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How To Wear Bike Shorts: Outfits & Styling Tips

By A Mystery Man Writer

Kick off summer 2020 in the fashionably functional bike short — suitable for chilling, commuting, and everything in between. But first, consider these styling tips for a fresh take on the timeworn trend.

1. Keep it commuter-friendly

The bike short, at its core, was designed to be worn for actual exercising. So for anyone intending to be fashionable active this summer, pair your functional shorts with sneakers and a light sweater to keep cool while you're on the move. Stick within the same color palette for a look that feels elevated, and add a fanny pack to the mix for an equally practical piece that'll still earn you style points.

2. Less is more

This is summer we're talking about after all, and the next best thing to walking around in a straight-up bikini is rocking a barely-there ensemble that fits like a second skin. Think tiny tops, textured details, and subtly scalloped hems to set this look apart from your regular old activewear.

4. Embrace the unitard

One trend we're sure will take off this season is the one-hit-wonder known as the unitard. It simplifies outfit planning by offering you all the look with a fraction of the effort. So let your biker shorts live within this item and just add chunky sneakers and a visible sock to achieve that whole subtle norm-core-meets-off-duty-gymnast thing.

6. Add a little denim to the mix

Name one summer look that doesn't look good under a denim jacket — we dare you. This classic piece of outerwear will certainly get along with your bike shorts while giving off all sorts of effortless-cool vibes.

7. Compare and contrast

When your bottoms are stuck-to-the-skin levels of sleek, balance them out on top with a boxier silhouette. We're very into the with the way this cropped jacket hovers over the waistline in stark comparison to its slim-fitting counterpart. Another option for achieving this look is to opt for an oversized sweatshirt à la '90s-era Diana.

10. Mix ladylike pieces

After sliding into your best pair of bike shorts, throw on an unexpected refined item like a cardigan and slip on a pair of mules for a dainty meets sporty look.

11. Wear 'em under a skirt

Let us not forget one of the most utilitarian reasons for wearing bike shorts — they allow us to do cartwheels in skirts (or err, ride a bike) without having a little show-and-tell accident. It can also be a purposeful styling choice under a sheer skirt for a '80s Madonna Virgin tour look.