I Shopped the Anti-Balletcore Trend Everyone Is Low-Key Loving This Spring

Move over, balletcore. There’s a new trend in town with a decked-out motorcycle and a Diesel skirt set so mini Paris Hilton’s Y2K outfits would do a double take. Introducing the biker baddie: an in-your-face trending aesthetic that relies on faded leather jackets, oversize sporty shades, and distressed combat boots. It’s not just us feeling the moto trend, either. A handful of our editors’ favorite designers and retailers have begun to experiment with the grungy, chic look.

The biker trend dominated this past winter thanks to the rise of aviator jackets and distressed denim, but frankly, it shows no stops of slowing down as we head into the spring. Heavier coats and boots can be switched out for embellished flats and strappy see-through tops, proving that moto goes way beyond the cold months. 

ACNE Studios Fall/Winter 2022

Diesel Fall/Winter 2022

My take? I’m obsessed. After chewing down on Diesel’s revamp over the last few months and seeing that viral photo of Bella Hadid wearing a black, blue, and white motorcycle jacket (yes, you know the one), I can’t wait to dive into moto this spring. If you’re looking for a pro styling tip, I suggest wearing motocore’s edgier hero pieces like leather jackets and combat boots with softer, daintier garments like lace-trimmed blouses and sheer slip skirts. 

Ahead, you’ll find everything you need to buy to fully embrace this year’s sleeper biker trend. 

Miu Miu Fall/Winter 2022

Versace Spring/Summer 2023

Stomper alert.

The Miu Miu mini’s edgier younger sister.

The viral Urban Outfitters bag is back in stock.

This aged chocolate leather is majorly on-trend RN.

Although the moto trend relies heavily on hard-core elements and biker aesthetics, romantic, delicate silhouettes and garments add an unexpected twist and dimension into your ‘fit.

The smaller sizes are all in stock and more than 50% off. 

These zipped jeans are an unexpected favorite among our editors.

Rosettes just got a whole lot cooler.

If you ask any editor you meet, they’ll all tell you the same thing: Maximilian Davis’s new vision for Ferragamo is something straight from fashion fairytales. 

This vest is an elevated take on the biker aesthetic.

Coach always makes the most on-trend handbags.

The skirt that divided the internet is back for round two. 

Staud’s ultra-trendy offerings include this statement corset.

A subtler take on the lace-up trend.

I’m really loving these softer knit corsets at the moment.

Did someone say Bratz: Rock Angelz?

Statement skirts for days.

This under-$10 ribbed tank is so easy.

This size-inclusive jacket is a wardrobe staple. 

I’ve been chasing this skirt from H&M down for months, and now that it’s back in stock, I’m sprinting to the checkout line. 

Our editors love this ultra-soft top.

Not an average pair of pants.

These oversize Westward Leaning gold sunglasses are a statement.

If you’re into the moto trend but not its vampy colorway, may I suggest this lighter alternative? 

This sculpted leather tank would get you so many compliments.

This top would go just as well with a pair of jeans as it would with a micro-mini leather skirt and combat boots.

The neckline detail on this jacket is speaking to me.

Silver is the color of the season. 

This lace skirt is the perfect amount of “fairy-princess fantasy” to add to an edgy biker look.

This is one of my favorite rising New York brands.

Ref’s cargo skirt looks so classy.

Ganni girls always do it better.

I’m here for the embellishment trend.

This strappy macramé vest is, by far, the chicest take on moto I’ve seen in a while. 

Perfect for layering with a miniskirt and an oversize leather bomber jacket.

This semi-sheer layering shirt adds the right amount of controversy to an edgy, all-leather look.

Motocore approved.

Next, Prepare to See This Embellishment on All Your Shoes, Bags, and Clothes This Year