A funny thing happened to cargo pants. Once the provenance of college campuses, the stylish kids have pried the pants from the hands of schlubby undergrads and made them their own. We first started seeing references last year—field and safari styles with pockets placed on the front of the pants—but now it's clear, the cargo pant is back, sort of. Today's versions are slimmed down and rendered out of luxe materials, with details like cuffed hems and buttoned slash pockets. Italian men, like designer Brunello Cucinelli, sport cashmere cargos with trim blazers and a tie. Consider Club Monaco's Maxwell pant your gateway cargo. Made from soft yet hardy wool, they're slim in fit with all the details you want—tab waist, buttoned front pockets and pleated side pockets— without looking so rugged that you'd feel out of place in the office.

$149, at Club Monaco stores (or email ask-emily@clubmonaco.com)

Polished Cargo Pants

• Club Monaco offers free hemming service for all of their pants.