Martha Stewart and Oprah are both fans of the comfortable and versatile pants. (Getty Images)(Getty Images)
While we know most people follow Martha Stewart for her kitchen, home and garden tips, her beauty routine and style have us in a chokehold. Her morning collagen face mask? Bought it. Her tinted sunscreen? Wear it every day. Her metallic sneakers? Copied the look. She's an icon in every sense, and now she's influencing us to buy a pair of cargo pants. Yes, Martha, as well as Oprah, Taylor Swift and other celebs have donned the comfy utility trousers and are making them look super cute.
Martha really has her finger on the pulse of items that merge comfort and fashion. For example, she recently showed off a pair of khaki, almost-olive cargo pants on Instagram, marking her visit to a greenhouse. She paired the pants with a matching "chore jacket" and slip-in Skechers sneakers for a monochromatic look.
Oprah wore cargo pants on a Japan trip last year. Why are so many celebs gravitating toward the style? They're the perfect marriage of form and function, combining cool, laid-back vibes with utility. With their colors and comfort, cargos are made for all seasons, and all those pockets mean they're a smart choice for travel, running errands and more.
This got us craving a pair of cargos for ourselves — but there are so many options and fits, many of which only work with certain body types. We narrowed down a few picks to share and, best of all, many of them are on sale, with prices starting at just $33 (and all $40 or under). After all, Ms. Stewart may be a millionaire, but that doesn't mean we are.
These are great if you're into a looser, baggier vibe (like the ones Oprah's sporting above). Six pockets ensure that you'll always have a place for your essentials, and these straight-leg-style pants also have an elastic waist and hem. Available in 27 colors (though prices vary).
"Love Love Love!" exclaimed this shopper. "The reviews were right, these pants rock. Perfect weight, nice and long and elastic back waist with a flat front. So comfy and cute. Got them in the orange and couldn’t be happier. I’ll definitely get another pair ASAP!"
If you prefer a slimmer cargo style, this option from Lee features a straight leg and bulk-free pockets on either side. The waistband is elastic on the back, and they come in short and tall lengths to help you get your perfect fit. Choose from nine colors.
"Just ordered my third pair," said a loyal fan. "The pockets work, the front seams are slimming to the leg, they have (a) wash-and-wear durable fabric, and the comfort level is awesome. The partial elastic waistband is not discernable, with or without a belt."
You better Baleaf it — these water-resistant hiking pants will be your outdoor adventure besties. Available in a range of neutrals as well as a few brighter hues, these bottoms feature lightweight, water-resistant construction, UPF 50+ sun protection (yep, they're like sunscreen pants!), zip-closure security pockets and adjustable drawstrings for a flawless fit.
"Bought these for a trip to Costa Rica," wrote one of 13,200+ satisfied Amazon reviewers. "It was mid-90s the whole time we were there. Wore them for zip-lining and hiking in the rainforest. Did not feel overheated at all. Also, I like the way they cinch at the ankles to help protect from the mosquitos."
These cargos offer sweatpants comfort with storage, baby! And they come with four pockets that along with the waist are also drawstring-adjustable. Looks fantastic with a hoodie, jacket or even just a tee on those still-warm days.
"Very chic and cute," revealed this reviewer. "I'm 5'3 and 155 pounds and got a medium, small would've worked too. Will buy again, I wore with heels to dress it up. I love that you can tighten the bottom for two different looks."
Dickies knows dependable pants, and these are a great example of the brand's attention to wearability and practicality. They feature stretch fabric for enhanced comfort, multiple pockets (including two side flap cargo pockets), and a straight-leg, mid-rise cut.
"One of my favorite things about these pants is that they can be dressed up or down," shared one of over 8,500 five-star fans. "I feel comfortable wearing them to work, on date night or simply to go to the market."
If you're looking for high and loose, you'll love these wide-leg, high-rise cargos. Their breathable fabric ensures you'll stay cool even when you're sporting layers, and they'll look tres flattering with your favorite top. Choose from several colors including khaki, black and blue gray, in sizes XS to 2XL (prices vary depending upon selection).
This customer described them as "comfortable and flattering ... I love the carpenter pants/hip-hop pants look with the wide leg but slim waist. These pants really deliver. They look nice enough that I was able to wear them to a fancy luncheon with a blouse."
If you have Amazon Prime, you’ll get free shipping, of course. Not yet a member? No problem. You can sign up for your free 30-day trial here. (And by the way, those without Prime still get free shipping on orders of $35 or more.)
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
