Jun 16, 2020

15 Reasons to Give Bike Shorts a Try

by Avery Matera

Bike shorts are so much more than a wardrobe staple for actual cycling. Whether you’re wearing them with an oversize blazer and heels for a polished look or layering them under a slip dress that's gathered or tucked just enough to reveal your spandex bottoms for a summer night, we fully approve. And while we have a ton of looks of our own that we can’t wait to try, we’ve enlisted the help of some of the chicest fashion people out there to offer up even more bike-shorts outfit inspiration.

Trust us. These will give you plenty of cool new ideas for how to wear the closet staple. From casual and sporty combinations to more dressed-up looks, the bike-shorts outfits we've rounded up can do it all. Scroll through our favorite looks, and then shop the trend for yourself.

Photo:

@himichelleli

Make your bike shorts more tailored with the addition of a structured blazer. Have fun with the sportswear vibe, though, and keep it casual with a pair of colorful sneakers.

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Getty Images

We've never met a monochrome look we didn't love.

Photo:

@champagnemani

Try out an unexpected shade like lime green.

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Getty Images

Yes, bike shorts, blazers, and lace-up boots go together incredibly well.

bike shorts outfits denim jacket sandals

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@nicoleakhtarzad

Top off an all-black bike-shorts look with an oversize denim jacket. Dress it down with sneakers or up with more elevated sandals.

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Getty Images

Another cool way to style bike shorts with a blazer. While a black blazer is great for a monochrome look, this checked version adds in some extra dimension.

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The high socks and chunky sneakers make this look.

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@kristenmarienichols

Go simple with a crew-neck T-shirt and sneakers. With a black tee and white kicks, consider an understated color for your bike shorts.

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Getty Images

A nautical-striped cardigan is a fun addition to sleek bike shorts.

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Now this is a fashion (with a capital F) look.

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Note to self: Buy button-downs two sizes too big and pair them with bike shots.

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Getty Images

Show a little skin by styling your super-high-waisted bike shorts with a skimpy crop top. Add a structured blazer on top to play the juxtaposition of tailoring and sportswear.

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Getty Images

Keep it simple with a button-down shirt. More tailored than a T-shirt but just as simple when it comes to the wardrobe essential's throw-on-and-go nature, it's the perfect pairing for your new favorite shorts trend.

bike shorts outfits black coat white shoes

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Adam Katz/Le21éme

Go monochrome with an all-black look. If you're not into a pop of color, consider a pair of white shoes to brighten up your look.

bike shorts outfits slip dress dad sneakers fanny pack

Photo:

@himichelleli

Lean into the '90s vibe with all your favorite styling pieces from the decade. Top your bike shorts with a colorful slip dress; then add a fanny pack, bright sunglasses, and "dad" sneakers.

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