Scooter riding...influencing outfit choices...

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Scooter riding...influencing outfit choices...

Kristie In Auckland

Active Member

Hi gals

This is a bit random... but depending on whether I ride my scooter to work that day (I refuse to ride in very bad rain)

Then I am restricted on what to wear. Erm think pencil skirts riding up and showing random motorists my legs (not in a good way, and thank goodness I am always in tights of some kind!)

Sometimes I wear jeans and then pop on my work clothes when I arrive.... Scooting is also not the most hair friendly activity! Anyone else ride a scooter? I am a fairweather rider only (unless I get caught in a downpour)

Here is a photo of my red scoot (named Audrey after Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday). I love her - but she is just a stand in til I can get my hands on a retro Vespa.... (sshh don't tell her)

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12 years ago

General

8 replies

Latest reply was from Isis

krishnidoux

Veteran

This is a very good point and could apply to other alternative forms of commuting as well: cycling and walking, for example.

I struggle with this too, so I am eager to read inputs!

How about yoga pants or jeggings instead of jeans, worn under your skirt if it allows it (I'm thinking wider skirts that won't ride up of course)?

As for walking: I walk long distances but can't bring myself to wear heavy running shoes with an outfit that demands pumps. My solution have been to try to buy the most stylish walking shoes; but the caveat is that there is no one-style-fits-all shoe, so I find I am always in need of new expensive walking shoes. Any ideas?

Helmet: I just bought a new bicycle helmet. Gone are the days when you only had one universal type of heavy-duty helmet that dug into your scalp! I tried on some pricier lightweight ones that were much less invasive.

... wonder if the same is true for scooter helmets?

One solution I can imagine for curly/wavy hair: twist strands of hair in curls and secure with pins before putting on the helmet (try also using a hint of hairspray on those strands). Unpin and tousle using wide tooth comb upon arrival.

Here is a problem that arises from cycling to work: sweat. Cyclists, how do you deal with that?

Kristie, You have such a lovely scooter! I would be itching to take it out too! It must be a great style accessory too!

12 years ago

chouette22

Veteran

Wow, Kristie, your scooter is beyond fabulous!
And its brand is Milan, my son's name.
I would totally commute on a Vespa if this was an option where I live now.
Krishnidoux, did you see Sally's recent blog post on bike commuting? It might have some good tips.
http://www.alreadypretty.com/2.....mmute.html

12 years ago

Kristine

Veteran

Beautiful scooter! I used to commute on a scooter, now I ride a small motorcycle or bicycle. There are challenges! I stick to pants and closed shoes on those days. I might tuck some ballet flats into my bag. Hair is tough. I used to carry a small butane curling iron for quick touch-ups. I clip my bangs back with a bobby pin or else they get crimped.

Khrisni, I leave so early in the morning that I really don't sweat a lot on the way to work. I have a private locking bathroom so if I need to, I can wash up (there's even a shower if I really need it). Baby wipes do wonders! The way home is something different, I get pretty sweaty!

12 years ago

yublocka

(website)

Veteran

Love the red scooter! I used to communte via scooter, I still own it but dont tend to ride it to work now as I am 40km away from work, work random shifts and its just too cold here in melbourne.

However when I did I used to layer tracksuit pants under skirts that were easy to slip on/off without having to remove the whole skirt and change from jeans. They are warmer and more protective than leggings/jeggings would be (but not as good as proper protective equipment). I also made sure I was wearing enclosed shoes on the scooter even if that meant changing in/out of doc boots. Again still not as good as protective boots, but no way would I risk baring feet/ankles....having seen some relatively minor accidents it is scary to see how easily irrepairable damage can be done to delicate body parts.

As for the hair...always mussed it up, but what can you do!!!

12 years ago

Desmo April

(website)

Veteran

Love the scooter!

I often commute by motorcycle. I pretty much wear full gear everyday--boots, jacket, full-face helmet and gloves. I do wear jeans instead of armored pants. I keep a pair of shoes at work to change into. My job environment is very casual though, I actually work for a couple of motorcycle magazines so moto gear is always OK. I'm still looking for good solutions for helmet hair!!

Please, ride in at least denim! trust me, road-rash isn't fun.

12 years ago

Aida

Veteran

Great scooter! Krishnidoux, I love your idea for curly hair and am going to try that next time I'm in my helmet. I agree with Desmo April's suggestions, and am a fan of full gear even if it's not the cutest simply because the protection is important; I sit on the back and only don full gear, and my husband commutes daily on his motorcycle and also sports full gear, with much of our gear armored.

There are some decent looking kevlar lined jeans which are a good option and you can always take them off at work if you want. I wear these in the darker wash and they're a great minimum layer: http://www.motorcycle-supersto.....Pants.aspx You can also get kevlar mesh pants to wear UNDER your normal jeans (my husband wears these in addition to riding pants).

12 years ago

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

You have no idea how jealous I am of your scooter. My parents have forbade me to buy one ... I will live vicariously through you!

12 years ago

Isis

Veteran

I ride my bicycle most days, and just wear my normal clothes. I put shorts under my skirt if it's a skirt day. I wear normal shoes as I don't clip in.

I need a new helmet and I am coveting one of these, particularly "Modern Dots":
http://www.nutcasehelmets.com/.....ns/classic

Not sure if they would be hot....I guess it could be a winter helmet!

When it rains, I wear a parka, rainpants, and my bike fenders keep me dry. I really love arriving at work after a bike ride; it's like a mini-vacation!

12 years ago

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