Cargo skirts are back in style and better than ever!
This utilitarian chic skirt style brings function and flair with its signature large pockets and drawstring details.
While cargo skirts used to have a reputation for being too casual or masculine, modern versions are incredibly stylish and on-trend.
We’ll talk in-depth about how to style cargo skirts for any occasion, weather, or body type.
Read on for cargo skirt outfit ideas you’ll want to wear on repeat!
Cargo Skirt with Cropped Sweater
For this first cargo skirt outfit, choose a cropped sweater in a lightweight fabric like cashmere or cotton.
Tuck the sweater into a high-waisted cargo skirt hitting just above or below the knee.
Finish the look with white sneakers or loafers for an effortlessly chic vibe.
This pairing is great for the transitional weather of spring and fall.
The cropped sweater gives just enough warmth without overheating, especially when worn with short sleeves.
It highlights the waist and balances the volume of a cargo skirt’s pockets and drawstrings.
Neutral colors like black, gray, or tan work well for the cargo skirt to ground the outfit.
Choose a sweater in a fun color or print for a pop of personality.
Overall, this cropped sweater and cargo skirt combo masters laidback polish.
It’s cute and comfortable with an eclectic edge from the unique skirt style. I love outfits like this for weekend brunches, casual dates, and exploring a new city.
Try tucking your sweater into the front pockets instead of just the waistband for an extra stylish touch when wearing this outfit.
Denim Jacket and Cargo Skirt
For an effortlessly cool ensemble, pair a denim jacket with a cargo skirt in a matching or complimentary wash.
A medium wash denim jacket looks great with a black or army green cargo skirt for color contrast.
Or go for an all-over denim look with matching blue jean jacket and skirt shades.
Leave the jacket unbuttoned and sleeve cuffs casually rolled or pushed up for that model-off-duty vibe. Underneath, try a white tank or cropped band tee.
Then finish with simple white sneakers or combat style boots. For breezy spring and summer days, wear the denim jacket open over your top.
Come fall and winter, button it up over a long sleeve tee or sweater for extra warmth.
This denim on denim outfit flatters most body types too. The structured jacket balances the silhouette of a voluminous cargo skirt.
And it creates a streamlined, elongated look compared to bulkier coat styles.
I suggest this versatile denim combo for concerts, fairs, and daytime hangouts when you want a laidback yet polished vibe.
It transitions seamlessly from running errands to an afternoon in the park with friends. Depending on footwear and accessories, you can also dress it up a bit more for a casual date look.
Cargo Skirt with Flowy Blouse
Take your cargo skirt from day to night with the addition of a flowy, feminine blouse.
Pair a relaxed fit cargo skirt with a breezy chiffon or crepe blouse, preferably in a vibrant color or print.
Tuck just the front of the blouse in to show off the waist without hiding the skirt’s pockets and details.
This juxtaposition of a structured cargo skirt with a loose, flowy blouse creates an effortlessly chic vibe.
The two pieces beautifully balance each other out.
Flowy sleeves also add shape and camouflage hips or thighs if that’s a concern.
To accessorize, add some delicate gold jewelry for an elegant touch.
Strappy heels dress this look up perfectly for cocktails or date night. But you can also wear it with sandals or wedges for a day to evening transition fit.
Overall, this outfit formula makes a cargo skirt work for both casual and dressier occasions. It’s one of my favorite ways to get more wear out of cargo skirts.
Cargo Skirt with Turtleneck
For crisp fall and winter weather, pair your cargo skirt with a turtleneck sweater or bodysuit.
Tuck the turtleneck top into the skirt’s waistband to accentuate your shape in the bulky cold weather silhouette.
A fitted turtleneck beautifully offsets the volume and pockets of a cargo skirt.
It also elongates the legs compared to wearing an oversized sweater. For a daytime look, add ankle boots, a wool coat and scarf.
To dress it up for night, try heeled booties and a leather moto jacket.
This pairing works well for all body types, even petite frames.
The lengthy line created by the turtleneck and cargo skirt combination maximizes the appearance of height.
The monochromatic color scheme also slims the hips and thighs.
Opt for black, brown, gray, or olive green hues that fluently transition from day to night.
