We’re always trying to find easy ways to balance convenience and style while traveling, especially when it comes to packing a travel wardrobe. Cargo pants and shorts can be a great pick for travel both when transiting and while exploring destinations.

Travelling in style doesn’t always have to be about following trends; rather it can also be an art form that blends comfort and functionality. Not only do cargo pants and shorts offer a practical design that offer multiple pockets to help keep essential items like your phone, wallet, or passport within easy reach, they are also versatile pieces of clothing that have made a fashionable comeback in recent years.

Whether you’re heading to the airport, train station, planning a cruise, or embarking on a road trip, stay organised without sacrificing a sharp look by making cargos your new go-to travel wear. And to help guarantee a chic travel look, we thought we’d offer some fashion tips on how to choose the right cargo pants and shorts and what to pair with them.

How to Style Cargo Pants for a Chic Travel & Airport Look

Choosing the Right Cargo Pants

When seeking out chic-looking cargo pants and shorts, this is one area where you definitely don’t want to hit the thrift shops for a vintage look, because modern cargo pants and shorts have become much more fashionable compared to their earlier counterparts which were bulky and a bit daggy to be honest.

Today’s slim-fit cargo trousers have been reimagined with slimmer silhouettes, cleaner lines, and more chic details, making them versatile pieces for both travel and everyday wear. The evolution of cargo pants and shorts now balances style with their characteristic practicality, making them the perfect option for fashion-conscious travellers.

The foundation of a stylish travel cargo look of course begins with selecting the right cargo pants or shorts, and there are now thankfully many styles, fits, and colours available. It’s now possible to find a pair of cargos to suit your personal style no matter what it is, while also providing comfort for long hours of travel.

When it comes to fit, seek out the slimmer or more tailored cargo pants and shorts that will give you a more flattering and streamlined look as opposed to the older baggier styles that were often quite prone to wrinkling which is a nightmare for travel clothing.

For shorts, choose a length that is flattering to your frame and appropriate for the climate and activities you are planning to enjoy. Knee-length or slightly above the knee is versatile for most destinations. They also make cute capri-style cargos these days.

Look for breathability and stretch for added comfort which you’ll be thankful for on long-haul flights. Sticking to neutral colours like olive, khaki, navy, black, or beige will further ensure a refined look, and such colours can be much more easily paired with a wider selection of travel tops, shoes, and accessories.

While most cargo pants and shorts are designed for use with a belt, you can find comfortable versions sporting elastic waistbands or drawstring ties as well. Some cargo pants can also be converted into shorts by way of easy zippers that will give you flexibility in terms of adjusting to new weather conditions such as when flying from a cold winter destination to a tropical getaway, They will also ensure you’re ready no matter which activities present themselves.

The defining feature of cargo wear of course is having ample pockets. Make sure your cargos offer practical and well-placed pockets with secure closures to ensure you keep travel docs, credit cards and cash, and valuables safe.

Bonus if you can find cargos that are wrinkle-resistant and quick-drying. There are versions that are also water-resistant which can come in handy when visiting destinations during the wetter months.

Selecting the Right Tops for Cargos

The key to balancing your cargo pants with a top is to consider proportions. If your cargo pants have a loose fit, opt for a more fitted top, such as a ribbed sweater or a tucked-in tee. For a casual yet stylish appearance, a relaxed button-up shirt or a hoodie can maintain the balance between comfort and style.

For warmer tropical destinations or beach holidays, a tank top paired with cargo shorts offers a breezy, laid-back look. Alternatively, going with a Henley long-sleeve shirt can work better for cooler climates and offers a structured neckline and touch of sophistication.

If looking to pair with a jacket, try to stick with something that’s well-fitted in a neutral colour to avoid overpowering your cargo look. A jacket sporting multiple pockets will further enhance the practicality of your cargo pants.

Of course, a simple classic t-shirt is a versatile staple that pairs effortlessly with nearly all cargo pants and shorts. You can also easily transform this simple yet polished look into something more fashionable simply by adding the right accessories which we’ll cover in a moment.

Tops with neutral tones help create a cohesive look that works for various destinations and seasons, and classic colours like navy, white, or grey will usually complement most cargo pants and shorts nicely.

