Cycling Shorts Aren't Just for Instagrammers—Here Are 2 Ways to Wear Them IRL

When we first spotted cycling shorts, we wrote them off as a potential transient Kardashian-inspired trend—a novel look to be enjoyed by a small percent of the world's population. But for them to become a piece we would consider? Nope, not a chance. However, over the last six months, we've been seeing fashion girls in cycling shorts on Instagram and in the East End of London without a bike in sight. As more and more outfits involving the shorts have surfaced (many of which have been worn by our favourite influencers), we've found that our distaste toward the trend has softened.

However, there's no denying that this is a tricky piece to style. After scouring some of Instagram's most stylish feeds, we quickly realised that there are two key ways to make the shorts work. In our opinion, the shorts look best with a slim-fit blazer or under an oversized shirt. Luckily, this means you can wear it with pieces you likely already own, so no need to go shopping for a whole new outfit.

The challenge seems to be getting the rest of the silhouette right: You probably want to avoid anything super-tight up top (unless you're heading to the gym), but you also don't want to completely drown out the shorts. It's also worth considering the shoes. The consensus seems to be either chunky trainers or strappy heels (both look great, but they offer a different finish).

Need some inspiration? Scroll down to see our favourite cycling shorts outfits, and then shop the trend.

1. Wear the Shorts With a Fitted Blazer

Style Notes: Pernille Teisbaek brings her unique brand of Scandi cool to the cycling shorts trend with this green checked blazer. We love the addition of a cinching black belt.

Style Notes: Who What Wear's Isabel Mundigo-Moore styles a pair of vibrant turquoise Lululemon cycling shorts with a checked blazer and white accessories.

Style Notes: The dramatic silhouette of Michelle Li's Frankie Shop blazer makes for an ideal pairing for black cycling shorts. A pair of chunky Nike trainers balances out the bottom half.

Style Notes: Sophia Roe gave workwear a stylish twist in this original ensemble consisting of a serious button-down shirt, a blazer and sassy cycling shorts. Roe then topped off the look with pointed-toe heels. We love.

2. Wear the Shorts With a Shirt

Style Notes: Leopard-printed cycling shorts might be a tricky look to pull off, but Isabel manages it by keeping the rest of her outfit muted. All it needs is a pair of oversized gold hoops.

Style Notes: An oversized shirt gets taken to new heights when paired with black cycling shorts. Strappy heels and a bum bag also make for cool, noughties-inspired additions.

Related: 5 Summer Trends That Anna Wintour Predicted 20 Years Ago

Style Notes: Going head-to-toe black is an easy way to instantly make the cycling shorts trend work for you. Keep the shirt nonchalantly untucked for a flattering finish.

Style Notes: Combining camouflage and snake print is the perfect way to jazz up a pair of shorts, as shown on Reese Blutstein. Again, note the way she's left her shirt untucked and a few buttons undone.

Choose Trainers or Heels

Style Notes: When it comes to deciding what shoes to wear with your cycling shorts, Rikke Krefting is firmly in the trainers camp. This certainly offers a sportier, laid-back aesthetic, although Rikke keeps her look more put-together with a silky blouse.

Style Notes: If you want to glam-up your shorts, then look no further than fashion editor Hannah Lewis, who shows how good cycling shorts can look with heels. She styles her snakeskin pair with Mango's sellout strappy sandals, which are ideal due to their minimal look.

Shop Cycling Shorts

Related: Kim Kardashian Has Already Predicted the 3 Leggings Trends of 2018

Next Up: The Seven Cult Accessories Taking Off at London Fashion Week

Main Image: @pernilleteisbaek