Take inspiration from Kim Kardashian West, who has been taking cycling shorts from a gym essential to a style staple
Lycra may not be the first material choice for any fashionista worth her salt, but more celebrities are readily sporting shorts in this fabric. Cycling or biking shorts have become a summer fad with none other than the queen of the Kardashian family, Kim Kardashian West, often being snapped in a pair. Kim pairs her body-hugging bottoms from hubby Kanye West’ Yeezy line either with a sweatshirt and sneakers or more recently with a vintage off-the-shoulder dress. The separates have also been spotted on the Spring/Summer 2018 runways of designers like Dolce & Gabbana, Nina Ricci and Fenty x Puma. For Off-White’s show, Naomi Campbell turned showstopper closing the show in a white ruffled blazer paired with branded white shorts.
RETRO REVIVAL
Although Kim may be making headlines for bringing the garment in focus, it was the late Princess Diana who made the look popular in the ’90s. It was a staple item of her workout wardrobe. Biking shorts are like a new version or a slightly revised version of the lycra tights that were in vogue back then, says designer Pria Kataaria Puri. “What’s interesting is that it is figure hugging, so if you want to show your body and are one of those who likes fitted clothes, then you can go for it. I would recommend it for those who are in good shape,” adds Pria. The way you style it is very important, she feels. Pair it with an elegant top or jacket like Diana.
VERSATILE OPTION
Biker shorts may give a casual vibe but that doesn’t mean they can’t be transitioned to evening wear. Bella Hadid gave hers a Parisian spin teaming it with a houndstooth blazer, a leather beret, cat eye frames, stilettos and a fanny pack. Red lips and big hoops added to the chic finish. Cycling shorts are both comfortable and stylish. They can easily oscillate from being a favourite in urbanscapes to sporty outings. Their versatility makes it easy to style them for various looks, opines celebrity stylist, Anisha Jain. “For day chores, team them with neutral tank tops and layer it with a smart printed parka jacket. For the evening, sport cycling shorts in heritage prints or classic neutrals and layer it with a crisp white shirt and an oversized jacket. When worn with a pair of heels, they easily get transformed into a sexy alternative to city shorts. Team it with a camisole tank or anything lacey for a chic dinner ensemble.” she adds.
ADDS SHOCK VALUE
Aside from the Kardashian-Jenner family, even Hailey Baldwin and Emily Ratajkowski are fans of this athleisure apparel. However, designer Nachiket Barve has his reservations. “Frankly, I hate it. Even on someone like Bella who has a gorgeous body, it’s not very flattering. So on a lot of people with real figures, cycling shorts are the worst. It works strictly for when you’re cycling,” he says, adding, “I don’t think it really adds to anything, except shock value. For me, it’s like an elongated underwear. Instead, opt for a beautiful pair of tailored shorts rather than these masking as evening wear.”
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