Fashion tips for the cyclist on the go
Bike commuting doesn't preclude a dashing wardrobe! These tips can help you be the best-dressed stylin' rider on two wheels.
Pesky pant legs
- rein 'em in with ankle straps
- roll' em up
- tuck 'em into your sock
extra cool:
- ankle straps with rhinestones
- cut your pant legs off and hem 'em
- fabric on the inside of your pant legs (makes a cuff when you roll them up)
Skirting the issue
look for:
- pleats
- slits
- stretchy fabric A-lines
- flouncy skirts with room to move
- wear shorts under short skirts
- hike up long skirts, or gather them in a knot and tie them.
Shoulder bag secrets
- office shoes
- hair ties/barettes
- sweater for evening
- hankies
- lipstick!
Keeping warm
hands
- mittens over bike gloves
- white dress gloves
- stretchy wool gloves
upper body
- arm warmers under shirt
- layers
- wind-proof jacket
- wool sweater
legs (with skirts)
- leg warmers
- heavy wool tights
Office strategies
- folding shirt carrier - holds two shirts or one shirt and a tie. Fits into a laptop case. Available from Eagle Creek Outfitters.
- wash-up kit with deodorant, comb, moist towellettes, etc.
- padded bike underwear under dress pants (remember to put a regular pair in your shoulder bag!)
Riding safe
- shiny or reflective clothing
- bright colors
- blinky head and tail lights
- short scarves
- helmet, for that extra measure of confidence (under 18 must, in California). You can get some sharp-looking helmets from Nutcase and Yakkay and Sawako Furano and others.
→ here's SF Supervisor Carmen Chu arriving at City Hall on Bike to Work Day 2009 in her Yakkay Luzern (smart!)
Got more tips to add? Send them to Andy Thornley, Program Director, and we'll add them to the list!
