How do I arrive in style?

August 31, 2008 4:41 PM

A new dress code at work requires suit and tie. So other than transporting my wardrobe to the office and changing there what is the best way to commute to work on a scooter and arrive in style?

I prefer to wear an armored riding jacket which seems diametrically opposed to a suit jacket. Folding the suit and putting it under the seat coat isn't an option. Too much oil and junk.

posted by Gungho to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion (14 answers total)

While I could not give an accurate assessment on the percentage of commuting, suit-wearing-men on scooters in Paris, many men are in full "costume" when riding. With an overcoat should the weather require, of course. And one of those leather handlebar-draping blankety thingies if that's their style. On motorcycles and bicycles as well. And the women. Oh, the women! (What was the question?)
posted by Dick Paris at 4:49 PM on August 31, 2008 [2 favorites]

You can keep all of your suit jackets at work.
posted by lee at 4:52 PM on August 31, 2008

Keep jackets and a selection of ties at work if you can.
posted by turgid dahlia at 5:02 PM on August 31, 2008

Wear this over your business suit.
posted by netbros at 5:33 PM on August 31, 2008

when I took the motorbike to work, it was shoes and trousers folded in a back pack, and a jacket left at work. the shirt was usually ok and if i remember correctly I wore my tie, but I might have folded that in the bacpack as well.
posted by Frasermoo at 5:54 PM on August 31, 2008

Just a note to say that changing at the office *might* be worth it. Mr. Moon did so when he commuted in on the train - wore jeans & tshirt and then changed into his fancy pants at work. Several of his other co-workers who bike in to work carry their fancy clothes in a backpack.
posted by grapefruitmoon at 6:02 PM on August 31, 2008

Rainproof garment bad maybe?
posted by Rubbstone at 6:27 PM on August 31, 2008

There are a lot of rain-proof and crash-resistant motorcycle garments that are sized to wear over clothes, including over a suit. Example; another. Make sure to test the fit in your office clothes.
posted by Forktine at 6:46 PM on August 31, 2008

If you need to ride in a suit and stay presentable why not cover up in a big trench coat? For protection you could get a leather one and have padding sewn in.
posted by waxboy at 6:52 PM on August 31, 2008

Best answer: Do you have a top-box? That should be easy to keep clean compared to under-the-seat storage. Stick your suit coat in a plastic bag for transit if you're really worried.
posted by stopgap at 6:54 PM on August 31, 2008

Is your office near a gym with 'permanent lockers'?
Does your office have a locker room vice just a standard bathroom?
Is there a dry-cleaners near your office?

All the questions have obvious implications...

I take the bus and metro to work - while that's not exactly riding a scooter it can have it's fashion hazards. Generally I leave my suit jackets at work, and I keep a spare shoe-shining kit in my desk to quick-shine my shoes after the commute.
posted by matty at 7:41 PM on August 31, 2008

Best answer: I'm a lawyer, and I ride a scooter (Burgman 650) everywhere. When I had to show up in a suit, I wore the pants & shirt under my Aerostich Roadcrafter and carried the jacket & shoes in the trunk. Worked for years, but I don't have to wear a suit much any more.
posted by spacewrench at 7:53 PM on August 31, 2008

overalls?
posted by docmccoy at 10:47 PM on August 31, 2008

Response by poster: Well Thanks. I guess I need a top box or Pannier
posted by Gungho at 6:52 AM on September 1, 2008