Dressing Up Bike Shorts for the Shoulder Months
Hello, bike shorts. The half-chopped-off counterpart to our beloved leggings.
I don’t rock that swag or gym look much (I’m no longer friends with the gym, ouch), and I found it hard to pull off bike shorts without looking like an absolute bum. But the trend has been around for so long that I was determined to test it out.
Trying to decide between Aerie and Lululemon, I ended up going with the former because I’ve never bought their athleisure pieces and was eager to see if they lived up to my love for their other products. Point to note, Aerie’s bike shorts are slightly shorter at 7” compared to Lululemon’s 8”. However, it turned out to be a flattering length (I’m 5’6” for reference) and would probably work quite well for petite heights too.
Aerie has many legging lines, each with different fabrics and cuts, depending on whether you’re after a softer touch or more compression. The variety can be a bit overwhelming. Luckily, I knew I wanted a clean black look with no pockets so I could dress up the shorts without that I-just-came-from-the-gym look.
So I went with Goals, Aerie’s most supportive fabric designed for high-intensity movements. It’s smooth to the touch, moisture-wicking, and, you guessed it, completely lint-free! Such a lifesaver as I’m not a fan of lint on dark leggings.
These shorts are high-waisted with a flat front and horizontal seam that tucks your tummy – and holds it in. My shorts are in XS, which gives a lot of compression but not to the point of being uncomfortable. I did try the full-length version of the leggings a few months later and found that the S was much more accommodating, so I should have probably sized up in hindsight.
There’s also no centre front seam, only a crotch gusset, so no camel toe or unsightly lady bits. The raw cut hem is a lovely detail that amps up the sleekness.
For that more polished look, I picked a longer dress shirt and paired it with my usual black and gold ensemble. The half tuck draws the eyes to the higher, fitted waistline without sacrificing coverage in the bum area. Truly the best of both worlds.
How do we feel about the bike shorts trend? If you’re self-conscious about the fitted silhouette, shoulder months are a great time to try them out because you can get away with longer, baggier tops and more coverage. Let me know what you think!
Photos by Justin
Wearing:
Shirt | Brooks Brothers
Bike shorts | Aerie – OFFLINE Goals 7” Bike Shorts (XS)
Loafers | Sam Edelman – Laurs Loafers
Bag | Chanel — Boy handbag in smooth calfskin and gold-tone metal (similar here)
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