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Writer's pictureLily Szeto

TRENDSPOTTING : Bike Shorts

Bike shorts , biker shorts, cycle shorts, cycling shorts - whatever you wanna call it, THEY'RE BACK!

To most people, bike shorts may indeed look like just a recent trend, but there's a lot more to it than that. Bike shorts were big last summer of 2019, and previously in the 90's Karl Lagerfield put them on the runway and was said to be the reason for the return of the trend at the time, and then before that it was part of the 80's spandex trend.


The original purpose of this now stylish garment was for ease of movement and exercise. It was created in the late 1970's specifically for cyclists- as per the name. A mix of spandex & elastane & cotton, bike shorts were made to provide comfort to cyclists during long durations of cycling.

Cyclists wearing bike shorts as they were originally intended.

Bike shorts as workout gear.


Today, bike shorts are not just limited to cyclists or gym goers anymore. They've become a cute staple in many fashionista's closets and they're now styled into everyday wardrobe and worn in both classy and casual settings. Catch a gal at home lounging in these comfy shorts and an oversized t-shirt, or with a hoodie thrown over top for a quick grocery run, and then later in the evening out with her girlfriends in those same (or diff) pair of bike shorts, a crop top, structured blazer and a pair of pointed toe booties- that's a look.


What I like about this specific garment is the versatility of it. There's a wide range of who and how- Who's wearing it? How are they wearing it? Bike shorts are becoming a staple for the athlete to the tomboy and to the stylish trend-setter alike. The possibilities and looks are endless when it comes to this otherwise very simple and straight-forward piece.


When you just want a quick, cute, easy & comfy outfit to throw on n go:

Baggy tee Hoodie Bike Shorts Sneakers Shades Fanny Pack Fave Crossbody


Go-to fashionista style:

Slightly Oversized Blazer/Jacket ✔ Fitted top ✔ Bike Shorts ✔ Gold Chain Necklace ✔ Shades ✔




Celeb Style Influence, Present - Past

Love 'em or hate 'em, the biggest fashion influencers of today AKA the Kardashians have been embracing the style trend into their everyday wardrobe for a while now, so you know it's sticking around for a bit longer. Here, Kim K's hair, makeup and thigh high boots pull the outfit towards a semi casual, semi dressy direction here.

Here she goes with a sporty look, pairing the cycle shorts with sneakers and a cropped puffer jacket.

Kourtney in true NY fashion (I presume that's New York because context clues) with her mini shades, mini LV bag, stiletto mules, and that denim peplum jacket with a cinched waist. The bike shorts are the only basic piece in this look full of statements, and acts as a nice touch to balance it all and keeps the outfit from looking overwhelming.


More celeb style inspo for ya-


Hailey Baldwin here looking rich casual in her vintage style Vogue Paris photoshoot, in which she credits drawing inspiration from Princess Diana. She's wears relaxed casual pieces like the sweatshirt and athletic socks and sneakers, but keeps it looking luxe with accessories like the gold Chanel earrings, black leather bag with gold accents, designer shades, and of course that shiny rock on her finger.

Naomi Campbell seen on the red carpet for Virgil Abloh's Off White Spring 2018 collection. Virgil also credits Princess Diana as the muse for this collection, mixing pieces like structured blazers and shorts that she herself would have worn.


These are some photos of Princess Diana that inspired Hailey's photoshoot and Virgil Abloh's Off- White collection. Turns out that she really did use this as her go-to gym look. Princess Diana has always been known for being a laid back and relatable royal, and although this look is a very easy and normal look- sweatshirt, shorts, white socks and sneakers- it did inspire followers of high fashion and industry headliners alike.

Looks on the runway, Chanel Spring 1991 collection. You know Chanel has always had influential power when it comes to fashion.


So personally, I like the look of bike shorts. It intrigues me how fashionable they've become over time when the original purpose was far from a fashion statement. How do you feel about bike shorts? And how would you wear them?


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Image links:

https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/images/kim-kardashian-2-1537478006.jpg?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&resize=480:*

https://www.google.com/urlsa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.crfashionbook.com%2Ffashion%2Fg23344296%2Fbike-shorts-trend-street-style-runways%2F&psig=AOvVaw26X8mq6MF3Hd81Jzhdb-GQ&ust=1589505354405000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAIQjRxqFwoTCOilsYaXsukCFQAAAAAdAAAAABAd

https://www.hellomagazine.com/imagenes/fashion/royal-style/2020010982939/princess-diana-going-to-the-gym-pictures-leggings/0-399-711/princess-diana-gucci-bag-a.jpg?filter=w200

https://fashionista.com/.image/c_limit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_1240/MTU5MTg4MDU3MTY4MzU3MTQ0/naomi-campbell-princess-diana.webp

https://assets.vogue.com/photos/5be99f2d366d1d2d611c5917/master/w_1600%2Cc_limit/02-GettyImages-124121170.jpg

https://i.pinimg.com/564x/f0/4b/d8/f04bd8d23e26645b7d275cfc301856a5.jpg

https://i.pinimg.com/474x/03/60/9e/03609e3b065fce4bd62bcba1aa1baa33.jpg

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