Which Fall 2015 Fashion Trends are Best for Biking?

The Chainlink is thrilled to have Maria Boustead sign on as our Fashion Editor. In addition to her long-standing interest in cycling, she is the founder and owner of Po Campo, which offers a wide variety of cyclist-friendly bags (distributed worldwide) designed to fit a modern urban lifestyle. Prior to founding Po Campo, Maria worked as an industrial designer and brand strategist, working for companies including 3M, Pampers and Yellowtail. If you desire cycling fashion that is functional and stylish, she offers a wealth of great ideas.

By Maria Boustead

While we may be mourning the end of summer, there is something on the horizon that keeps us looking forward. And that thing is the new season’s fall fashion trends. In this post, we pick out which of the biggest trends translate best into bikeable fashion.

Carwash skirts

About the trend: Perhaps not the most appealing name, carwash skirts are so-called because of the multiple slits around the bottom. If a fringed skirt and pleated skirt had a baby, that would be a carwash skirt.

How to make it work for biking: We chose carwash skirts as one of our picks for bike friendly fashion this fall, because all the slits provide plenty of movement – no pencil-skirt constriction here. That said, not all skirts that go by the name carwash are recommended for biking. Stay away from the long skirts that go past your calf, and choose a heavier fabric that won’t blow around too wildly in the breeze.

Some of our picks are:

Tibi's Cuarteto Carwash Midi Skirt

Black Estevez Carwash Skirt at Maeven

Skinny Scarves

About the trend: When you think about it, the skinny scarf is the perfect fall accessory, as it adds a little something around your neck, which you’d never dream of doing during the dog days of summer, but doesn’t overheat you like a full winter scarf would. Plus, you can put it on over just about any type of shirt, from V-neck to a button up.

How to make it work for biking:  The biggest risk here is that the scarf would dangle into your wheel and decapitate you while you’re going full tilt. To play it safe, tie your scarf up into a pretty bow while riding, and then feel free to loosen it when you reach your destination.

Some of our picks are:

Zara's Tie-Style Scarf

Free People's With-the-Wind Skinny Scarf

Nasty Gal's Bria Jersey Skinny Scarf

Winter Florals 

About the trend: Who says that you have to stop wearing floral prints after springtime? This fall, we’re rocking our flower power into fall with winter florals. What makes winter florals different is that the flowers are more saturated and less pastel and are almost always set against a darker background color.

How to make it work for biking: No special tricks needed to wear winter florals this fall, although may we suggest picking up a Po Campo bag in purple petals?

Some of our picks are:

Po Campo's Logan Trunk Bag

Po Campo's Six Corners Handlebar Bag

Top Shop's Woodland Floral Print Top and Cigarette Pants

Floral Grid Print Portofino Shirt by Express

Turtleneck Layering

About the trend: There’s no denying it, turtlenecks are back in a big way this fall. This season’s take on them though is primarily as a layering device to take your summer fashions into fall. Got a sundress you’re not ready to stop wearing yet? Put a turtleneck underneath it and you’re ready for apple picking and a hayride.

How to make it work for biking: Layering clothes for bike riding becomes second nature for a lot of riders, so incorporating the turtleneck trend into your wardrobe should be easy enough. At this time of year, when it is undoubtedly getting cooler but not yet cold (at least not to us Chicagoans), the biggest danger is generating too much heat while riding and showing up to your destination all sweaty. Therefore, choose a lightweight and/or wicking turtleneck for your bottom layer.

Some of our picks:

J Crew Tissue Turtleneck T-Shirt

Land's End Layering Turtleneck

Icebreaker's Tech Long Sleeve Turtleneck

Capes

About the trend: A round-up of fall trends is not complete without some sort of outerwear, and this year’s key piece is the cape. We’re seeing it in all shapes, sizes, colors, fabrics, sleeves or no sleeves – you name it, it’s out there.

How to make it work for biking: To help you narrow down the options, we recommend selecting a cape that buttons or zippers (at least partway) in the front to make sure it stays closed while you’re riding. We also prefer the sleeveless variety so that you can signal to traffic without your arms being constricted.

Some of our picks:

ASOS Cape with Raglan Sleeve

Mod Cloth's Takes the Cape

Zara's Metallic Button Cape

Shop for the Featured Bike-Friendly Look 

Linus Mixte 3 in black, includes back rack. Linus bikes are available at Johnny Sprockets. They also carry some great accessories for the line of Linus bikes.

Bern Bike Helmet in black. Look stylish while this helmet protects your noggin on your commute to work. Available in various colors at Johnny Sprockets.

Cream Cape available at Francesca's.

Teal Turtleneck and Black Skinny Scarf at Free People.

Fall bike-friendly fashion modeled by Lily Povlich. 

About the Author
Maria Boustead is the founder and owner of Po Campo, which offers a wide variety of cyclist-friendly bags (distributed worldwide) designed to fit a modern urban lifestyle. Prior to founding Po Campo, Maria worked as an industrial designer and brand strategist, working for companies including 3M, Pampers and Yellowtail.