Right up there with taupe colored nail polishes, Skinny Cargos are a fashion trend that I’m having a hard time embracing. I have tried to love the taupe colors, experimented with different shades, tan hands and pale hands, and I still think that taupe nails make one look like they slammed their hand in a car door and ended up with bruises on their fingers. In theory, skinny cargos should work. Skinny jeans – love ’em. Cargo pants – a fun a functional part of any wardrobe. But together…meh. The problem with skinny cargos is that they combine two the the most feared fashion components of any woman’s wardrobe: making your legs look short and heavy.

Why would you choose to add fabric to the heaviest part of your leg? And what’s up with the pockets? Are you going to actually USE the pocket to store your cell or your keys, and thereby add more bulk to the thigh area? Design flaw. If you are going to go the skinny cargo route here are some things to consider: look for a skinny cargo that is cut with a little give around and below the knee to draw your eye down and away from the thigh pockets. This pair from 7 For All Mankind lengthens the leg by not accentuating the calf too much.

You can also get a chic look from a less structured pair of skinny cargos, like these from Alice + Olivia. The longer, looser cut flatters the leg and draws attention to the pocket, not the thigh.

What are your thoughts? Do you love skinny cargos or which they would go away? Have you found a pair that fits and flatters? Let us know.
Alice + Olivia skinny cargos available at Nordstrom.com. 7’s available at 7forallmankind.com.