Okay besties, can we PLEASE talk about how athletic shorts are literally having their main character moment right now? Like, remember when we used to only wear them for hot girl walks and Barry's Bootcamp? Not! Any! More!
Influencers have been spotted styling athletic shorts outfits in the most insane ways lately. Someone outside Dimes in NYC was wearing biker shorts with a vintage Prada bowling shirt that had everyBODY doing double-takes.
The vibes have officially shifted, and that drawer of workout shorts you've been hoarding? It's basically fashion gold now. Let's break down how the most stylish NYC girlies in the Vitality Fam have been rocking athletic shorts all over Dimes Square and SoHo, generating non-stop outfit inspo DMs.
Here’s How You Can Dress Up Your Gym Shorts
Blazer + Shorts = Fashion Math That Actually Works
Our absolute favorite way to elevate female sport shorts is throwing an oversized blazer on top. It gives that model-off-duty energy that says "we understand the assignment" without trying too hard.
The Cloud II™ Volley Short (obsessed with the compression btw) paired with a vintage Brooks Brothers blazer and those platform loafers everyone from Depop has been wearing is guaranteed to turn heads on Lafayette Street.
The key is proportion play - something structured on top balances out the sportiness of the shorts. Think of it as high-low dressing but make it 2025.
(Pro tip: this combo works especially well for those "idk what the vibe is" invites where you might be overdressed OR underdressed no matter what you choose!)
Soft Girl Meets Sporty Spice
Can we talk about the most underrated styling trick ever? Pairing something super feminine with your athletic shorts is literally EVERYTHING right now.
The Cloud II™ Biker Short in Blossom (the color is giving strawberry milk aesthetic) with a detailed crochet top from a vintage pop-up in Williamsburg creates that perfect contrast. Add some baby braids and those tiny sunglasses Bella Hadid wore last week, and watch the compliments roll in.
It's all about the contrast! Like when you dip your fries in a milkshake - shouldn't work but it's low-key life-changing.
Y2K Forever (Sorry Not Sorry)
Y2K fashion will never die and we're not even mad about it.
If you haven't tried styling your female sport shorts like it's 2003 and you're in a Destiny's Child video, what are you even doing with your life! The Pulse™ Volley Short pairs perfectly with cropped baby tees and those mesh kitten heels taking over TikTok.
Add some frosted eyeshadow and the tiniest shoulder bag known to mankind (fits exactly one lip gloss and half an AirPod case) and you're basically ready for an early 2000s red carpet.
The washed finish on these shorts is chef's kiss for that vintage vibe without actually having to thrift something with mysterious stains.
The Unexpected Evening Moment
Controversial opinion: athletic shorts can work for night out fits and we're ready to die on this hill.
Hear us out - pair the Pulse™ Biker Short with a sequined top, strappy heels, and layers of gold jewelry.
This exact fit turned heads at a recent gallery opening in Chelsea where the curator asked about those "interesting cullotes."
It's giving fashion person WITHOUT trying too hard. Which, let's be real, is the ultimate NYC goal.
Preppy But Make It Ironic
The clean-girl aesthetic meets athletic shorts trend is the current it-girl vibe. We've been spotting the Breeze™ Run Short with oversized Ralph Lauren oxford shirts (thrifted from boyfriends, obviously).
Add white ankle socks and those Mary Janes everyone bought after the Miu Miu show and you're basically ready for your "getting ready for my internship at Condé" TikTok.
This look at Sadelle's had Glossier employees saying it looked like "the rich girl who gets murdered first in a Ryan Murphy show" and honestly? Best compliment ever.
Looking Rich In Monochrome (But Make It Comfy)
This is our lazy-but-make-it-fashion hack: go monochrome with your athletic shorts outfits!
All white everything is THE move - the Cloud II™ Game Skort with a white ribbed tank and white button-down tied around the waist. Add white Reeboks and tiny white sunglasses = rich mom on vacation energy without even trying.
The best good things to wear with white athletic shorts are literally just... more white things? It's giving luxury without the effort. Our kinda math.
White-on-white works for every season (yes, even after Labor Day, those rules are as outdated as side parts at this point, sorry). The Vitality Color System™ offers limitless matchability for creating these monochromatic moments that make everyBODY look expensive.
Layering Szn Never Ends
One day it's 80 degrees, the next day everyone's contemplating moving to Miami. But the female sport shorts + layers combo is getting fashion girlies through this bipolar NYC spring!
The Daydream™ V Volley Short paired with an oversized sweater and those Adidas Sambas everyone and their mom is wearing is literally the perfect solution for temperature swings.
Throwing a trench over this when the wind picks up on the Williamsburg bridge gives that cool British girl energy who somehow never looks cold.
The Downtown Cool-Girl Uniform You Need RN
For days bouncing between meetings at The Wing and drinks at Ray's, we're loving the Cloud II™ Rib Biker Short with an oversized graphic tee (concert merch is getting extra points these days).
Add chunky boots and a leather jacket and you're basically ready for your "day in my life as a creative in NYC" content. The ribbed texture on these shorts elevates them from basic gym wear to "I know what I'm doing" territory instantly.
Everyone at Clandestino last weekend was wearing some version of this fit. The simulation is glitching for real.
So besties, are we still confused about how to style our athletic shorts, or are we ready to slay summer? Drop a comment with your fave way to style them - we're always looking for new inspo from the Vitality Fam!
Vitality continues to transform the athleisure landscape by combining performance technology with inclusive design, creating a community where purpose-driven individuals can find apparel that supports their unique journeys.
Start strong, Stay supported with Vitality Activewear. Shop here.
FAQ
Can I really wear athletic shorts to a nice restaurant?
How do I avoid looking like I'm actually going to work out?
Which styles of athletic shorts are most versatile for fashion outfits?
What tops work best with athletic shorts for a fashion-forward look?
Can I wear athletic shorts to work?
