Commuting style tips

[Marmaladegin]

Not just style really- also stylish practicalities please.

Reeling from the news I've just got a place on dream professional training course. It means I will be doing a hefty commute (2 hours D2D, mostly public transport) x4 per week. I would love tips from seasoned commuters for a style/ lifestyle shopping list. So far I have:
Parka
Bucket/ hobo crossbody
Smoothie holder
Trainers

Definitely more casual than smart and I'd like a chic/edgy/comfortable look. I'm 42, size 10/12 (and also juggling children around work, so tips on that also welcome)
Tia!

Congratulations OP! Will you need to take a laptop each day? If so I'd recommend a Knomo bag, I've had mine for years and it's great. For long commutes on public transport you'll need decent earphones (even in the "quiet" carriage), plus a portable charger. Your bag will be heavy, especially if you have to take books, notepads etc. so whichever bag you choose, make sure it has a shoulder strap (or choose a backpack style).

I agree with your list so far - parka with a hood is definitely more practical than an umbrella. I don't drink smoothies, but always have a water bottle and a thermal cup.

Clothes wise I wear layers as can never be sure of the train will be freezing cold or boiling hot. My office is not casual so I'm not the right person to advise on that, but you definitely need to be comfy, especially when sitting for long periods. Yes to trainers, I have to change out of mine for the office but I commute in trainers.

Thank you!

Genuinely, what do you use earphones for though? I'm not a music-listener and don't intend to be calling people during my journey. I'll probably be doing embroidery or reading. So I'm not sure I need them?

Not intending to take a laptop. Considering treating myself to a reMarkable 2

Congratulations! Agree with PP but in addition my top tips are:

The right bag is absolutely key. You only want to be carrying one and it will be heavy so choose wisely for that sort of commute. If you get a backpack make sure it has a hidden pocket to keep valuables in.

I have ear buds, but rarely use them so not essential.

I hate having to "swap" stuff over from.my normal handbag into my commuter bag so tend to double up on things (eg makeup essentials, phone charger etc) so I can grab and go on a morning.

I would recommend a decent travel makeup bag. It doesn't have to be pretty but it needs to be big enough to carry makeup plus deodorant, facial wipes, tissues etc. Buy travel sets of toiletries in case you want to freshen up.

Pencil case.

Cable carrier/organiser

Spare pair of tights if you wear skirts/dresses

Flat shoes for the actual commute.

Travel cutlery set. Seriously- just bought one. Game changing especially now everywhere is using wooden cutlery.

You will also need to decide what you want to do about breakfast on the run too. I have a thermos container for porridge I grab and go with which keeps nice for about 3 or 4 hours so by the time I have woken up enough to eat it, it is still OK.

Oh. And on that level of commute you will be tired. Keep your weekends simple where you can. Split chores with your partner. And if you haven't got one right now, get a mid week cleaner in.

I always have a little rolled up hat as sometimes hoods can be a challenge when it is windy.

Actually I would see how it goes for your first week to see what you really need.
Some people on here seem to be bringing the kitchen sink! Fair enough if that's what they bring, but it might not be right for you.

Headphones - you may want to zone out and block other people's noise out. And discover podcasts! BBC sounds app is a great place to start. Audio books while you sew is a great thing to do on a commute.

Plus there seems to be an awful trend now of people talking into their phone while it's on speakerphone! Instead of holding it to their head. Or facetime on speakerphone. Seriously antisocial!

Yes to coat with hood, don't need an umbrella then. If you do bring a brolly do pack an empty large sandwich bag to put it in. Can't have a soggy brolly in your bag!

Uniqlo does really smart waterproof windproof coats. Packs up really small.

Everyone is wearing trainers and sneakers still in London it's great. So buy something comfortable and fits in to the dress code. White shoes will need a little TLC to keep them white. But it's worth it for comfort and not having to cart around smart work shoes.

I have a similar commute. The earphones are mainly to block out the sniffing. A carriage full of people sniffing makes me nauseous, but I realise not everyone will feel that way.

Yes to having a little bag with a few mini toiletries in so you can freshen up if you need to. I get headaches quite a lot so need to have tablets for that on me. Like a previous poster, my rucksack is completely separate from my bag at home, all I have to transfer over is my purse and phone.

I try to avoid multiple shoes as I carry my laptop and find it all gets too heavy if carting shoes around as well so I wear things I can walk in and look ok.

A bag with an outside pocket for your train ticket, Oyster card and work pass, so you are not opening your bag and exposing your wallet to pickpockets. Anti bac gel-wipes and face masks, especially for when people who are ill sit next to you. I doubt you will want a parka in the summer, so a small but robust umbrella, I recommend the Repel wind proof travel umbrella from Amazon. If you have a locker at work I would keep spare toiletries and make up and a few pairs of shoes and some tights there to keep the weight of your bag down to save your back. A thorough knowledge of the train timetable so you know about alternative travel options and delay repay rules on your route - one of my colleagues used to buy a daily ticket because he claimed the refund so often!

"Actually I would see how it goes for your first week to see what you really need.
Some people on here seem to be bringing the kitchen sink! Fair enough if that's what they bring, but it might not be right for you."

Am guessing you are referring to me @SleekMamma? Yep. You are right I throw the kitchen sink at it 🙂. But I have been commuting over 2 hours D2D for over 7 years since my youngest was 3 and was sharing what works for me and the tips I have had from other extreme commuters over the years. There is something about being stuck on public transport for 4 hours a day which means having everything with you makes it worthwhile. Plus since the pandemic my office now hot desks and doesn't have lockers... makes a big difference as I am now completely nomadic.

OP you should absolutely take @SleekMamma advice and try the first week and work out what you need. What I would say is if you are doing that level of commute for any length of time and if you still have to parent when you get home, make it as easy as possible for yourself as you can. You will be exhausted for a long while until your routine adjusts.

Good luck

I have an hour and a half door to door commute and don't pack a bag like I'm going on a great trek 😂 I have my Kindle, sunglasses, umbrella, water bottle, make up and lunch in a Longchamp Pliage bag, and have a cross body for phone, credit cards and Oyster card. I eat breakfast before I leave. The smell of people drinking coffee near me at 6.30.am.makes me nauseous, so I have some strong mints in my bag.

Have spare tights in my desk drawer at work. That's it!

These are all excellent tips. All on board with the trainers, outside pocket, cleaner, podcasts, and Uniqlo

More tips welcome.
I am also planning outfits now too

Thing makes a very good point. If you are hot desking then you need more stuff in your bag. That is very true.