Modern cargo trousers: How to update this classic

Cargo trousers are back in fashion! Once a staple for 90s girl groups, today, cargo pants make a change from jeans and are more fashionable than culottes. When buying a pair, make sure they reflect modern style sensibilities. That means, for example, looking for a pair with long, ribbed cuffs rather than the straight-legged style of decades gone by. Think about the colour, too. A pair of olive, tan or - heaven forbid - camo cargo trousers are the easiest way to be transported back in time. If you want to go for the retro look, that's fine; if not, look for new, different colours. Pale pink is a great choice if you want to look super feminine. Mustard yellow works well, too, for something with a harder edge. Finally, try modern fabric trousers. Rather than hard-wearing cotton, choose a softer, silkier fabric to breathe new life into this classic style.

Styling your women's cargo trousers to stay cool

Unlike leggings, cargo trousers for women add volume to your bottom half, so it's important to keep your top half streamlined. This will give you a balanced style. Forget your big, baggy jumpers or loose T-shirts. Instead, try simple crop tops or camis, and tuck them into the waistband of your cargo pants. Alternatively, you could wear them with button-down shirts. Again, you'll want to tuck them in. Either roll up the hem of your trousers or choose a pair with ribbed cuffing and wear them with a pair of heeled sandals - the bigger, the better! Leave the trainers at home; they will make you look too casual when a more stylish look can be created by dressing up these pants.

Cropped cargo trousers for a fun summer look

When the weather's hot, try shorts or a shorter pair of cargos or 3/4 trousers for a truly summery vibe. They should hit you just below the knee, at a classic Capri length. If they reach your mid-calf, they could be unflattering, so make sure the height is right for you. Too long? Roll them up into cuffs! For fun summer style, pair them with flats or wedges and a light-coloured, fitted T-shirt or vest top. If the weather's a bit unpredictable, then grab a denim jacket or bomber that you can throw on. Just make sure it's fairly form-fitting, so it doesn't compete with the slightly loose style of your cargo trousers.