Some products instantly elevate any ensemble. You know, the items that exude effortless It-girl style. Enter the traditional cargo. Green cargo trousers, once thought to be solely utilitarian, have made the transition from battlefield to runway. If you’re thinking, “Hmmm, I’m not really trying to channel Kim Possible,” that’s understandable. However, there are ways to style cargos for a super-chic appearance that does not make you appear like Cadet Kelly.
For proof, go no further than street style experts. Cargo pants have long been a cool-girl favorite, with celebrities such as the Hadid sisters and Hailey Bieber wearing them on the weekends. Not to mention that some of today’s most successful brands (such as Carhartt and Patagonia) are utilitarian, which means that their aim is to provide durable, functional apparel. In short, cargos are back, and green is the go-to hue.
Whether you want a casual off-duty appearance or something more dressed up, green cargo pants are the ideal base. Here are 15 ways to make the most of your green cargo pants.

Go for a one-tone design with a utilitarian sense. The cargos, worn with a matching ribbed crop top, scream cool-girl. However, the pink accessories provide an unexpected pop that balances off the generally army-brat vibe, which comes across as a pleasant surprise.

Pairing cargo trousers with more delicate pieces is an excellent approach to counterbalance their roughness. Heart Evangelista’s outfit is an excellent illustration of this, as she teamed her cargos with a floral bustier, a matching pullover, and a flowery bag. The botanical print pieces make an excellent contrast with the edginess of the cargos, resulting in the ideal blend of elegant and sweet.

There are a few simple pieces you can toss on to instantly seem elevated, no matter what. This outfit is a perfect example—it’s simple yet effective. A stylish vest coupled with cargo pants achieves the perfect balance of refinement and edge. Bonus points for the purple pumps, which offer a splash of color.

There’s a way to embrace cargo pants’ utilitarian origins without becoming overly obvious. Consider this view, for example. The model opted for a sleek version of the bomber-style leather jacket, minus all pockets, zippers, and hardware. This option streamlines the appearance while simultaneously referencing the cargo’s history.