Footwear that Balances Comfort and Style

Comfort should always be the top priority when it comes to travel footwear and thankfully you can still enjoy comfort without having to sacrifice style when it comes to pairing footwear with cargos.

Sneakers are always a versatile and comfortable choice for travel, supporting your precious feet during those often long walks to gates in airports or when enjoying a walking tour through a new city. The trick is to avoid the more athletic or sporty style sneakers and instead go with more urban styles in leather or canvas for a cleaner and more polished look.

Go with sleek, low-profile sneakers in neutral colours like white, black, or grey that will pair well with cargo pants or shorts.

Slip on shoes such as loafers or slip-on sneakers on the other hand also pair nicely with cargos and are great for air travel since they’re convenient for security checkpoints. They offer a minimalistic, chic look that pairs perfectly with the clean lines of modern cargo pants and work rather well with cargo shorts as well.

For beach and seaside destinations, you can pair sandals with cargo shorts. Just try to stick with more stylish sandals as opposed to basic cheap thongs or flip-flops that may degrade your look. Leather or suede sandals often provide a more sophisticated look, making them suitable for city walks, evenings out, or beachside dining. Just remember to keep things simple with sandals, going with clean lines, simple straps, and understated details to create a sleek and modern look that pairs nicely with cargo wear.

And hiking boots of course go well with cargo pants and shorts for those adventurous holidays where you plan to do a bit of mountain trekking or jungle hiking in search of exotic wildlife. Just remember to go with hiking boots or shoes that are less bulky and are more stylish to maintain a chic look. Again, simplicity is key, and you want to stick to a minimalistic design.

Accessories for a Finishing Touch

 

Accessories can take any practical outfit and make it chic. Opt for a structured backpack or crossbody bag that’s not only stylish but also functional for storing travel essentials. Sunglasses are a must-have for travel, adding both practicality and flair.

Minimalist jewellery, like a simple watch or bracelet, can add a refined touch without feeling overdone. You don’t want to be wearing your flashy expensive jewellery when sporting a cargo look, nor is it exactly wise to travel with your showy and expensive jewellery pieces anyway.

Ankle bracelets offer a nice added touch for a boho-chic look when going barefoot on beaches and wearing cargo shorts or capri-style cargos. If you’re heading to cooler climates, a cosy scarf or hat can also pair nicely with a cargo look.

Since cargo pants and shorts often call for a belt, you can easily elevate your style by selecting some luxuriously sleek waist candy. A slim leather or woven belt can subtly elevate your travel outfit, a woven or canvas option providing a more casual look while leather will offer a bit more professionalism or polish.

Ankle socks are essential when pairing cargo pants or shorts with sneakers or loafers. No-show socks help keep the focus on your shoes for a cleaner look, while crew-length socks can add a stylish, sporty touch when visible.

Layering for Comfort and Style

Layering is key when it comes to travel, especially as you navigate different climates. Cargo pants pair well with a variety of tops, and layering can add both warmth and dimension to your look.

A fitted turtleneck or simple tee can be elevated with a light jacket or blazer for a touch of sophistication. You can also mix textures such as pairing a knitted jumper with a leather jacket or adding a scarf to create a layered look that adapts to temperature changes while travelling.

Incorporating Trendy Pieces

Travelling in comfort doesn’t mean you have to forgo trends. Incorporating current pieces like an oversized denim jacket, a trendy graphic tee, or a shacket (shirt-jacket) can add a modern edge to your cargo pants.

Crop tops provide a modern, trendy contrast to the bulkier cargo bottoms. Pairing a crop top with high-waisted cargo shorts or pants creates a balanced look that is both stylish and travel-friendly.

Blouses with puff sleeves, ruffles, or unique necklines can also contrast nicely with the functional style of cargo pants and shorts. This pairing adds an unexpected chicness to your outfit, making it suitable for both casual and slightly dressier occasions.

Other fine modern trendy options to pair with a cargo look include wearing a simple vest over a basic t-short , or a slim-fitting sweatshirt. By balancing these trendier elements with practical pieces, you can create a chic travel outfit that’s both stylish and functional.

No matter how you style your cargo pants, the most important factor is feeling confident in what you wear. Cargo pants offer a versatile foundation for creating a travel outfit that balances practicality with style. Personalise your look to reflect your own preferences and remember that true style comes from feeling comfortable and confident.