Overall, the streamlined silhouette and cozy warmth of this cargo skirt outfit makes it a weekly go-to during colder months. It’s both polished and practical enough for the office or any cold weather activity.
Cargo Skirt with Button-Down Shirt
Channel preppy chic style by pairing your cargo skirt with a crisp button-down shirt.
Go for an oversized, menswear-inspired button-down in stark white or light blue.
Tuck just the front into your skirt, leaving the back out to drape loosely over the pockets.
Complete this look with penny loafers or oxfords for old school academic flair. You can also play with textures by choosing a shirt with piping details or stripes.
A collar pin, silk scarf, or structured bag adds extra polish to this outfit.
The contrast between the loose button-down and structured cargo skirt creates dimensional intrigue. It’s the perfect modern twist on a classic collegiate ensemble.
Wear it on casual Fridays in the office to look pulled together yet comfortable.
Or try it for weekend daytime activities like museum visits, book shopping, or walking around a new city. It brings together preppy.
Cargo Skirt with a Bodysuit
Here are some more ideas for wearing a cargo skirt with a bodysuit:
- Pair a black cargo skirt with a bright red or cobalt blue long sleeve bodysuit. Add strappy black heels for a night out.
- Try a olive green cargo skirt with a leopard print bodysuit in cream and black. Finish with chunky black platform heels.
- Wear a khaki cargo skirt with a long sleeve white bodysuit. Add some edge with black leather booties.
- Go feminine with a tan suede cargo skirt and a pink floral print bodysuit. Complete the look with nude peep toe pumps.
- For date night, do a gray cargo skirt with a mesh paneled black bodysuit and lace-up over-the-knee boots.
- Make it sexy with a denim cargo skirt, a sheer mesh long sleeve bodysuit, and black strappy stiletto sandals.
- Pair a utility style cargo skirt in army green with a turtleneck bodysuit in emerald green. Ground it with Chelsea boots.
- Contrast the sleekness of a black bodysuit with a voluminous high-waisted floral cargo skirt. Add ankle strap heels.
- Do refined elegance with a satin cargo skirt in blush and a matching blush long sleeve bodysuit. Finish with metallic heels.
Cargo skirt and Belt Bags
- A black or brown leather belt bag adds a polished touch to a casual cargo skirt outfit. Keep your essentials close at hand.
- For a sporty vibe, wear a nylon belt bag in a bright color like red, blue, or neon green.
- A quilted belt bag looks chic paired with a utility style cargo skirt and cropped hoodie.
- Distressed leather or suede belt bags complement a boho printed cargo skirt and kimono top.
- Fanny pack styled belt bags are on trend. Wear one around your waist or crossbody with a tee and cargo skirt.
Cargo skirt and Ankle Boots
Ankle boots are the perfect way to toughen up feminine cargo skirts for an edgy casual look.
Choose ankle boots with chunky lug soles, leather laces, or western inspired details like embroidery or metal stud accents to contrast the softness of a flowing cargo skirt.
Go for leather or suede ankle boots in classic shades like black, brown, tan, or chestnut to complement both neutral and brightly colored cargo skirts.
Pair with skirts in khaki, olive green, or camo print for a military vibe, or vibrantly patterned boho printed skirts for eclectic contrast. Ankle boots with heels dress up the look while flat boots keep it casual.
Let the ankle boots peek out the bottom of your cargo skirt, styling it at mid-calf length to show them off. Accessorize with layered gold necklaces or a printed scarf.
Finish the outfit with an edgy leather moto jacket to channel an effortless model-off-duty look. Or keep it casual with a graphic tee and denim jacket.
Cargo skirts and ankle boots make an unexpected combo for day or night. The masculine military vibe of the cargo skirt gets balanced out by ultra feminine ankle boots for a cool mix of textures and styles.
Cargo Skirt and Tall Socks
- For spring, try soft pastel tall socks in mint, lilac, or peach peeking out of sneakers.
- Neon brights like yellow, pink, and orange make a fun colorful statement.
- Cable knit and fuzzy socks look cozy with boots and mini cargo skirts.
- Printed socks featuring florals, polka dots, or stripes complement solid color skirts.
- Layer sheer white ankle socks over fishnet tights under cargo skirts and booties.
Cargo Skirt with a Tie Front Blouse
A feminine tie front blouse is the perfect way to soften and dress up a casual cargo skirt for the office.
