We're at that point of summer where it's too hot to even think about an outfit that can withstand the heat. You're drenched in sweat from being outside for two and a half minutes and every ounce of brainpower is spent focusing on how to survive in this hell-on-earth landscape. Even with all of summer's challenges and global warming's growing wrath, it's still possible to stunt — all you have to do is find one incredibly versatile piece of clothing and rock it with all your might.
This season, the item du jour is oft-forgotten staple of bike shorts. After its heyday in 80s and then getting relegated for actual exercise and the noble job of keeping your thighs from chafing under dresses, the bike short is getting its moment in the spotlight again. Whether dressed up or down, the bike short is bound to be your summer ride-or-die, which means less time worrying about your outfit and more time staying hydrated. Peep the raddest ways to style the short, below.
1. High contrast
Bike shorts may skew sporty to the untrained eye, but they are actually ripe with styling possibilities. Winnie Harlow, pictured above, pairs her bike shorts with an intricate lace bodysuit, and the contrast of functional and sultry keeps things playful.
Summertime adventures call for clothes that let you move, and few things are more key than a pair of bike shorts. Model Leila Rahimi brings a throwback feel to her look, incorporating a loose vintage tee and a sweet, highlighter-bright scrunchie.
Bella Hadid is one of those people who looks irritatingly good in every outfit. Yes, I recognize she's a model and that's the name of the game, but there's something to be said about the easy glamour she brings to her bike short and cropped tee outfit, elevating the otherwise casual combination with an updo and red carpet-worthy jewelry.
Alexander Wang knows that bike shorts aren't just for laid-back looks. The designer paired textured bike shorts with a silky top for, and the result is a dignified outfit that's comfortable as hell.
Adding a blazer to your outfit is very of-the-moment, and bike shorts are not exempt from this fashion narrative. In fact, adding the boxy silhouette brings out an ultra-cool, city-slicker feel that requires minimal effort.
SZA reminds us that bike shorts still look great in their purest form — as athletic garb.
If there was one way to make bike shorts even more comfy, it would be to pair it with an oversized tee. It's practically like going out in pajamas, but no one will ask ask if you're going through something. What's not to love!
Thumbnail via Winnie Harlow's Instagram.