Bicycle fashion: 4 Style Panel tips on what to wear when biking
Biking is the go-to mode of transportation for our sticky summer commutes. You’ve got to hand it to our two-wheeler friends for getting us through the heaviest rush hour traffic in a time crunch. And though we adore anything that shortens our morning routines, a speedy cycle doesn’t come without its fair share of wardrobe-related challenges. Combining fashion and function is key for assembling bike-ready ensembles. Once you find the perfect balance of comfort and style, you’d be surprised what you can pull off wearing while weaving through the city streets.
While helmets may not be topping your must-have accessories list, they’re totally first on ours. Rachel Bilson recently paired her tight-fitted bike uniform with the sturdy headgear, earning her major safety points. ‘We Can’t Stop’ singer Miley Cyrus relies on her bike-basket to carry all of her favourite things and though her long hair is no more, we still suggest copying Cyrus’ polished top bun. It’s the perfect hairstyle for avoiding the post-cycle hot mess look. The ever-fashionable Kate Bosworth won’t let a little cycling get in the way of her outfit choices. Bosworth’s a-line circle skirt is the perfect way to steer clear of grease stains, while the knee length hemline promises to prevent un-wanted flashing situations.
But you don’t have to be a celebrity to look this cute on a bike. We’ve turned to our Style Panel for more advice on how to dress fashionably while biking. The Girl With The Messy Hair’s KD Faustino deems shorts a biking-must, but suggests scrapping your favourite denim cutoffs for something a little more fashion-forward. Short Presents’ Kayla Short also favours shorts, but suggests pairing them with a interesting top to give people something to look at as your cruise past them at top-speed. (Woah there, easy rider!)
Question 63: How do you dress fashionably while biking? Read the answers now!
Or jump to: BECKY KUNG, CALGARY | CARA MCLEAY, VANCOUVER | KAYLA SHORT, HALIFAX | KD FAUSTINO, CALGARY
Cara McLeay, 28
Vancouver | A Fashion Love Affair
In Vancouver we have a beautiful Seawall, a 22km path that lines the waterfront. It is the perfect place to go for a bike ride! When I bike, I love wearing a pretty little dress and keeping it casual and comfortable on warm summer days.
Cara’s wearing: Dress, Zara. Sandals, Steve Madden. Sunglasses, House of Harlow 1960.
Becky Kung, 30
Calgary | Velvet & Vino
Going for bike strolls is one of my favorite pass-times and it’s exhilarating to pull off the look by styling the appropriate outfit for the ride.
My preference is to wear shorts that are longer in length, drawing closer to the knee and ones that are looser in fit. I also enjoy embracing the vintage theme found with the cruiser bike by pairing an elegant lace-top and patterned shorts, giving a distinctive look for the adventure.
Becky’s wearing: Shorts and belt, Marina Luna Clothing. Top, unknown boutique in Taiwan. Bracelet, Le Chateau. Necklace, H&M. Sunglasses, Tory Burch.
KD Faustino, 28
Calgary | The Girl With The Messy Hair
The quintessential bike outfit for me is shorts and sneakers but to make them more stylish yet still comfortable, add a colorful trendy top like a this muscle shirt. And, instead of leaning to your favourite denim cut-offs opt for something cuter like these scallop shorts. To make your ride comfy, a sling bag is a must and top it off with a hat for hot summer days and less messier hair.
KD’s wearing: Top, Zara. Shorts, H&M. Sneakers, Converse. Cap, Roxy. Bag, Style Society.
Kayla Short, 26
Halifax | Short Presents
Cycling around the city is certainly a convenient and quick way to zip around the city, but it can also pose some interesting style challenges. For cycling I am just too much of a klutz to even attempt to wear a skirt and/or flip-flops, and so if I was planning a cycle-fest I would most certainly opt for shorts and flats. I really like these vintage inspired trouser shorts because they are slightly longer in the leg, as well as high waisted, and so I feel like I’m perfectly covered on both ends.
Also since most people will be looking at your back because you will be cruising past them (suckas!) why not give them something a little interesting to look at like a little crochet crop top layered over an open back bodysuit?
Don’t forget your helmet and sunnies!
Kayla’s wearing, Shorts, Suzy Sheer. Halter bodysuit, American Apparel. Lace crop top, Sirens. Passport holder (used as a cross body bag), Kelly’s Luggage Store. Shoes, Aldo. Arrowhead necklace, Adorn by Sarah Lewis.
Question 63: How do you dress fashionably while biking? Read the answers now!
Or jump to: BECKY KUNG, CALGARY | CARA MCLEAY, VANCOUVER | KAYLA SHORT, HALIFAX | KD FAUSTINO, CALGARY
Cara McLeay, 28
Vancouver | A Fashion Love Affair
In Vancouver we have a beautiful Seawall, a 22km path that lines the waterfront. It is the perfect place to go for a bike ride! When I bike, I love wearing a pretty little dress and keeping it casual and comfortable on warm summer days.
Cara’s wearing: Dress, Zara. Sandals, Steve Madden. Sunglasses, House of Harlow 1960.
Becky Kung, 30
Calgary | Velvet & Vino
Going for bike strolls is one of my favorite pass-times and it’s exhilarating to pull off the look by styling the appropriate outfit for the ride.
My preference is to wear shorts that are longer in length, drawing closer to the knee and ones that are looser in fit. I also enjoy embracing the vintage theme found with the cruiser bike by pairing an elegant lace-top and patterned shorts, giving a distinctive look for the adventure.
Becky’s wearing: Shorts and belt, Marina Luna Clothing. Top, unknown boutique in Taiwan. Bracelet, Le Chateau. Necklace, H&M. Sunglasses, Tory Burch.
[caption id="attachment_147824" align="aligncenter" width="431"] Photography by Melissa Molloy[/caption]
KD Faustino, 28
Calgary | The Girl With The Messy Hair
The quintessential bike outfit for me is shorts and sneakers but to make them more stylish yet still comfortable, add a colorful trendy top like a this muscle shirt. And, instead of leaning to your favourite denim cut-offs opt for something cuter like these scallop shorts. To make your ride comfy, a sling bag is a must and top it off with a hat for hot summer days and less messier hair.
KD’s wearing: Top, Zara. Shorts, H&M. Sneakers, Converse. Cap, Roxy. Bag, Style Society.
Kayla Short, 26
Halifax | Short Presents
Cycling around the city is certainly a convenient and quick way to zip around the city, but it can also pose some interesting style challenges. For cycling I am just too much of a klutz to even attempt to wear a skirt and/or flip-flops, and so if I was planning a cycle-fest I would most certainly opt for shorts and flats. I really like these vintage inspired trouser shorts because they are slightly longer in the leg, as well as high waisted, and so I feel like I'm perfectly covered on both ends.
Also since most people will be looking at your back because you will be cruising past them (suckas!) why not give them something a little interesting to look at like a little crochet crop top layered over an open back bodysuit?
Don't forget your helmet and sunnies!
Kayla’s wearing, Shorts, Suzy Sheer. Halter bodysuit, American Apparel. Lace crop top, Sirens. Passport holder (used as a cross body bag), Kelly's Luggage Store. Shoes, Aldo. Arrowhead necklace, Adorn by Sarah Lewis.
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