5 ways to style cargo shorts like a cool girl.

Arguably, one of the biggest fashion trends to return this summer is cargo shorts. And I'm not mad, particularly when flying Jetstar, and am sneaking all my extra heavy items in my many oversized pockets. But as this style circles back, you will be one of many wondering how you can wear the look without seeming to be desperately hip.

Here are some ideas for styling cargo pants like all the cool girls…

1. Start by going minimal.

If you are going to wear cargos, you don't have to immediately wear hoops and a diamante t-shirt and look like the long-lost member of Destiny's Child. While that combo would be excellent, you can opt for a minimalist vibe to give a contemporary feel. Get some cargo shorts in a tame colour — cream, for example — and pair them with a simple shirt. Add some sneakers and a baseball cap, and it's all very cargo shorts circa JFK Jr. Hamptons preppy.

Start with cargo shorts. Image: Supplied. What we're buying:

Cotton On Baggy Utility Shorts, $49.99.

Image: Cotton On.

 2. If going for colour, try a matching set or a muted top.

If tip no.1 didn't speak to you, no offence taken. You can instead embrace this trend by choosing louder, more colourful cargo looks. Right now, all things deep green, red or pink are especially fire.

Fortune favours the bold. Image: Supplied.

What we're buying:

Afends Emile Denim Carpenter Shorts in Faded Candy, $129.99.

Image: Afends. 3. Embrace that textural feeling.

Mixing various textures within your outfits, cargo pants or not, is the secret spice. Instead of wearing the usual denim cargo, try pants with different fabrics, such as silk, leather or metallic accents. The pair these with white for maximum impact.

Pair metallic cargo pants with a white tee. Image: @chainkyr.

What we're buying:

BY.DLYN Lena Shorts, $110.

Image: The Iconic.

4. Plaid is… rad?

You might only associate plaid with American Pie-era Jason Biggs, but decades later, it's back in a big(g?) way. Lean into the college look and play with the classic print in the correct palette and shape. Try pairing a bodysuit with the relaxed fit of corduroy cargo. Yes, I said corduroy, but look at me — cute, no?

Experiments with textures. Image: Supplied.

What we're buying:

Afends Check One Piece, $99.99.

Image: Afends.

5. Pair denim with patterns.

Denim is considered neutral, so don't be boring when it comes to pairing denim cargo shorts. Instead, match them with something bolder, like a colour or an exciting top. Here, I've balanced out my silhouette with a backless bodysuit on top, so she's tomboy on the bottom but has some femininity with colour and shape.

Look for denim. Image: Supplied.

What we're buying:

Dazie Highway Dream Denim Cargo Jorts, $89.99.

Image: The Iconic.
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Featured Image: Image: Instagram @jessicavanderleahy.