Just about two years ago, I remember seeing my first photo of bike shorts as a fashion statement, just as vividly as if it were yesterday.
I was innocently scrolling through Instagram, when an article popped up featuring none other than Hailey Bieber, all about the genius new fashion trend the was wearing: a blazer with bike shorts. I was appalled by the mere audacity of someone wearing such a thing, but getting praised for it? I was beside myself.
Fast forward to this very moment, as I am wearing a pair as I write this very article. After two years of watching everyone and their mother try their hand at an original take on the trend nobody could get away from, I was finally ready.
And you know what? Now I can’t live without them. Despite what my innocent self hoped for two years ago, they’re here to stay—so if you haven’t hopped on the bandwagon, I’m here to tell you that now is the time.
If bike shorts are one thing, they’re versatile. It’s been proven time and time again that they can be dressed up for a night out or just worn on your run, or hell, even the bike ride they were made for. Feeling stumped on styling them? Try one of these six formulas:
1. With a graphic tee + sneakers
graphic tee / bike shorts / bike shorts (plus-size) / sneakers / sunglasses / tote
2. With a blazer and crop top
blazer / crop top / bike shorts / bike shorts (plus-size) / sandals / bag
3. As a matching set with + a baseball hat
bike shorts / top / sneakers / margarita hat / belt bag
4. With a colorful crop top and slide sandals
sunglasses / crop top / bike shorts / bike shorts (plus-size) / Birkenstocks (under $50!) / bag
5. With all black
tank / sunglasses / sneakers / bike shorts / bike shorts (plus-size) / belt bag
6. With a muscle tee
tee / bike shorts / bike shorts (plus-size) / bag / sunglasses / sandals