Fashion Meets Function: Navigate Your City Commute in Style
February 25, 2015
City living. It’s dynamic, fast-moving, and, of course, fashionable. But what’s a girl (or guy) to do when there are endless weekly activities (and lots of corresponding gear), but no car nearby to stash supplies?
The trick is finding the perfect balance of staying true to your personal style, while being prepared for any event that comes across your day planner. From post-work plans to trekking with flair, here are the essentials every sleek city dweller should have on hand.
THE ALWAYS UMBRELLA: Say you check your smartphone in the morning and see a little dark cloud hanging above the day. Time to weigh the risk of 30% chance of rain against the embarrassment of carrying a giant umbrella around all day. Don't rain on the parade. This compact umbrella is perfect because it's small enough to fit into your handbag (or even your back pocket).
Image courtesy of Davek New York
Image courtesy of Davek New York
HANDS-FREE HANDBAG: Having your hands free is key, especially when your routine calls for a cell phone in one hand and a latte in the other. Look for a crossbody bag with zippered pockets for easy and safe storage. Bonus: This Cross Body Power bag comes with a USB battery charging cable to juice up your cell while you're on the go. For coffee refills, you're on your own.
Image courtesy of aha life
Image courtesy of aha life
A SLEEK TWIST ON AN OLD FAVORITE: Sometimes your day calls for a change of clothes. Whether you're hitting the gym before work or meeting friends for cocktails after office hours, look for a bag that will look sleek with your favorite work outfit, but still serve its purpose. We love these Herschel bags for their waterproof materials, chic designs, and fun prints.
Image courtesy of Herschel Supply
Image courtesy of Herschel Supply
WEATHERPROOF YOUR FOOTWEAR: Have your outfit all planned out, but wake up to rain? As a commuter, you know it's not always convenient to wear clunky boots and carry your "real shoes." These lifesavers cover every single kind of shoe (even stilettos), so you never have to sacrifice fashion for function. Just slip them on over the shoes you're wearing, zip them up, and power through those puddles.
Image courtesy of aha life
Image courtesy of aha life
LOOK FOR A LARGE TOTE: Remember Mary Poppins? Her style may have been unconventional, but her bag game was on point. And remember Hermione Granger's amazing bottomless bag? Magical, indeed. Sometimes having a roomy tote that fits everything from your laptop and lunch to your way-too-big wallet really is the only way to go. Try a classic shape in a neutral shade that will never go out of style. We love this model from Madewell.
Image courtesy of Madewell
Image courtesy of Madewell
WORKING FOR THE WEEKEND: Weekend retreats often start as soon as your Friday is finished. Skip going back to your apartment post-work and head straight to the airport, train station, or your Zipcar by packing a carryall ahead of time. We love this 2-in-1 bag because it can be worn as a backpack or carried like a duffel bag, depending on what works best for you. Plus, it comes in a stashable case for easy storage when you're not using it.
Image courtesy of Eagle Creek
Image courtesy of Eagle Creek
STASH A SCARF: Nothing is worse than spending the day freezing at your desk or hopping on a train that's blasting cold air when the temps outside don't call for it. Keep a large, comfy scarf close by to use as an extra layer – or an impromptu headrest. We love this lightweight, cozy option.
Image courtesy of Moorea Seal
Image courtesy of Moorea Seal
CARRY GROCERIES CHICLY: Besides being green and feeling like a hero when you step up to the checkout counter, these reusable shopping bags are a blessing for people who don't have room to spare. They fold into tiny pouches you can easily throw in your purse, and are durable enough to carry your canned goods the five blocks home to your apartment.
Image courtesy of Reusit
Image courtesy of Reusit
LET'S HEAR IT FOR HEADPHONES: Instead of wearing bulky earbuds under a hat, try something that will keep you warm, let you listen to your tunes, and block out the unnecessary noise all in one stylish swoop. We love these warm-and-fuzzy fleece headphones for the morning commute.
Image courtesy of L.L.Bean
Image courtesy of L.L.Bean
GYM CLASS HERO: Between water bottles, towels, yoga mats, sneakers, and toiletries, having a gym regimen can quickly become a commuter's nightmare. This bag has a place for absolutely everything, so you head out the door completely put together. Pro tip: Don't forget a pre- or post-workout snack. (There's room for that, too.)
