10 Jan Cargo Pants and Utility Styling are the SS23 Trends that are Going Nowhere

It’s 2023 and with the start of the new year comes thoughts of the new season. Spring is on the horizon and as far as I can see it, it’s time to get excited about all the freshness it brings with it. Including the new season trends. Speaking of which, you will note a non-mover in the form of the cargo pant. The initially controversial item that popped up last year amongst the melee of Gen Z favoured Y2k throwback trends, is well and truly here to stay and looking ever more refined. Quite honestly if you buy one thing for SS23, cargo pants would be a worthy option. Or in fact, a utility jacket, or pockets-a-plenty cargo skirt. Just make sure it has pockets and lots of them.

From Marine Serre’s highly functional cargo coat or utility style jackets at Loewe, to skirts at Miu Miu, Chanel and Louis Vuitton, utility style has well and truly evolved for SS23. Then there are the cargo pants cropping up just about everywhere from Fendi to Isabel Marant and Coperni. Go full Y2k and pair a low rise pair of cargo pants with a corset à la LaQuan Smith, or give your cargo’s the 00s evening glam treatment in slinky fabrications as seen at Fendi or Jil Sander. You could also loop your utility styling in with the 90s grunge trend that’s appearing for SS23, by pairing a utility jacket with a vintage lace slip dress. And then there is the good old denim cargo pant, for those who can’t be prised from their jeans. Basically there is about as many ways to wear the cargo trend this spring/summer as there are pockets in the SS23 collections. Here’s our round-up of the best cargo trend options you can shop now from your favourite designer and high street brands. One things for sure you won’t need to worry about a bag this season.

Cargo Pants

Sometimes you can’t beat a classic. If you have been stalling on this trend, now is the time to snap up these spring essential trousers. The cargo pant is about to become your most worn item.

Frankie Shop’s Hailey wool-blend cargo pants with high waist and oversized fit look incredibly chic in beige. For something lighter, look to the spring-ready Maesa Cargo Pants.

This pairing of baggy cargo pants and pointy stilettos is very 00s and therefore very 2023.

These high-waisted & belted cargo pants look incredibly cute with a cropped vest.

These sophisticated Arket wool blend cargo trousers also come in a beige cotton linen version if you’re looking for a more spring/summer-ready option.

H&M have many interesting utility options. These also come in a black version.

This tailored straight pair sold out in the beige version, but the black option just landed. Thank you H&M.

Frankie Shop’s cult Maesa pleated woven wide-leg cargo pants look so good in this fresh Khaki colour. For a more affordable alternative, see Monki’s tailored cargo trousers below that come in grey and black.

So good.

Perfect for pairing with heels, these straight cargo trousers come in 3 colours.

Yes H&M will not fail you on the cargo front.

Khaki will look so good with fresh summer whites when the temperature rises.

These Zara straight cargo pants also come in dark tan, ink blue, and dark khaki.

These dark grey tailored cargo trousers are sold out in some sizes, but the black is still available in all sizes.

Denim Cargo Pants

If you will not be separated from your jeans, update your denim rotation this season with a pair of denim cargo pants. You can’t go wrong.

These easy-peasy Frankie Shop cargo jeans are currently 30% off on Mytheresa.

Another pair you can snap up in the sale, these Ganni cargo jeans are so cool.

Fun prints for jeans are also a theme next season and these striped cargo jeans are an easy way to up your denim game. They will look great with a white vest and sandals come summer.

If you can’t deal with a baggy fit, the classic straight fit of these chic ecru cargo jeans might be your cup of tea.

Blumarine is your go-to for major Y2k vibes. These washed black denim cargo pants don’t disappoint.

A cropped pair is a great choice for the warmer months.

These 90s baggy high cargo jeans have already sold out in 2 other colours, so don’t dilly dally on this new option.

Grey denim is trending for 2023 and this dark grey pair is a great alternative to black for spring.

How to style your cargo jeans in a chic fashion.

These Mango cargo jeans also come in a lighter wash and if you prefer a slimmer fit there is a similar but slimmer pair in sale right now.

These utility jeans are another great cargo option from Monki.

Utility Jackets

If you’re looking for a great transitional jacket option for spring/summer, then look no further. A utility jacket is an ultra-versatile option that can be thrown over just about anything and is light but easy to layer. Toughen up a slip dress for an SS23 take on 90s grunge, or pair it with jeans and a white tank if you’re more about minimalist style.

Totême never fails with the wardrobe staples and this cotton cargo jacket is another winner.

If you’re looking for something cropped to pair with wider-leg trousers, this asymmetric hem jacket from Loewe is a chic option. This Loewe ecru twill jacket in a longer length is also so versatile.

Snap this staple utility jacket up at 60% off whilst you can and be ready for SS23.

SS23 sees a renewed focus on the waist, so belted jackets are a major thing. This belted patchwork jacket from Marques’ Almeida’s ‘ReM’Ade’ collection is made using upcycled fabric that would have otherwise gone to waste.

There are a few sizes left on this gorgeous cropped denim utility jacket from COS.

An easy throw-on utility jacket in cotton twill.

This 100% cotton khaki utility jacket from & Other Stories looks like such nice quality.

If you’re looking for a denim jacket update look no further.

This H&M twill utility jacket also comes in brown with contrast stitching.

The heavier wool blend fabrication of this Arket utility jacket means you could layer up and start wearing it now.

This & Other Stories satin flight jacket has a utility feel with the cargo detailing.

Cargo Skirts

From chic midi skirts with cargo detailing to Y2k style utility minis, there is an option for everyone in the skirt department this season too.

This Wardrobe NYC cargo midi skirt is so chic.

Sacai brings us this belted midi option with a utility shine finish.

Go for glam in this Y2k-inspired mini skirt from The Attico.

Or try this more subtle take from Wardrobe NYC.

Ombre effects were also a theme for SS23 and it looks so pretty in the form of this denim utility-style wrap skirt from Dion Lee.

Reformation has some great cargo options, including this chic midi skirt.

Maxi skirts are still big news.

Summer ready.

Satin Cargo Pants

The cargo pant evolves for SS23 with slinky satin finishes and jewel tones that give off major 00s evening glam.

Of course Blumarine has a perfect pair of Y2k-inspired low-rise satin cargo pants.

If you are already a pro with the cargo trend, graduate to the next level with these Tom Ford high-rise satin cargo pants in a very SS23 shade of zesty green.

Magenta is also making major moves for SS23 and these Frame satin cargo pants will certainly turn heads.

These wide-leg satin cargo pants from Reformation are a more subtle and casual way to work the trend.

The silky Kemp cargo pants from Frankie Shop also come in black and cream, but I think the bronze colourway will look so amazing with gold jewellery and a holiday glow come summer.

Thank you Zara for this perfect high street iteration. There is also a similar pair in brown in the sale that are very much worth a look.

This sugary shade is summer ready.

There are a few units left on these black satin cargo pants and they also come in a pink colour that are in the sale, so don’t dilly-dally.

If are in need of more cargo inspiration, check out these 5 fresh ways to wear the trend this spring/summer...