your smallest and slinkiest shoes – this is all about balance – and allow your cargo jeans to do all the talking for you. These are the cargo jeans we’ve got bookmarked (and you, no doubt, will too).
Weekend Max Mara Califfo trousers
Larger-than-life in all the right ways, Weekend Max Mara's midnight blue denim cargo jeans are worthy of a place in every wardrobe. Just add knitwear for a foolproof, fashion-forward get-up.
The Frankie Shop Hailey Denim Cargo Pants
Fashion editor's go-to brand, The Frankie Shop, is also the purveyor of some of the best-fitting denim cargo pants around. Its Hailey's can be dressed up or down; just add a kitten heel for the cherry on top of the fashion cake.
Axel Arigato Patch Denim Cargo Trousers
With an almost tailored waistband, Axel Arigato’s pale wide-leg jeans are a perfect entrée to the cargo jeans trend if ever we saw one.
Come January, if you're looking to replenish your wardrobe with some sturdy, timeless essentials, then look no further than high-street hero, Cos, whose denim cargo pants are also worthy of snapping up.
Self-Portrait Mid-Rise Wide-Leg Denim Cargo Pants
If you prefer your jeans to slouch ever-so-slightly on the hip, then Self-Portrait's wide-leg, mid-rise jeans are a must-have. Perfect for partying in without having to employ any kind of real effort.
Ganni's jeans are a favourite among the fashion crowd thanks to their comfort and effortless feel. Whatever the occasion, its Angi cargo jeans will rise to it.
Bimba y Lola Cargo Blue Jeans
Cargo jeans needn't be floor-sweeping if you'd rather they not be. Instead look to Spanish brand Bimba y Lola's cargo jeans, which are a flattering ankle-length, but will offer all of the cool that denim cargo pants inevitably do.
Part-chic trouser, part-denim cargo pant, Matches Fashion's own brand Raey's Army jeans are the cargos of dreams. Wear with black, black and more black and add a touch of sartorial jazz hands with statement-making gold earrings.
If you're new to the denim cargo pant trend, then look to the high street before jumping to making an investment purchase. Zara's offer all of the laid-back appeal promised by the jeans without any of the commitment.
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