smart work clothes - cyclist!

[ichbineinstasumer]

I have a new job and will be cycling for part of my commute and also cycling between sites. I get a lot of pleasure out of my current work wardrobe, which is mostly dresses, skirts, but I don't think I can make this work while cycling without changing in and out of cycling clothes maybe 2-3 times on some days. I could, but don't want to turn up to meetings in a high-vis jacket and trainers, I want to look like a competent professional person. Does anyone do this? Any suggestions (and shoes, how to carry small suitable shoes on a folding bike...)

How far is your cycle?
Is it a gentle pootle down the road or full on sweaty exercise?
(I do 4 short cycles each day and wear normal clothes. I prefer skirts and boots in winter -quicker to dry off than trousers.)

Congratulations on the new job and cycle-friendly commute!

This is what I do:

• I have a day-glo runner's top in a lurid colour, in the biggest size I could get. It's light and folds up small, and goes over whatever I am wearing that day, including a coat, in seconds.
• Sensible shoes so no shoe faff. Or do you have clip-in pedals?
• Trousers or shorts on the bike, and pack a non-creasing skirt
• Industrial-strength sports bra
• Pannier bag with plenty of pockets so that I don't have to cycle with anything on my back.

Have you tried cycling in a skirt? I've never managed it but maybe there is a technique. You could wear cycling shorts with a skirt and no-one would know...

I have a step through bike and cycle in a skirt.
Opaque tights dry really fast and stretchy wool or synthetic skirts do too.

I cycle to work but I can change and even shower when I get there so I wear running kit and take what I want to wear (leave heels at work).

in the past I have worked in jobs where I could get away with cycling in work clothes (Ie more casual) - I used to wear durable leggings and a nice top or dress or skirt with room to move, eg stretchy tunic dress would work, or short skirt with a bit of movement. This is more tricky if you have a long commute IMHO.

(My route is 4 miles with a hill at the end but I try not to exert myself).

I do this type of riding between clients a lot. Like a PP I have a massive thin fluorescent jacket to go over my jacket so i’m safe on the bike but it is easy to shove in my bag. I wear a Rapha black jacket (v v expensive but it is amazing, lasted for years so far, looks smart enough for work stuff and even has zips under the arms so you don’t get sweaty!). Then underneath I have long sleeved office type tops with lots of Lycra so no crinkling (Hobbs do really good ones) and thick smart ankle length jeggings. John Lewis do some from Pure and phase eight also have ones which work well. Then I have ballet pumps in my bag and change out of my trainers when I arrive.

Quite pricey but Vulpine do really nice smart jackets for cycling - DH has one of the men's ones and it is really good quality and smart enough to wear straight to client meetings.

thanks for replies! My main commute will be about 4 miles, through the city and ending (on the outward journey) with a big, long hill (which I am willing to walk up, at least at first). There is also a small commute on the way to the train station but it's only about 5 minutes. Based on other (fitter) people's experience I think the main commute should be about 25 minutes once I get used to it.
I've borrowed a brompton bike so I haven't much option but to use a backpack for now. If I decide to go for a brompton and buy one I would then invest in one of the larger bags for it, but they are pricey so don't want to do this till I am sure.
I think I could do some commuting between clients in normal work clothes (if I am not going up that hill), and have invested in a couple of trouser suits for that purpose. But think I will just be too disgustingly sweaty and stinky if I commute in the same top I intend to work in so I am planning to see what can be achieved with wet wipes and deodorant at least after the main commute (I don't want to have to leave even earlier to allow for showering if at all possible).
Like the Vulpine mac suggested by PP, if all goes well I could be getting one of those next winter, it looks like a proper coat. The rapha is nice too, but it's obviously cycling wear.
As far as sensible shoes go, I'm thinking about Oxford brogues and DMs, although as I am nearly 50 I wonder if the DMs will just look as if I think I am still a student, when I did like wearing them with skirts and dresses. Also ballet pumps as someone suggested, because they're light.
I had a trial run this evening, wearing my back pack with laptop etc and it was ok. I'm determined I'm going to do this. I should really worry a bit more about the new job and less about the cycling!

If you're not planning on changing then I'd say that skirts are much better than trousers. Less sweaty and quicker to dry if it rains. If it is really cold/wet I sometimes wear leggings under my skirt and swap for tights when I arrive.

I cycle to work most days, but there isn't a culture of suit wearing in the office so perhaps more flexibility.
Like others, I often cycle in work clothes. Trousers and brogues are fine (I use a clip for wide leg trousers) and shirts don't get horribly creased unless linen. Smart t shirt / jersey tops are okay too. I have a few knee length skirts with a slight flare which keep well away from the chain. Worn with opaque tights and flattish shoes. Sometimes I wear leggings to cycle and fold a jersey skirt into a small rucksack.
I love the freedom that cycling brings - no trains, parking hassles etc. But there are some lovely clothes in my wardrobe that I hardly wear since I changed jobs .
I only go 3 miles each way, so perhaps don't need the proper gear that others recommend. I'm looking now though!

I cycle ! It's 7 miles each way, I cheat though and use an electric bike so don't get hot and sweaty :-).

I cycle in all weathers ( except torrential rain) and I basically take a change of clothes in a pannier each day in the winter and layer up - it's the only way. I also do my makeup ( except eyes )at home and finish at home. In more clement weather I just cycle in work clothes but have black leather trainers and nice shoes in my bag.

I sometimes wear dresses with leggings (though admit that’s not the smartest look). Another option is thick tights with or without light waterproof trousers slipped on top for rainy days. I wear brogues on my feet. Or boots.
I have a uniqlo raincoat which is awesome! I have a high vis strap thingy I put on top of my grey raincoat. The other option is “provis” which looks grey in normal light but glows bright white in headlights.

If you don't have cleats, have you looked at Tracey Neuls for shoes? She did a collaboration a few years ago for shoes for cyclists and now they form part of her regular collection (colours and fabrics change each season):

www.dezeen.com/2013/09/22/cycling-shoes-by-tracey-neuls-for-tokyobike/

I have some of these shoes but I don't actually cycle in them (but I don't cycle these days). They get lots of compliments and people have no idea that they were originally designed for cycling.

traceyneuls.com/collections/women-1/products/geek_black-reflective-flat-shoe

traceyneuls.com/collections/women-1/products/geek-silver_reflective-flat-shoe

traceyneuls.com/collections/related-items-geek-silver-bike/products/george-bike-chelsea-boot-black-leather

traceyneuls.com/collections/related-products-ginger-bike/products/ginger-bike-black

traceyneuls.com/collections/related-products-ginger-bike/products/molly_bike_black_leather_calf

Jacket; www.uniqlo.com/uk/en/product/women-blocktech-hooded-coat-409097.html

Also have a look at waterproof coats from Rains of Denmark. It rains a lot in Denmark and they cycle a lot so their coats are ideal but still look like 'conventional' coats rather than more specific bike wear.

www.uk.rains.com/collections/womens-rainwear

And if you're quick, Net a Porter have a few Rains coats on final sale:

www.net-a-porter.com/gb/en/d/Shop/Sale/all?designerfilter=3381&pn=1&npp=60&image_view=product&dScroll=0

I just wear normal clothes with hi vis vest over the top. I have a long Seasalt coat and waterproof trousers in my handlebar bag. Also keep spare socks, tights and 1 pair of smarter shoes at work. Luckily I have downhill on the way to work and uphill on the way home.