Look for a blouse made of luxurious silk or satin fabric to provide an elegant contrast to the utilitarian vibe of a cargo skirt.
Tie front blouses cinch in at the waist and have a keyhole neckline that reveals just a hint of skin for a touch of sophistication.
Tuck the blouse neatly into the waistband of your cargo skirt to define your figure and create a polished silhouette.
When selecting a tie front blouse for your cargo skirt, go for a neutral earth tone like tan, cream, or light pink rather than stark white, as this will complement the darker khaki, olive or brown shades that cargo skirts often come in.
You can also opt for a subtle print like a micro dot, foulard, or floral, which adds interest without looking too busy when paired with the pockets and utility details of a cargo skirt.
Look for a tie front blouse made of natural fibers like silk or satin rather than polyester blends – the luxurious sheen and drape of the natural fabrics will give your outfit an elevated look and feel.
Complete the outfit with sleek pointed toe kitten heels in a color that coordinates with your blouse, such as nude, black, or metallic, depending on the color palette you are working with.
Carry a sophisticated top handle bag in leather, suede, or even woven raffia to tie the outfit together
Stay neat and professional looking by tucking your blouse in smoothly and opting for tailored pieces without embellishments or distracting patterns.
Keep accessories minimal with simple earrings and a watch.
The end result is an office-ready outfit that mixes feminine charm from the tie front blouse with laidback comfort from the cargo skirt.
It’s a go-to formula for looking polished and professional at work while still feeling like your stylish self.
The tie front blouse elevates the cargo skirt so you stay looking business appropriate.
Pair it with neutral kitten heels and a ladylike top handle bag to offset the casual nature of a cargo skirt.
With smart styling, you can take the utility cargo trend to the office in a chic, flattering way.
Cargo Skirt with Tank and Cardigan
Soften up your cargo skirt with feminine fabrics like a flowing chiffon tank and open front crochet cardigan.
Look for an airy silk camisole tank with thin straps and a loose silhouette that hangs delicately over the structured cargo skirt.
Layer a longline crochet cardigan on top for a sweet boho vibe.
Keep colors light and neutral like blush, ivory, or soft gray. Add delicate jewelry like a thin gold necklace with a tiny pendant. Slide into classic ballet flats in a neutral shade.
The juxtaposition of the relaxed cardigan and billowy cami against the angular cargo silhouette creates visual interest.
You get the functionality of the skirt’s pockets while still looking pretty and feminine.
It’s a great daytime outfit for a breezy spring day of shopping or meeting friends for brunch.
The soft cardigan also allows you to show off the decorative details on your chiffon cami underneath for a layered look that is versatile and chic.
Cargo Skirt with Mesh Crop Top
For a sexy night-out look, pair a black or olive cargo skirt with a sheer mesh crop top.
Choose a top with an opaque bodice and sheer mesh sleeves and hem. Layer it over a bandeau or lace bralette for a peek-a-boo effect.
Add strappy heels and a clutch bag. Finish with edgy makeup featuring a dark smoky eye and bright red lip. The mesh crop top feminizes the rugged cargo skirt.
Cargo Skirt with Plaid Button Down
For grunge-inspired style, layer a oversized plaid flannel button down shirt over a plain white tank bodysuit tucked into a light wash denim cargo skirt.
Cuff the sleeves and leave the shirt open and untucked.
The versatility of the cargo skirt makes it an essential piece for any woman’s wardrobe.
Its casual vibe pairs perfectly with crop tops, graphic tees, or hoodies for relaxed weekend wear.
Dress it up with blouses, bodysuits, and heels for day or nighttime style. Layer it with cardigans, kimonos, or denim for a chic take on grunge and boho.
And don’t forget the details like belt bags, tall socks, and ankle boots to put your own creative spin on utilitarian chic.
Cargo skirts allow you to comfortably carry all your daily essentials while still looking pulled together and stylish.
Experiment with different fabrics, prints, colors and styling to discover your favorite way of wearing this functional fashion staple. Give your wardrobe a kick of casual cool with cargo skirts.
Complete the ’90s throwback outfit with white sneakers and a beanie hat. This relaxed combo of masculine and feminine elements creates an effortlessly cool vibe.
