Legging-adjacent bike shorts have been my go-to comfortable shorts for years during the summer. I always love seeing those old photos of Princess Diana wearing oversize sweatshirts paired with bike shorts that resurface on the internet from time to time. But I'll admit that I wore them one too many times at the height of their popularity, and now, like many others, I have bike-shorts fatigue. Luckily for all of us, there's a replacement: athletic shorts, such as basketball and running shorts. They're just as comfortable as bike shorts, but they offer more options for styling them in elegant ways. It only takes a few Instagram scrolls before I come across an influencer wearing a pair of athletic shorts these days, and celebrities are in on the trend too. Recently, Emily Ratajkowski wore a long red pair (Adam Sandler style) with flats, and Zoë Kravitz dressed up a pair with kitten heels and a Saint Laurent leather bag during a night out in New York.
To sum things up, it looks like we're saying goodbye to the bike-shorts trend for now, and athletic shorts have taken their place as the new sporty shorts trend to wear. Keep scrolling for styling inspiration and to shop my favorite pairs of athletic shorts on the market right now.
Athletic-Shorts Inspiration
Style Tip: Ratajkowski recently stepped out in NYC wearing basketball shorts paired with ballet flats, which is an example of one of the many unexpected ways to style athletic shorts.
Style Tip: Longer athletic shorts pair well with heels for an unexpected and fun juxtaposition.
Style Tip: Kravitz stepped out in NYC wearing her T-shirt tucked into her athletic shorts with open-toe kitten heels. Tucking in your shirt always adds elegance to your outfit.
Style Tip: Going the monochromatic route is always a good idea in my book.
Style Tip: Pointed-toe heels and a handbag can dress up your athletic shorts if looking more polished is your goal.
Style Tip: If you lean toward modesty at the beach, longline shorts paired with a bikini top or full bathing suit is the way to go.
Shop Athletic Shorts
Chocolate brown still isn't going anywhere.
Breathable and stylish mesh basketball shorts are everywhere, and this pair is so chic.
Love shorts that are just above the knee.
Pretty athletic shorts? They exist.
I didn't think I'd like mustard yellow so much.
I'm thinking of the EmRata outfit.
Candy colors are fun for summer.
A chill pair of everyday shorts for your everyday outings.
This Ralph Lauren pair feels very collegiate.
If you're keeping it simple.
Pink and navy blue are the best color combination.
Neon hues are back.
I bet these photograph beautifully.
Longline shorts will forever have It-girl status to me.
Simple fleece shorts for the win.
Love an eco-conscious clothing item.
These gives Baywatch vibes.
I'd play tennis in these and go to dinner in them.
For those of you who love short shorts.
I never thought I'd want to wear navy running shorts again, but here we are.
White shorts never looked so good.
Again with the neon hues.
Simple and chic all in one.
These butter-yellow shorts would pair beautifully with kitten heels.
Run errands in these or just run in them.
I didn't know I needed baby-blue running shorts until I saw these.
Sometimes, a simple black pair of shorts is all you need.
These with an orange football jersey—chef's kiss.
This rich green can be styled in a myriad of ways.
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Yeah, You *Have* Been Wearing Athletic Shorts With the Wrong Shoes This Whole TimeHere's the *right* way.
