Black cargo pants are a wardrobe staple that every woman should own. They’re edgy, comfortable, and easy to dress up or down. If you have a pair of black cargo pants in your closet but are stuck in a style rut, keep reading!
In this blog post, we’ll share 17 casual outfit ideas for how to style black cargo pants. You’ll find tips on wearing black cargo pants for women with different tops, jackets, shoes and accessories. We’ve included ideas for women’s black cargo pants outfits ranging from everyday casual to weekend wear.
Why Black Cargo Pants Are a Versatile Staple
Black cargo pants are loved by fashionistas for many reasons:
- They’re more interesting than basic black pants but still neutral enough to pair with practically anything. Black cargo pants outfits can be edgy, feminine, dressy or casual depending on how you style them.
- The loose fit and comfortable fabric (often cotton or a cotton blend) make them great for everyday wear.
- The large pockets give black cargo pants a utilitarian vibe that’s very on-trend.
- Black is slimming and matches with every color under the sun. You’ll get tons of use out of black cargo pants.
So if you don’t already own a pair of black cargo pants, it’s time to add them to your closet! Below we’ll share some of our favorite outfit ideas for women’s black cargo pants.
How to Wear Black Cargo Pants Casually
The key to looking fashionable in black cargo pants is styling them for a casual, trendy vibe. You want to avoid looking too militaristic or like you’re about to go camping.
When creating a black cargo pants outfit, choose feminine or edgy tops rather than basic tees. Distressed denim jackets and ankle boots also complement the casual coolness of cargo pants.
Here are some of our favorite outfit ideas for wearing women’s black cargo pants casually:
1. With a Black Top and Black Ankle Boots
One easy way to style black cargo pants is to go full-on monochromatic. Pair them with a black top and black ankle boots for an effortlessly chic look. Finish the outfit with ankle boots with chunky heels for a touch of edge.
This is one of those easy black cargo pants outfits you can throw on for just about any casual occasion.
2. With a Tie-Dye Sweatshirt
Give your black cargo pants a cool streetwear vibe by pairing them with an oversized tie-dye sweatshirt. Contrast the slouchiness on top with fitted cargos below.
Ground the outfit in old-school sneakerhead style by finishing it off with classic white Air Force 1s. Add gold jewelry for a hint of glam.
3. With a Crop Top and Checkered Blazer
Who says you can’t look sexy in cargo pants? Show off some skin by pairing them with a crop tank and high-waisted black cargos.
Add a tailored checkered blazer on top to balance out the crop length. Throw on some lace-up boots to complement the dressiness of the blazer.
This black cargo pants outfit idea works great for date nights or cocktails with the girls.
4. With an Oversized Jacket
An oversized jacket matches perfectly with black cargo pants for a model-off-duty look.
Pair baggy cargos with a fitted ribbed tank bodysuit in a coordinating neutral shade like white, gray or tan. Top it off with an oversized jacket in a light color.
Finish this casual black cargo pants outfit with white sneakers or combat boots.
5. With a Puffer Jacket
Puffer jackets are another outerwear option that pairs excellently with black cargos.
Wear your black cargo pants with a graphic tee or striped tee in a bright color like red, yellow or green. Layer a light color puffer jacket on top to let the bright tee peek through.
Lace-up combat boots would complement this casual outfit nicely.
6. With a Denim Jacket
A classic black denim jacket is a foolproof topper for black cargo pants outfit ideas.
You can modify this outfit for a Canadian tuxedo effect by wearing a light wash denim jacket over a white tee and black cargos. Ground the outfit with white platform sneakers.
This casual outfit for black cargo pants works great for daytime activities like meeting friends for brunch or strolling through the farmer’s market.
7. With a White Tube Top and White Sneakers
Pairing an itty bitty white tube top with black cargo pants creates visual contrast for a sporty-chic look.
Add white sneakers on the bottom to complement the white top. Accessorize with a black shoulder bag for an extra dose of Y2K style.
This casual outfit idea works perfectly for running errands or enjoying a sunny day outdoors.
8. With a Tube Vest Top
Tube tops aren’t just for summer! This black cargo pants outfit idea features a tube vest adding a pop of skin-baring style.
