Michelle Obama Wore the Effortlessly Cool Pants Trend Taylor Swift and Oprah Also Own

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Shop the flattering, practical style starting at $20.

I’m not one to get excited about celebrity outfits if they involve pants. As someone who doesn’t particularly like wearing jeans and has a hard time finding bottoms that fit my five-foot frame, it’s not something that stops me in my tracks. 

But when I saw how stylish Michelle Obama looked in dark green cargo pants, I immediately started searching for similar pairs. Her bottoms weren’t your typical utility pants, either as they featured a cool, barrel-leg structure and didn’t have a crazy amount of pockets.

And while Obama’s breezy style is perfect for spring and summer, Oprah, Martha Stewart, and Taylor Swift have worn cargo pants in each season, proving it’s truly a versatile closet staple. 

If you’re like me and want to add cargo pants to your wardrobe, shop the flattering, cool-girl bottoms, below, starting at $20.

7 Michelle Obama-Inspired Cargo Pants

• Best Lookalike: Citizens of Humanity Marcelle Low-Slung Cargo Pants, $248; revolve.com
• Quince Organic Stretch Cotton Twill Cargo Pants, $60; quince.com
• Sweat-Resistant: Copyleaf Parachute Cargo Pants, $20 (Originally $27); amazon.com
• Zmpsiisa High-Waisted Cargo Pants, $38; amazon.com
• 50% Off: Gap Mid-Rise Twill Barrel Pants, $44 (Originally $90); gap.com
• Wit & Wisdom Skyrise Cropped Wide-Leg Utility Pants, $88; nordstrom.com
• Elevated Style: Lauren Ralph Lauren Twill Wide-Leg Cargo Pants, $185; nordstrom.com

Citizens of Humanity Marcelle Low-Slung Cargo Pants

$248

Buy on revolve.com

Similar to Obama’s cool barrel-leg silhouette, these cargo pants from Citizens of Humanity taper in, adding a stylish edge to the typically boxy bottoms. Not to mention, the sleek finish makes it a versatile closet staple, while the balloon-like structure is super flattering since it creates a leg-elongating effect. 

Copyleaf Parachute Cargo Pants

$27

$20

Buy on Amazon

Personally, I’m adding these water- and sweat-resistant cargo pants to my cart. Aside from the $20 price tag, I know the breathable, quick-drying material will come in handy this summer. Plus, the roomy silhouette and sporty style makes it a no-brainer to wear while running errands, working from home, or doing preschool pick-ups and drop-offs.    

Gap Mid-Rise Twill Barrel Pants

$90

$44

Buy on gap.com

Another Obama lookalike? These Gap barrel cargo pants, which exude that cool-girl factor. I also love that they aren’t traditional utility pants, meaning they don’t have crazy amounts of pockets. This small detail makes them less bulky and easier to style. Dress them up with heels like the former First Lady did or keep it casual with sneakers and ballet flats. 

Lauren Ralph Lauren Twill Wide-Leg Cargo Pants

$185

Buy on Nordstrom

I never thought I’d use the word “elevated” to describe cargo pants, but this Lauren Ralph Lauren pick changed my mind. From the cuffed hemline to the removable belted sash and flattering wide-leg silhouette, these utility pants are the most chic style I’ve come across. Best of all? They’re still comfy and breezy. A win-win!

Shop more cargo pants inspired by Obama’s cool-girl look for all of your breezy spring and summer fits, below.

Quince Organic Stretch Cotton Twill Cargo Pants

$60

Buy on quince.com

Zmpsiisa High-Waisted Cargo Pants

$38

Buy on Amazon

Wit & Wisdom Skyrise Cropped Wide-Leg Utility Pants

$88

Buy on Nordstrom

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