Bike Shorts and Leggings Officially Got the Chanel Seal of Approval
Shop the look for less right now.
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Over the summer, bike shorts inspired by the late '80s and '90s (ahem, Princess Diana) made their way onto the street style scene (and just about every influencer's Instagram). But if you thought the trend would be short-lived, the Spring 2019 runways are predicting otherwise. After appearing on several major runways, bike shorts got the ultimate endorsement on the last day of Paris Fashion Week when Karl Lagerfeld (the man who once said "sweatpants are a sign of defeat") sent not just spandex shorts but full-on leggings down the Chanel runway. Now that they have the official Chanel seal of approval, it's time to shamelessly wear leggings as pants all season long.
Consider the below your official guide to the best bike shorts and leggings to shop now.
The Classic Bike Short
Chanel styled classic bike shorts with structured jackets in all black to elevate the look and balance out the silhouette.
Whether you want to style them with an oversized blazer or perhaps actually work out in them (a concept), these high-waisted bike shorts are the ideal length and feature a flattering cut.
For a longer-length style, try Lane Bryant's bike shorts, which hit mid-knee.
High Shine
Upgrade the trend for fall with high-shine spandex that offers the look of leather.
Takara Bike Shorts
Carbon38
carbon38.com
$68.00
Add an oversized denim jacket and white t-shirt for an instantly cool look. Or just impress the hell out of everyone at Soul Cycle.
Go Long For Fall
The leggings-as-pants debate has been raging since the the dawn of time. But Chanel made a case for the controversial stretch pants by styling them with oversized jackets and blazers f0r a more polished look.
There's a reason these leggings have over 5,000 five-star reviews—the high-waisted cut is extremely flattering, they're comfortable, and you can dress them up or down.
For an even more affordable option, Target's mid-rise leggings are available for $25 and offer the perfect rise for those who aren't fans of a high waist.
Wear your Spanx in their (much more comfortable) legging form with this seamless, smoothing pair that works with heels, sneakers, or boots.
Meet On Middle Ground
For those who don't want to commit to bike shorts or a full-length style, a pair of capri-length leggings can look just as chic when styled right. The Chanel way? With an oversized pink tweed blazer and matching clutch, of course.
Wear them with an oversized jacket à la Chanel for brunch, then take them to yoga class later. The sculpting and smoothing fabric makes for a flattering look regardless of occasion.
Get you a pair that does both. These high-performance Nike leggings work for the gym or a chic athleisure look.
Play With Print
For a playful, summery spin, Chanel sent a colorful patterned pair of bike shorts down the runway with a matching top.
Channel Chanel's girly take with these floral-print bike shorts.
Try the look in fall's animal print trend with this gray snake-print pair. You can wear them with an oversized leather jacket and boots.
