i want to ride my bicycle, i want to ride my bike

During most of elementary school, bike shorts were a fundamental part of my daily getup. Whether beneath baggy carnation-print shorts or striped skirts, these thigh-skimming leggings were essential for modesty as I scaled the jungle gym and chased cute boys in faded surfer shirts around the playground.

I'm an adult now, insomuch as willingness to accept responsibility and ability to support oneself goes, but I still have an arsenal, albeit a diminutive one, of cycling shorts. American Apparel's basic jersey bike shorts are a staple in my wardrobe; I've had them in black, nude and white for a year or two now. However, it was Refinery29's astute observations of the upcoming spring trend that provided the final nudge I needed to purchase the AA Shiny Work Out Short in gold dots/black.

There's an unavoidable trashiness to the cycling short, but that's kind of the great thing about them. To counter the vulgarity, I teamed them up with oceanic ruffles, sheep-esque faux fur, "Don't mess" blazers, ditsy florals, cozy knits, spectators and ethereal white draping. Though I lean towards utilizing these characteristically cropped leggings as a layering device, I took the risk with some looks, donning them as – what else? – shorts. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't, but eff it. Like learning to ride without my training wheels, I'd rather have tried and wound up with some scrapes and bruises than have never given myself the chance to figure it all out in the first place.

(Above, left) H&M baby blue chiffon ruffle top, Zara faux fur vest, AA gold cycling shorts, Aldo black/white patent spectator pumps. (Above, right) Topshop black feather top, Express black blazer, AA black cycling shorts, Nine West black ankle boots.



(L) Vintage Betsey Johnson black sheer sequin dress, AA blue lame skirt as capelet, AA black cycling shorts, Converse gold sneakers, Gap black/white scarf. (R) Deborah Sweeney floral bow blouse, AA gold cycling shorts, Nine West black gladiator sandals, Linnea Pelle brown leather belt.



(L) Zucca white top, DKNY Jeans white sheer top, AA nude cycling shorts, Ferragamo black patent pumps, INHABITstructures time necklace.



(L) H&M mauve tank top, H&M gold sweater vest, AA gold cycling shorts, We Love Colors hunter green tights, Jeffrey Campbell gold caged platforms from Solestruck, F21 brown beaded necklaces. (R) H&M baby blue chiffon ruffle top, Rebecca Taylor taupe origami blazer, AA gold cycling shorts, Tripp NYC studded black ankle boots, gold/pearl brooch from Fashion Nation.





(R) H&M black/white graphing paper oxford shirt, AA nude cycling shorts, vintage Levi's cutoffs, Ferragamo grey pumps pumps, Gap brown leather belt.