Cool Rider: The new biker chic trend

18th November 2022

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If you’ve seen the cult classic film sequel Grease 2, chances are you want to model yourself on Michelle Pfeiffer singing ‘Cool Rider’ on a motorcycle. Well, you’re in luck. The biker trend is back, so channelling your inner Stephanie has never been more on trend.

So what defines the biker chic aesthetic? We know it’s edgy, tough and rebellious but the latest iteration has more of a feminine spin – hence the ‘chic’. Think heavy buckle detailing, distressed denim, graphic tees and of course lashings of leather.

Then there are the contrasting elements – a tough leather jacket thrown over a slinky slip dress or a distressed knit with a pretty tulle skirt and biker boots. It’s cool, but effortless.

Dune Pendra Studded Chunky-Soled Leather Biker Boots

From the classic jackets seen at Alexander McQueen to Dior’s stylish interpretation, the Fall/Winter 2022 runways were brim full of biker-inspired garms. Italian brand Diesel’s Fall/Winter collection threw it right back to the early aughts with a retro-inspired moto range featuring low-slung belt skirts, cropped moto jackets and racer style shoulder bags stamped with their statement D.

Diesel x Diesel Leather Jacket

Is there anything more freeing than being on a motorcycle? Earlier this year, i-D suggested the rise of the biker style trend is a “side effect to our pandemic-powered need for escapism and wheeling,” stemming from our love of “vintage and nostalgia-driven trends.” See also the surge in Y2K trends and the recent obsession with Barbiecore – a hotter than hot pink trend triggered by pictures of Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling filming scenes for the new live-action Barbie movie, due for release in 2023.

And if Barbiecore is pink and fluffy, then Bikercore is the antithesis of that. It’s likely that this trend has also emerged thanks to Spanish singer Rosalia’s moto-style and latest highly-anticipated album Motomami – which roughly translates to moto-chick. According to the urban dictionary, Motomami is a “bald tough girl that can also be really sensitive and have issues.” These two contrasting energies – the fierce and the sensitive – are key in nailing that biker chic trend.

So how do we work this trend into our everyday wardrobes without having to ever ride an actual motorcycle?

Start with a hero piece, whether that be a leather biker jacket or a pair of leather leggings and tone down the tough aesthetic with something softer. A feminine camisole, a flouncy blouse or a floaty frock. Throw in some softer hues too – sugar sweet lilac and baby pink to help strike the balance.

All Saints Cora High-Rise Leather Leggings

For a more dramatic look you can go leather on leather as seen at Chloé or you can start small with an accessory if you want to ease yourself into the trend.

Look to stud-heavy bags like the iconic Balenciaga Le Cagole Studded Shoulder bag (which also covers that Y2K vibe) and start weaving it into your everyday looks. Add a studded belt to your distressed jeans or a pair of stompy buckle boots with a floral midi dress.

Balenciaga Le Cagole Small Studded Textured-Leather Shoulder Bag

However you decide to join the motorcycle club, make it your first pit-stop for fall 2022.

By Charlie Bell