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Fashion Challenge: Bike Shorts

Last Updated on January 31, 2019 by Audrey - Ohio State University
This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you purchase through our links. Please read our full disclosure here.
cycling shorts photos

Photo Credits: 1– Louis Vuitton Spring 2010 rtw, 2 – Idee Geniale, 3 – via Glamour

The last time I wore bike shorts was back in kindergarten; I remember loving them because they were so comfortable. Now I can enjoy that comfort again because bike shorts are having a fashion moment. Considering they are a shortened version of leggings, I can see why the appeal is so strong; you can wear long tunics in the summer without the heat of long pants, and you can wear mini dresses and short shorts while still staying covered-up. Louis Vuitton showcased brocade cycling shorts in their spring collection, and there are lace versions available everywhere from Urban Outfitters to Bluefly.

Because cycling shorts are so versatile and are also great layering pieces, I think they are a perfect item to experiment with, no matter what your body size or style. They also give you an opportunity to add some texture to your spring/summer wardrobe. So, do you think you can handle this Fashion Challenge?

Tips and Tricks for Rocking Bike Shorts

  • Experiment. Try these slim shorts with everything: dresses, shorts, skirts, and long tunics. For tunics, wear the shorts just like you would leggings. Make sure your bottom half is adequately covered.
  • Go girly! When I see bike shorts, my mind automatically jumps to sportswear, so to balance out the athletic vibe of the shorts, try one of the lace versions (like in picture 3, above), or pair them with a super-fem outfit. (See Idee Geniale in picture 2 above.)
  • Dress it up? I’m still not sure how I feel about this one, but if you’re feeling bold, you could try pairing your cycling shorts with a dressier outfit, like Elizabeth Hendrickson does below:
elizabeth hendrickson

Elizabeth Hendrickson – Photo Credit

Get The Look

Bike shorts outfit

Product Information: Lace bike shorts – Bluefly, Jean shorts – American Eagle, Black wedges – Piperlime, Ikat clutch – Steven Alan, Black tee – singer22, Bib necklace – Aldo

I find it easiest to style cycling shorts with a more casual outfit, so I decided to layer them with something everyone already owns–a pair of denim cutoffs. Super-high black wedges and a drapey tee give the look edge, while a bib necklace (just call yourself Ms. Palermo) and a printed clutch add just the right pop of color. I think this look would be great for a matinee movie or even afternoon drinks.

So, will you take the Fashion Challenge?

How do you feel about cycling shorts? Should they stay on the bike trail, or have they earned their spot on the runway? How about Elizabeth Hendrickson’s red carpet bike shorts: A dashing do or a definitely do not? 

Already work this trend? Send us pictures of you in your bike shorts and we’ll feature them here!* As always, we are open to suggestions for future fashion challenges and we’d love to hear from you!

* Send your outfit pictures to fashionchallenge AT collegefashion DOT net!

Tags : 1980s, 1990s, Louis Vuitton, Shorts

22 Comments
Originally published on May 12, 2010
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Lena says

    April 15, 2019 at 10:51 am

    Also, the funny thing about this trend is how different fashion bike shorts are from what a cyclist would actually wear. I wouldn’t be caught dead walking around in my cycling shorts if I wasn’t out for a ride, and certainly they wouldn’t be comfortable.

    Reply
  2. Christina says

    April 15, 2019 at 10:52 am

    if this isnt a throwback to the 80s i dont know what is

    Reply
  3. Lena says

    May 27, 2019 at 10:09 am

    I like it as an extra layer for modesty’s sake if I’m wearing a super short skirt or dress. But even then, I don’t like them to show. That said, if you have great thighs and can rock it, why not?

    Reply
  4. Emily the Panda says

    May 27, 2019 at 10:09 am

    Works if put together with the right pieces. Also, doesn’t work for everyone (Me.).

    Reply
  5. cher says

    May 27, 2019 at 10:09 am

    HEY! Ive been wearing bikeshorts under short dresses for years! Especially during frat parties and halloween. I think you guys should give it a try. It really is a great idea!

    Reply
  6. Harlow says

    May 27, 2019 at 10:09 am

    Where are some other places you can get them since you only posted one?

    Reply
  7. Milana says

    May 27, 2019 at 10:09 am

    I love your idea for the outfit! I would totally wear that!

    Reply
  8. Cara says

    May 27, 2019 at 10:09 am

    Love the lace or lace-edge under shorts and skirts…my campus is quite windy, so I think I may be trying the bike shorts and skirt option a lot come this fall.

    Reply
  9. A says

    May 27, 2019 at 10:09 am

    I like them under dresses and long tops, they’re like a shorts version of tights and I love them!

    Reply
  10. Jen says

    May 27, 2019 at 10:09 am

    I like them under dresses and skirts. And I have a pretty short pair so I can wear under SHORT skirts. I personally don’t like them layered under shorts though. It just looks weird to me.

    Reply
  11. jessielou says

    May 27, 2019 at 10:09 am

    worn with demin shorts it just looks like spanx.
    not a good look!

    Reply
  12. Morgan says

    May 27, 2019 at 10:09 am

    Like everyone else has been saying, I really like the look under dresses and tunics or skirts, but they just don’t look great with shorts to me.

    Reply
  13. Amanda says

    May 27, 2019 at 10:09 am

    This is probably one of the trends I don’t really like…a girl at my school has a pair of lace bike shorts, and I’ve just always thought they look kinda stupid.

    Reply
  14. Frankie says

    May 27, 2019 at 10:09 am

    Is there a way to wear it without getting my thighs dented in by elastic?

    Reply
  15. m says

    May 27, 2019 at 10:09 am

    i’ve only done this under skirts – & you wouldn’t have been able to see the shorts. otherwise, not exactly a fan.

    Reply
  16. Cristina says

    May 27, 2019 at 10:09 am

    Honestly, I don’t think they flatter most people. You must be one of the lucky ones.

    Reply
  17. Breanna says

    May 27, 2019 at 10:09 am

    I don’t like them with shorts (and I don’t like leggins of any lenght with shorts at all), but they are ok with tunics. I think they are good if you want to wear your tunic or short dress in summer but you feel overexposed or the shorts just don’t go well with the particular dress. But I wouldn’t go just for this trend itself and I would never wear them with a short t-shirt like I did when I was 8.
    Elizabeth Hendrickson look awesome though!

    Reply
  18. F says

    May 27, 2019 at 10:09 am

    Wasn’t this trend already discussed in another post? Might be useful if you’re wearing a short skirt while riding a bicycle (though, I don’t understand why anyone would do that), and cyclists in general. Otherwise, it looks rather tacky IMO.

    Reply
  19. tahtyanah says

    May 27, 2019 at 10:10 am

    No No and NO!

    Reply
  20. Kenna says

    May 27, 2019 at 10:10 am

    Love how Elizabeth Hendrickson pulled it off!

    Reply
  21. Leslie says

    May 27, 2019 at 10:10 am

    I don’t really see the point in wearing them under shorts, but they do look OK with dresses. It just gets so hot in summer, and I really wouldn’t want the extra layer.

    Reply
  22. Jen says

    May 27, 2019 at 10:13 am

    I love it! Like others said, under shorts looks a little odd but the lace adds detail which I think is neat. A solid color under shorts would definitely look like spanx.

    Reply

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