Now more than ever, we realise that some fashion items have more than one purpose. Previously something you’d only wear at home, well-chosen tracksuits have become much more stylish and double up as ideal beer-garden attire. Similarly, leggings have also made the shift from our gym bags to our daily rotation. We’ve seen them styled with everything from crop tops and mules (very Sandy from Grease) to loafers and trench coats. While we’re on the subject of looking at some pieces differently, let us discuss the garment in our headline—bike shorts.
Gone are the days when you’d purchase a pair of bike shorts in the interest of actually cycling in them. Now, they’re a bona fide style staple. Sure, they remain pretty divisive in fashion circles (our editorial team, for example, is split down the middle in their thoughts about them), but there’s no denying the fact they hold some appeal.
Comfortable and minimalist, bike shorts are an excellent solution for when you’re stuck on what to wear. Just pull them on with your favourite sweater and finish with slippers, right? Right. When it comes to lounging, they’re a no-brainer. Still, we’re starting to see an increasing number of people wearing them beyond the confines of their four walls with everything from trainers and wrap dresses to blazers and heels. Heels! Can you imagine?
Chances are, if we feel like bike shorts are following us on social media, then you do, too. So whether you’ve found yourself considering them of late or have already bought into them in a big way, we’ve rounded up eight impressive bike-shorts outfits to inspire you. Scroll below to see our favourite looks and then shop the pieces you need to re-create the outfits for yourself.
Style Notes: Sticking to a neutral colour palette always helps your outfits look glossy, as Jess proves with her beige blazer and cream biker shorts.
Style Notes: When it comes to shirts, you’d be forgiven for thinking you have only two styling options—to tuck or untuck. Jessica, however, presents a third option, the half tuck, which looks incredible in her striped-shirt-and-bike-shorts scenario.
Style Notes: We like it when influencers pay attention to the smaller details in their outfits. Here, Amaka has matched the colour of her socks to that of her sweater, which instantly pulls her bike-shorts look together.
Style Notes: Another tonal outfit we admire, Claire takes the combination of an oversize tee and bike shorts (which we wore almost every day between the ages of 3 and 10) and gives it a grown-up overhaul. Let’s also take a moment to appreciate her pearl-embellished sandals.
Style Notes: When we want to look cooler, we always find ourselves gravitating towards Ada’s feed. Here, she serves up a simple way to wear bike shorts—with a shacket and double-strap sandals. Masterful.
Style Notes: One way to breathe a new lease of life into your minidresses is by layering a pair of bike shorts underneath them. Michelle gives her puff-sleeve number an overhaul with Nike’s tick-emblazoned shorts.
Style Notes: Who said bike shorts had to be black or white? Make like Aimee and invest in a colourful pair to give your look a joyful spin.
Style Notes: For the minimalists amongst you, take your cues from Tanice and wear your bike shorts with a simple polo shirt, pared-back jewellery, and a pair of on-trend clogs.
Next Up: The Smile-Inducing Outfits Fashionable Women Are Wearing Post-Lockdown
