My own quest to achieve the "little top, big pants" look wouldn't be complete without some cute cargo pants. Say what you will about the early-aughts revival, but I'm all for clothing that's utilitarian and in fashion at the same time. Women's pants are notorious for their lack of pockets (or worse, those fake decorative pockets), so the trend creates an incentive to update your wardrobe with comfortable, loose-fitting pants that can actually carry your personal belongings.
Despite their practicality, you can create a sophisticated work outfit from a simple white button down shirt tucked into a high-waisted pair. Below, you'll find the best cargo pants for women to offset a blazer and heels, such as these affordable dressy cargo trousers from Amazon. I've also included casual styles akin to the best joggers for women, like the super-soft Vuori Boyfriend Cargo Jogger. For more relaxed-fit bottoms, see our guide to the best wide-leg jeans.
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Available in petite, long, and straight sizes
The high-rise waistband and plentiful pockets make this the essential pair of cargo pants.
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Highly rated on Amazon
This pair can be dressed up for work and has roomy wide legs for comfortable all-day wear.
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Cinched with a bow
Light colors are in season again. These off-white trousers have unique ties around the ankles.
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Staff Pick
Relaxed and slouchy
Choose from a range of springtime pastel colors in this breezy pant, available in short and long sizes.
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He’s not getting these back
Perfect for travel and lounging, these sweats are made from a supremely soft and stretchy fabric.
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Cuffing season
Complete your skatewear look in these durable straight-legged pants with contrast stitching details.
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Staff Pick
Effortlessly cool
The Carly Cargo jeans have a military inspired look with 4 cargo pockets and a high-rise fit.
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Sale
Warm and heavyweight
This long wool pair is part of the brand's collaborative capsule with model Emily Ratajkowski.
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Hems with flair
These high-waisted bootcut pants come in a neutral color you can mix and match with any outfit.
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Adjustable shockcord hems
Catch the light on the sheen of this mid-rise pair made with Japanese satin.
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Keep comfy like a Kardashian
Match these cargo sweats with SKIMS’ collection of matching tops for a monochromatic look.
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Preppy and pinstriped
J.Crew’s relaxed fit cargo jeans have oversized pockets and are made with 100% cotton.
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Trendy low-rise waistband
Keep your belongings safe in these pants’ zippered pockets. Its matching jacket has several pockets, too.
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Yes, pleats
Nothing works as hard as rigid black denim. Try topping these cargo jeans off with colorful accessories.
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Sale
Buy 3 for $29
These roomy velour cargo pants have an early aughts-inspired look.
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Golden linen
Metallics are in. The understated gold tint on this pair is meant to get better with each wash.
Associate Style & Beauty Editor
Gabrielle Chase is an Associate Style & Beauty Editor at Business Insider. She helps maintains explainer articles about her team's favorite clothing brands and skincare.While the style trend cycle grows increasingly shorter, Gabi applies a healthy dose of skepticism to whatever's currently being hyped up on her For You Page. However, she's never above a good designer dupe.She started her career climb as a fashion intern at Interview Magazine. Before Business Insider, she wrote for ELLE Magazine's online series "The Launch."She graduated from the University of Rhode Island with a double major in journalism and Spanish. Gabi lives in Brooklyn, models, loves K-pop, and frequents her local movie theaters.If you'd like to ask a question— or just want a girl's girl to talk about cool clothes with— you can reach Gabi at gabriellechase@businessinsider.com.Learn how the Insider Reviews team tests style and beauty products here.
