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Ever since biker shorts came back in style, they’ve been here to stay. The versatility is endless, as many street style stars have shown us during fashion week and beyond. For example, pairing the shorts with a bold, oversized bomber jacket, a casual sports bra and knee-high boots, or paired with your favorite vintage graphic tee. You can style an entire outfit around them for some extra cool girl points or use biker shorts for added thigh protection under skirts and dresses (because chub rub is not for the faint of heart).
Thankfully, the ’90s fashion trend staple has recirculated back into the fashion zeitgeist, much to the delight of street style lovers everywhere. Whether you’re looking for something with shapewear built-in, some cozy cotton shorts, or a bold neon color to make a statement, biker shorts have the range. A bicycle isn’t even required to pull off a Princess Diana-inspired athleisure look with a cozy crew neck sweatshirt or a little dressier with peep-toe pumps and a power-shoulder blazer.
Need proof of the biker short’s endless versatility? Ahead, we rounded up 11 must-try biker shorts outfits to wear throughout every season, inspired by celebs and street style stars alike.
With Head-to-Toe Neutrals
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Hailey Bieber’s neutral-forward wardrobe extends to athleisure. We love how she played with proportions, wearing ultra-short Alo Yoga shorts with an oversized coat in a coordinating shade.
Elevate a Graphic Sweatshirt
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Gigi Hadid made Mickey Mouse look runway-ready with her fun graphic sweatshirt, which she paired with black biker shorts, sneakers, and tube socks.
Temper a Bright Color
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Of course, the color palette of biker short outfits extends far beyond neutrals, as demonstrated here by Katie Holmes in her coral style. If bright bottoms seem overwhelming, copy Holmes and pair them with an oversized button-down.
With a Classic White Tee
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Lori Harvey’s athleisure looks never fail, and this tied-up tee and printed biker shorts outfit is no exception. Paired with a baseball hat and sporty slides, the look effortlessly transitions from the gym to brunch.
Dressed Up for Dinner
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Black biker shorts can easily go more dressy, as seen here on Love Island’s Chyna Mills. Teamed with a bra and oversized blazer, the look reads more romantic night out than morning at spin class.
With a Matching Top
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When in doubt, go with a matching set. Seen on model Josephine Skriver, a set takes exactly zero thought and always looks composed — particularly when paired with cute accessories, like a pastel mini bag.
With Colorful Stripes
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Leave it to Bella Hadid to reinvent the concept of shorts and a striped top. Her (mostly unzipped) striped sweatshirt adds unexpected edge to her simple biker shorts and chunky sneakers.
With a Printed Button-Down
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Rumer Willis follows a simple yet effective formula here: Wear your favorite biker shorts and matching sports bra, then layer a cute button-down on top — buttoned or not — for coverage. Good to go.
With Unexpected Accessories
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Sometimes you might want to give your go-to shorts and T-shirt combo look a little more zhuzh. In those instances, bold accessories — like a colorful crossbody, knee-high socks, and chunky shoes — come in candy.
With a Belted Vest
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If you, like us, sometimes have a hard time figuring out what to wear in 60-degree weather, look no further. Biker shorts, a lightweight long-sleeve shirt, and a belted puffer vest offer layers and look shockingly elevated.
Layered Under a Skirt
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Biker shorts under a skirt suit give Melanie Griffith in the 1988 rom-com Working Girl. However, make it 2023, and we’re here for it. Not convinced? Just see how chic designer Amina Muaddi looks here for proof of how cool it looks. And as a bonus: no chafing!