So you want to commute to work on bike — but don’t know what to wear! Times UK tackles this fashion issue in “How to cycle to work and look chic,” an article that profiles 3 bike commuters with style. (via Behind the Seams)
The women are quite different. One bikes in Anna Sui boots — but changes into a whole new outfit once she gets to work. Another ex semi-pro biker keeps a small wardrobe at the office: “I always wear heels — mine are by Paco Gil, Moschino and Miu Miu, and there are always three or four pairs under my desk.”
All 3 of the women who are featured bike fairly long distances and do a fashion change at the office. However, I’d like to point out that for many people — especially those who’ve wisely chosen to live fairly close to work — a wardrobe change isn’t necessary! Many women profiled in the Car Free Mondays series didn’t bother with a second outfit. In fact, many recommended biking well-dressed, in heels! Enci says, for example:
Dress up and look good. People are much more aware of you than if you dress down. Drivers are giving me much more room on the road when I wear heels then if I dress down. You can be green and look good.
Got your own bicycling fashion tip? Share it in the comments! Also, I’m looking for more Car Free Mondays interviewees. You no longer have to write a blog to participate, though all other requirements (car-free woman living in the L.A.-area) apply. Email me at greenlagirl@gmail.com if you qualify!
Photo by Richard Masoner
Update, 4/19/09: How to deal with mean bus drivers when doing the bike-bus combo thing
Let’s encourage the guys to dress up more while riding, to be more eye candy. Heck, let’s even get them to wear heels and then they, too, will have the joys of postural related health issues, and bad foot probs in their later years.
Lisa
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Comment by Lisa — March 10, 2009 @ 3:48 pm
Check out the blog London Cycle Chic:
http://londoncyclechic.blogspot.com
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Comment by Sven — March 11, 2009 @ 1:04 am
And a couple of years ago, there was apparently a cycle fashion show in London:
http://miljobloggaktuellt.wordpress.com/2009/03/11/cykelmode
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Comment by Sven — March 11, 2009 @ 4:00 am
So it’s my obligation to look “attractive” while riding in order to not get hit?
My usual (since it’s an 8 mile ride one way) is to change my top, I usually keep a spare pair of shoes at the office. The ride to work is mostly flat & downhill, the change of shirt is mostly because of how tough the ride home can be (some uphill parts are gnarly).
Honestly it’s the helmet hair that’s an issue for me. On days when I bike, I mostly just wear a headband instead of worrying about restyling.
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Comment by cybele — March 11, 2009 @ 11:14 am