https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-for-the-commuters Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 10 Jun 2026 01:44:13 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-for-the-commuters#post-5758 Tue, 06 May 2008 16:54:35 +0000 christie 5758@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Inge, I remember that post. I was very tempted to get those shoes! Right now, I just stick to wellies. </p> <p>Ana, I think both would be handy. I use the little face blotting sheets, but I think on really sweaty days, the others would be nice to have. I usually try to duck into a bathroom after a commute. This holds true in the winter when my nose tends to run. I just blot if necessary and reapply lipstick if it has faded. I also like hand lotion to freshen up any smell. </p> <p>If I am in and out of buildings a lot, then hitting the bathroom each time probably wouldn't be necessary. I think any time you feel particularly sweaty, it would be fine. I do find that I often don't look as bad as I feel! Ana, you are lucky as a student; you could probably get buy with lovely sundresses. I love light dresses in the summer. They really keep you cool. </p> <p>Becky, you might have a keener sense of smell than I do, but I do know the smell that you are referring to. I deal with this in a couple of ways. As I said to Ana, a hand lotion, in a light citrus smell, rubbed up your arms can work wonders to mask not so great scents. My under clothes that sit closest to my body (camis or tanks, for example) almost always get washed after one wearing. Other tops, I hang up to air out before rewearing. </p> <p>I recommend hanging your clothing outside (this holds true instead of drying, generally). The breeze helps to remove odors and the sunshine smell is lovely. I will also, after hanging out for a bit, freshen clothes (depending on the material) with a linen spray. L'Occitane used to have a great one in Lemon Verbena. We have had ours for a long time, but I just looked on their page and it doesn't look like they have it anymore. Anyway, after freshening with the linen spray, I hang the item in my closet for a couple of days. I find the combination works to ease smells, but it also saves your clothing from repeated washings. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-for-the-commuters#post-5729 Tue, 06 May 2008 15:26:19 +0000 Inge 5729@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>A bit off topic: I'm a fan of the second blog Christie linked to and recently saw this in the archives:<br /> <a href="http://www.swimsstore.com/products.aspx?cId=65" rel="nofollow">http://www.swimsstore.com/products.aspx?cId=65</a><br /> Galosh type of shoes in different colours to protect your flats from rain, snow etc. Kind of cute aren't they?<br /> And a cape (I know they're not really in at the moment, but was amazed they exist) with reflective qualities, could come in handy during dark winter days on your bike.<br /> <a href="http://copenhagengirlsonbikes.blogspot.com/2007/12/guest-photos-cycle-chictastic.html" rel="nofollow">http://copenhagengirlsonbikes......astic.html</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-for-the-commuters#post-5722 Tue, 06 May 2008 14:53:59 +0000 Becky 5722@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Christie, your typical attire for summer would be very appropriate for my work. I just know that when I have been outside, I can smell that "outdoor sweaty smell" on my clothing even if I haven't perspired heavily. I know I have a keen sense of smell, so it may not be that noticable to anyone else, but it drives me crazy! I wash tops after every wearing if I've been outside in warmer weather. Maybe just airing the clothing very well would rid it of the odor? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-for-the-commuters#post-5719 Tue, 06 May 2008 14:45:16 +0000 Ana 5719@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That is a great question, Becky! I will be outside a lot at the end of the summer, walking all over a very large campus and it will be really hot. I've also wondered how I will deal with this. I have long hair, but in the summer I always have to wear it pulled back because of the humidity. </p> <p>Christie, what sort of blotting sheets do you recommend? The little ones that soak up oil off your face, or are there larger ones for when you are sweaty? I have heard carrying little alcohol pads to wipe away perspiration under arms was a good idea, and then reapplying deodorant. If you're in and out of buildings a lot, though, that seems like a lot of work. What do you think? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-for-the-commuters#post-5717 Tue, 06 May 2008 14:40:03 +0000 christie 5717@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>No, Becky, you're not. Where I live, we have blistering hot summers, and yet I also continue to commute by foot or bike. Just as in winter, the key is to layer. I think it really depends on what you can wear to work, but to give you an example, I might wear a light-weight dress with wedge sandals and carry a cardigan with me. Or I will wear lightweight pants with a sleeveless or short-sleeve shirt for the commute and throw on a more appropriate top at work. The key is lighter weight materials in summer. If you have to wear a suit, carry your jacket and wear a shell/vest, cami, or short-sleeved shirt. And try to buy suits with lighter fabrics rather than a traditional, heavy wool. </p> <p>In your bag, take deodorant, blotting sheets, and maybe some make-up to touch up your face. I don't wear much make-up, so that isn't a problem, but the blotting sheets are essential. I also keep my hair quite short in the summers, but you might want to try different ways to pin back your hair if it is long. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-for-the-commuters#post-5714 Tue, 06 May 2008 14:25:52 +0000 Becky 5714@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is a related topic which I meant to post, but it seems to tie in here: For those of you who regularly commute, how do you deal with the extra perspiration on your clothing in the hot summer months? I live in a small town and we walk virtually everywhere: to school, the library, the post office, the swimming pool...I love walking, because it's good for us, our finances, and the environment. I have no problems with that now since I am a SAHM and, regrettably, dress casually (not even smart casually) most days. When I go back to a paying job, I'd like to keep walking but I don't want to ruin my clothing. How do you deal with this? I would hate to have to dry clean after every wearing. Do you wear only machine-washable clothing? Or maybe I'm the only one who perspires! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-for-the-commuters#post-5713 Tue, 06 May 2008 13:52:57 +0000 Tanya 5713@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You have already got some great suggestions, but I just wanted to add to the option of wearing pants that require heels in flats while commuting and changing into heels later. There is this product called zakkerz that allows you to temporarily roll-up/shorten your pants while commuting and let them back once you are at your work place. I have not tried it so I can not say anything about it but it might save a lot of problems.<br /> <a href="http://www.zakkerz.com/" rel="nofollow">http://www.zakkerz.com/</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-for-the-commuters#post-5705 Tue, 06 May 2008 12:42:10 +0000 christie 5705@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I commented a bit on that last thread, and I'll repeat some of what I said there, here. It really depends on what you will be wearing to work. My commute is a mile and a half; some days I go smart-casual and every once in a while I have to wear a suit. I do as follows. </p> <p>My first suggestion would be to get a bike. Check to see if you can take it on the train. I'm not sure about the Tacoma to Seattle, but many places do allow it. With a bike you do not need to change your shoes at all (although on really wet days I'll wear wellies). Check out these sites for inspiration: copenhagenize.com, copenhagengirlsonbikes.blogspot.com. You do not need lycra or helmet-hair to ride a bike.</p> <p>If a bike is not an option, you have two others: wear flats to low heels or carry shoes. I don't think 2 blocks is too far to walk in heels, but from reading about other gals' feet here, I think I must have superhuman feet. I've commuted into town in 3-inch heels and wedges. It's a little slower going, but fine. </p> <p>What I suggested to the other commuter was to save the high heels for skirts and one or two special pairs of pants and wear the flats/low-heels with every-day pants. With the skirts, you can easily trade a fashionable (yet comfortable) pair of flats with a skirt and then put on heels at work. Save the high heel pants for days you don't need to walk. </p> <p>Off topic--May is National Bike Month. I encourage everyone to break out those bikes for the commute or errands. You can wear any footwear on a bike, and you will be decreasing air and sound pollution (and providing a good example for others)! Most trips by car in the US are 2 miles or less. That is also the distance where you will be emitting the most carbon from your cars (cars emit less as they warm up and go faster). This is also perfect walking or biking distance. (ok, sorry, off soapbox) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-for-the-commuters#post-5565 Mon, 05 May 2008 17:37:29 +0000 Maya 5565@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I do not know how long your commute is, but mine is about an hour. Most women I see on the train just wear supportive athletic sneakers and carry their pumps in a large tote with the rest of their work stuff. It's not stylish at all, but frankly, it is extremely hard to find stylish shoes that are going to hold up and fashion should never trump practicality.</p> <p>Some women wear ballet flats. I like this idea the best because ballet flats are perfectly work appropriate, so you don't have to change. But I know a lot of women can't live without heels, so I suppose you could bring your heels in a bag. The problem is that the pants length won't match up with both.</p> <p>Remember that walking on a commute is serious walking. You might not notice it consciously, but the way you walk outside is quite different than how you walk in your office. Therefore I would keep your heel height at 2" or below. I personally can't tolerate anything over 1.75" but I have really troublesome feet. A lot of ladies recommend wedges, but I don't know if they themselves have tried commuting in them or not. Make sure whatever you get is nicely padded, and if not, get some thick insoles. Even just 2 blocks can leave blisters and cranky feet.</p> <p>If you're commuting you will need a humongous tote. If I bring my lunch I just brown bag it and shove it in my tote. Some women I see carry their shoes in little shopping bags or just a small and inexpensive canvas tote, or if your bag is big enough you can stick them in there but it gets heavy. To be honest I don't see many women commuting at 100% of their style functionality. There is always some sacrifice. I know I look silly being 5'2 and lugging around a 16" tote, but it's necessary. If I just got out of a car, walked across the parking lot, sat at a desk all day, and walked back, I could probably wear heels...but I don't do that, so I wear flats. If that decreases my style quotient a bit, so be it. You'll have to decide what your limits are with shoes, but the large bag is definitely a must. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-for-the-commuters#post-5563 Mon, 05 May 2008 17:24:53 +0000 LaurenNK 5563@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm am about to start taking the Express bus from Tacoma to downtown Seattle for work. I'll be driving to the terminal, then will have about a 2 block walk to my office from the drop-off point.</p> <p>Since this will be saving me about $150/month in gas expenses, I'm looking to reinvest this into some good shoes for this tiny bit of added walking.</p> <p>I seem to remember a while back a post that included those sneaker-wedge-heel things, but I can't imagine wearing those. </p> <p>What does everyone wear with their office attire so they don't break ankles while walking to/from the bus stop?</p> <p>Also, how do you carry along the shoes that you will be changing into? Or your lunch for that matter?</p> <p>Right now I bring my lunch just in stray plastic containers because I only have to make it 20 steps to my fridge in the office. I don't want to tote around a plastic Safeway bag full of tupperware getting warm sitting on the bus... </p>