Balance the crop length on top with a high-waisted pair of black cargos. Finish off with chunky dad sneakers for a contemporary vibe.
We love this look for weekend coffee dates or casual days exploring a new city.
9. With a Graphic Tee
Don’t underestimate the power of a great graphic tee! An edgy or funny graphic tee contrasts perfectly with utilitarian black cargos.
Some graphic tee ideas to try with black cargo pants include band tees, iconic art prints, punk rock designs or even just a basic white tee with a chest pocket.
Let the graphic tee shine by keeping the rest of this casual outfit simple. Black cargos, white sneakers and minimal jewelry is all you need.
10. With a Ribbed Tank Top
A ribbed tank in a light color makes a perfect pairing for black cargo pants.
The neutral pants allow the light tank to pop. Contrast the slimness of the ribbed tank against the bagginess of the cargos.
Complete this casual outfit by tying a flannel shirt around your waist. Add white sneakers to keep the sporty vibe going.
11. Add a Pop of Color
Color blocking is a fun way to style any outfit with black pants.
In this outfit, there is a neon-colored bag and knee-high boots paired with an all-black ensemble. You can create a similar look to add a pop of color.
Try wearing neon green or bright pink footwear with your black cargos and a basic white tank. The bright shoes will instantly grab attention.
Or opt for a color-blocked shoulder bag in a cheery hue like yellow, sky blue, or coral. Let the handbag provide a bold accent to balance the neutral pants.
Adding vibrant color through shoes or accessories keeps these casual black cargo pants outfits exciting.
12. With a Black Tube Top and Black Sneakers
Here’s another way to wear black cargos with a tube top, this time double downing on black.
Pair fitted black cargos with a simple black tube top for a streamlined look. Black and white sneakers continue the monochrome color scheme.
Punch up the outfit by accessorizing with a bright red shoulder bag. This contrasting color keeps the outfit from feeling flat.
13. With a White Tee
You really can’t go wrong pairing black cargos with a classic white tee.
A fitted white crew neck tee contrasts perfectly against the bagginess of black cotton cargo pants.
Finish the easy, casual outfit with white or black sneakers and minimal accessories.
This pared down look works for running errands, walking the dog or meeting friends for lunch. It’s one of our favorite year-round black cargo pants outfit ideas.
14. With an Oversized Sweater
On cooler weather days, try layering an oversized sweater over black skinny cargo pants.
Choose a roomy, slouchy sweater in a neutral shade like oatmeal, gray or navy. Tuck just the front portion of the sweater into the pants while allowing the back to hang loose.
Complete this laidback black cargo pants outfit with ankle boots or white sneakers.
15. With a Sparkle Top
Who says you can’t add some glitz to cargo pants? Elevate your black cargos to party-ready status by pairing them with a dazzling polka dot top.
Opt for a long-sleeved crop top with cold shoulder cutouts, adorned with shimmering dots or sequins. The black base with twinkling accents creates a eye-catching contrast. Keep the sparkle contained to your top half to let it truly shine.
Complete the look with classic white sneakers. This combo strikes the perfect balance between glam and casual, ideal for a night out with friends or a trendy dinner spot.
16. With a Varsity Jacket
Channel retro high school style by layering a varsity jacket over black cargo pants. Ground the outfit in old school style with chunky white dad sneakers.
17. With a Ruched Crop Top
Ruched crop tops are very on-trend right now. The ruched fabric and cropped cut contrast beautifully with loose fitting cargo pants.
In this outfit, she is wearing a black top. However, you can also opt for a ruched crop tank in a bright, cheerful color like hot pink, lime green, or sky blue. The vibrant color pairing helps balance the black pants.
Let the crop top be the statement piece of this outfit by keeping shoes and accessories simple. White sneakers or sandals work well.
There you have it – 17 casual outfit ideas for how to style black cargo pants! With so many ways to wear them, you’ll want black cargo pants in heavy rotation in your weekly wardrobe.
What’s your favorite way to wear women’s black cargo pants? Share your best black cargo pants outfit ideas in the comments below!