How to wear cargo pants this summer, according to street style

I found a goldmine of cargo pants inside an an unnamed, pier-side boutique in Torquay. What began as a wholesome weekend of BBQs and windswept coastal walks soon turned into an impromptu shopping spree, as a gust of sea breeze nudged us off the path and into the boutique. Inside, we found cargo pants for every personality. – long, short, oversized, sporty-chic. Unfortunately, the shop took only cash. I walked out empty-handed but not empty-hearted, because cargo pants are everywhere right now.

Whether you’re channelling ’90s Jennifer Aniston in a slouchy red pair or reinventing the Y2K staple in monochrome for a more Phoebe Philo take on things, cargos are the comfortable, utilitarian heroes of fuss-free dressing. Less restrictive than denim but more put together than those threadbare trackies, the humble cargos are the Charli xcx-approved option of the moment – and let’s be honest, no one wants to dance in skinny jeans.

Back to black

Valentina Frugiuele – Getty Images

Ok, so cargos may not be your first thought when it comes to monochrome minimalism but an all-black cargo look is the way to do goth-girl summer meets utilitarianism.

Camo cool

Edward Berthelot – Getty Images