Image courtesy of Gaiam
Image courtesy of Gaiam
THE ALWAYS UMBRELLA: Say you check your smartphone in the morning and see a little dark cloud hanging above the day. Time to weigh the risk of 30% chance of rain against the embarrassment of carrying a giant umbrella around all day. Don't rain on the parade. This compact umbrella is perfect because it's small enough to fit into your handbag (or even your back pocket).
Image courtesy of Davek New York
Image courtesy of Davek New York
HANDS-FREE HANDBAG: Having your hands free is key, especially when your routine calls for a cell phone in one hand and a latte in the other. Look for a crossbody bag with zippered pockets for easy and safe storage. Bonus: This Cross Body Power bag comes with a USB battery charging cable to juice up your cell while you're on the go. For coffee refills, you're on your own.
Image courtesy of aha life
Image courtesy of aha life
A SLEEK TWIST ON AN OLD FAVORITE: Sometimes your day calls for a change of clothes. Whether you're hitting the gym before work or meeting friends for cocktails after office hours, look for a bag that will look sleek with your favorite work outfit, but still serve its purpose. We love these Herschel bags for their waterproof materials, chic designs, and fun prints.
Image courtesy of Herschel Supply
Image courtesy of Herschel Supply
WEATHERPROOF YOUR FOOTWEAR: Have your outfit all planned out, but wake up to rain? As a commuter, you know it's not always convenient to wear clunky boots and carry your "real shoes." These lifesavers cover every single kind of shoe (even stilettos), so you never have to sacrifice fashion for function. Just slip them on over the shoes you're wearing, zip them up, and power through those puddles.
Image courtesy of aha life
Image courtesy of aha life
LOOK FOR A LARGE TOTE: Remember Mary Poppins? Her style may have been unconventional, but her bag game was on point. And remember Hermione Granger's amazing bottomless bag? Magical, indeed. Sometimes having a roomy tote that fits everything from your laptop and lunch to your way-too-big wallet really is the only way to go. Try a classic shape in a neutral shade that will never go out of style. We love this model from Madewell.
Image courtesy of Madewell
Image courtesy of Madewell
WORKING FOR THE WEEKEND: Weekend retreats often start as soon as your Friday is finished. Skip going back to your apartment post-work and head straight to the airport, train station, or your Zipcar by packing a carryall ahead of time. We love this 2-in-1 bag because it can be worn as a backpack or carried like a duffel bag, depending on what works best for you. Plus, it comes in a stashable case for easy storage when you're not using it.
Image courtesy of Eagle Creek
Image courtesy of Eagle Creek
STASH A SCARF: Nothing is worse than spending the day freezing at your desk or hopping on a train that's blasting cold air when the temps outside don't call for it. Keep a large, comfy scarf close by to use as an extra layer – or an impromptu headrest. We love this lightweight, cozy option.
Image courtesy of Moorea Seal
Image courtesy of Moorea Seal
CARRY GROCERIES CHICLY: Besides being green and feeling like a hero when you step up to the checkout counter, these reusable shopping bags are a blessing for people who don't have room to spare. They fold into tiny pouches you can easily throw in your purse, and are durable enough to carry your canned goods the five blocks home to your apartment.
Image courtesy of Reusit
Image courtesy of Reusit
LET'S HEAR IT FOR HEADPHONES: Instead of wearing bulky earbuds under a hat, try something that will keep you warm, let you listen to your tunes, and block out the unnecessary noise all in one stylish swoop. We love these warm-and-fuzzy fleece headphones for the morning commute.
Image courtesy of L.L.Bean
Image courtesy of L.L.Bean
GYM CLASS HERO: Between water bottles, towels, yoga mats, sneakers, and toiletries, having a gym regimen can quickly become a commuter's nightmare. This bag has a place for absolutely everything, so you head out the door completely put together. Pro tip: Don't forget a pre- or post-workout snack. (There's room for that, too.)
Image courtesy of Gaiam
Image courtesy of Gaiam
