Back in March, I predicted these Free People cargo pants would be my go-to pants of the spring and I was absolutely right. I’ve been wearing them all the time: over swimsuits, as a cover-up to the beach, with sweatshirts or hoodies when it’s cold…pretty much any time I’m not feeling shorts. They’re just crazy comfortable and have that laid-back vibe I love.
They’re surprisingly versatile, though. They’re definitely casual and work for everyday life, but they can also be dressed up enough for dinner or drinks. And because of that versatility, they’re the perfect pants to pack for a summer vacation.
These cargo pants are made of linen and cotton, so they’re super-breathable (and not hot) and work just as easily at the beach as they do in the car (or on a plane).
In fact, I love them so much that I actually just ordered the exact same pair in natural (basically beige). The lighter color will be great for summer, and I already know I can wear them with all the things.
pants, also at Nordstrom (natural here) | sandals | sweatshirt (40% off) | bra | towel
5 Ways To Style Free People Utility Cargo Pants
I only have a small amount of clothing down here in North Carolina with me, but these pants go with most of my pieces. I’m excited to try them with what I have at home (I bought them on the way down here, so I didn’t get a chance to do that before we left) but for now, I’m wearing them with most of the basics I brought with me.
1. Pair With A Simple Tank & Flip Flops
pants (m), also at Nordstrom, or (natural here) | tank | sandals
I love this tank top (also from Free People) and also have it in multiple colors. I’ve been wearing the long beach tank for years now (even during pregnancy)! The high neckline and drape of the bottom makes it flattering and easy to pair with a lot of different bottoms. And I know I’ve shared these flip flops about a million times with you guys, but they really are some of my favorites. They come in a TON of colors and are often on sale for under $15!
2. Pop On A Graphic Tee & Sneakers
pants (m), also at Nordstrom, or (natural) | t-shirt | sneakers
I swear we all own (and love!) these slip-on Vans. They’re crazy comfy and go with everything from denim shorts to pants like these to dresses. Oh, and the t-shirt is from Altar’d State. They have some awesome graphic tees right now (and they’re BOGO 50% off!).
3. Dress Them Up With A Bodysuit & Heels
pants (m), also at Nordstrom, or (natural) | bodysuit (m) | sandals (they convert into flats!)
My go-to way to dress up any seemingly casual outfit (these pants or ripped denim or jean shorts) is to add heeled sandals like these. I’m obsessed with this pair in particular because they CONVERT INTO FLATS! You can buy different heels to wear with them for different looks… it’s like having multiple pairs in one. LOVE.
And this bodysuit from Abercrombie has amazing reviews for a reason. It’s super-comfortable and soft, and doesn’t squeeze my butt like some others I’ve tried. (And it comes in a number of colors!)
4. Add An Oversized Cardigan Over A Tank
pants (m), also at Nordstrom, or (natural) | tank (s) | similar cardigan (also in organic cotton) | sandals (more sizes and colors)
I just tried this tank from Banana Republic and love the shape of it (click through since you can’t see it very well here). I’m wearing the maverick tan here and really just want every single color it comes in — from the basics like heather gray and black, to the bright yellow and poppy red. I love the high neck and fitted-but-not-too-tight body.
I’ve had this cardigan for years now (an old Nordstrom Anniversary purchase) and love the oversized fit. I wear this one with everything from jeans to leggings to cut-offs…this one is super similar and has really good reviews.
pants (m), also at Nordstrom, or (natural) | tank (s) | similar cardigan (also in organic cotton) | sandals (more sizes and colors)
I have to say, these Naot wedge sandals are about the cutest “comfort sandals” I’ve ever seen, and they ARE insanely comfortable! They come in a ton of colors and are 100% worth every penny. I convinced my mom to buy a pair (she has the black and khaki combo) and she loves them just as much as I do, especially the wedge heel that gives us a little height boost.
5. Layer With A Denim Jacket
pants (m), also at Nordstrom, or (natural) | cami | jacket | slides
This KUT from the Kloth jacket was another recent purchase, and I fell in LOVE with the color (I know I’ll be wearing it a LOT come fall). It comes in a number of different washes (classic denim and white as well) and has that ever-so-slightly-oversized fit that isn’t sloppy or overwhelming. It works over a cami or a graphic tee with these pants but I’m also wearing it over my summer dresses too.
pants (m), also at Nordstrom, or (natural) | t-shirt | jacket | slides
So, that’s how I’m wearing Free People’s cargo pants in green — stay tuned to see the beige styled up!
XOXO,
Scotti
