With today’s economical climate, more and more people are choosing to cycle to work or to the shops, but what do you wear if your bum looks big in Lycra? Ladies listen up, this is ‘Cycle Chic’.
M. Steel Cycles, Gosforth, knows that riding a bike is not only practical but fashion forward and glamorous. This month the dedicated team are giving out their top tips on cycle fashion as well as recapping trends over the past decades.
The staff at M. Steel Cycles give us an insight in to a few ‘Cycle Chic’ fashion must haves…
Sunglasses
This has nothing to do with whether or not the sun is shining.
Wear sunglasses to keep out flies, and as your disguise, because with a helmet and elbow pads you may wish to keep your appearance a mystery. And don’t forget, when it comes to sunglasses, the bigger the better.
The basket
For us ladies the practical basket is a must have, this vintage style is a perfect place to keep our bags, shopping, work files and heels whilst we are pushing the bike peddles in pumps.
Giant wedge
The bigger the heel, the more practical the shoe…I bet you never thought you would hear that!
Stilettos and high heels are definitely not something that I would recommend whilst riding a bike, but the idea of being able to actually reach the ground without injuring yourself trying to balance at traffic lights, leaves me craving a heel.
A wedged platform is fashion forward and practical – perfect for this summer’s style.
Helmet
We all know helmets are impractical but massively important with all these crazy motorists around. Now, thanks to ‘YAKKAY’ you don’t have to dread putting on your helmet every time you step out the door, and you may even want to leave these on indoors – at least you won’t have to worry about looking like Heck of the Hesperus when you take it off!
Bag
If a basket is a little too bold for you then opt for a messenger style satchel that can be worn across the body. Handbags tend to get in the way of the wheels, so watch out. Go for something big and bold; a statement bag is all the rage this season.
Culottes
Wearing a mini skirt that is sure to ride up is almost definitely going to cause a few road accidents, so opt for pleated tailored culottes, a more sensible option. This fashion must have can be teamed with a blazer to smarten up at work or with a casual top for a spot of summer shopping.
Fashion is about finding your own sense of style as well as incorporating trends from pervious decades.
M. Steel Cycles takes a look back at ‘Cycle Chic’ over the years…
60’s fashion
The swinging sixties changed fashion forever, colours drifted from pale pastels to colourful blocks known as ‘the tropical years’. Make sure you don’t take this the wrong way; it will never be ok to wear a Hawaiian shirt of any description.
When cycling mini skirts and A-line dresses were swapped for culottes, Capri trousers and oversized knits.
70’s fashion
The seventies saw bright floral dresses making an appearance, teamed with feminine oversized bows and hair nets.
Ladies, to avoid any embarrassing situations ensure your dress isn’t too long, as this will result in your dress getting caught in the chain and will cause an ‘I want the ground to swallow me up’ moment as you fly over the handlebars into the nearest thorn bush, watching in slow motion as a yappy dog cocks its leg to urinate all over your carefully picked cycling outfit.
80’s fashion
Don’t let your dad convince you that Lycra is cool and ‘everyone in the 80’s wore it’, because its not… and they didn’t!
Leotards, dance wear and disco. This fashion era was perfect for creating your very own ‘Cycle Chic’ image.
90’s
Neon colours and denim took the fashion stage in the 90’s with popular outfits consisting of peddle pusher pants and drainpipe jeans, leggings and leg warmers.
The 90’s saw the rise of the sexy thong underwear. Sitting on a bike seat for longer than a minute is painful enough without adding to the situation, so ensure you’re so called ‘underwear’ sits comfortably. OK, perhaps you may want to accidently hoist it up a little to get a few toots from the builders in the white van… everyone deserves a bit of attention, right?
The noughtie’s
This season’s trend for pretty ballerina style pleats and light-weight fabrics with lots of movement are not only cool and comfortable to cycle in but make you feel wonderfully feminine.
Jumpsuits are also the height of fashion this season and if you want to cycle and turn heads, opt for a colourful, sleeveless, tapered leg all in one. Be careful to find a style to suit your body shape as ankle swingers and a camel toe have never been in fashion.
Fashion is an ever changing industry therefore it may sometimes be hard to keep up with trends, however cycle fashion does not change as rapidly, giving you time to experiment and find clothes that suit you and your bike.
If you’re interested in being a trend setter then visit M.Steel Cycles shop at 6-10 Bowsden Terrace, South Gosforth, NE3 1RX. Call 0191 285 1251 or visit http://www.msteelcycles.co.uk