Fashion to move you

Want to look good while sailing serenely past the traffic? Not a problem, writes ROSEMARY MAC CABE

CYCLING IS, unless you live in the middle of the Sahara, the most efficient way to get around. You avoid the traffic, you avoid the road rage, and, if you’re lucky, you avoid the bus – although you’ll have to pray that it affords you the same courtesy. However, with the honourable exception of rollerblading, cycling is the least fashionable way to commute.

In a car, on the Luas, on the bus, you are free to sport your maxi dress, boyfriend jeans and pleated midi skirt with very little chance of getting caught and ending up eating asphalt. On the bike, on the other hand, there are thousands of potential sartorial pitfalls, and that’s before we’ve even addressed the necessary evils of helmet, high-vis and that most-loathed thing, “sensible footwear”.

If you are one of the 0.02% of Irish Times readers who happens to be Dutch, stop reading now; chances are you’ve already mastered the art of cycling in couture while holding an umbrella and a hot latte (it’s not clever, but, against our better judgment, we’re impressed). If you’re not, take on board these handy styling tips: fellas, embrace your vintage self. Muted tones from what we like to call the “dapper gentleman” palette are your friend – and look for slim-leg trousers or, for summer, shorts, in order to avoid the dreaded chain tangle. Ladies can also take some vintage inspiration in the form of A-line midi skirts (did you know that’s why ladies’ bikes are designed differently – to accommodate their skirts) and feminine colours. When it comes to heels, cycling helps you avoid the burn, but go for a block rather than a stiletto heel.

Lastly, layering is key – you can be roasting one minute, only to turn the corner and find yourself cycling in what seems like gale-force wind. A scarf or snood in your bag will never be a mistake – and as for your helmet ruining your look, take a look at this week’s take five: you’ll never be ashamed of what’s on your cranium again.

Read Rosemary Mac Cabe’s fashion blog Fash Mob at

[ irishtimes.com/blogs ]

Celebrities in the saddle

It’s not just mere mortals getting into the swing of cycling. Last week, Madonna took a cycling tour around Florence (right).

The vibe was somewhat ruined by the enormous SUVs with blacked-out windows that followed Madge around her casual city tour. At least you’d never have to worry about your chain coming off, if you had heavyweight bodyguards in tow.

Hugh Jackman let the safety side down in London last year, as he cycled around on the kind of fold-up bike you often see people carrying on buses and trains.

If only we’d known they were Wolverine-approved; we’ll have to stop casting disparaging glances at their owners on the daily commute.

Brand focus Proviz

Bio:Proviz was set up in 2009 by two cycling enthusiasts looking for affordable, light- emitting cycling accessories. Moore Large Co, one of the UK's largest cycling distributors, signed up the label and it has now expanded to produce bright, visible kids' gear.

Aesthetic:This is safety-conscious cycling gear but there is something to be said for its light-emitting clothing, especially with such a wider strong trend for neon showing no signs of abating. We wouldn't quite wear it down the pub, but it won't cause undue embarrassment either.

Price tag:A men's cycling jacket will set you back £72.99 (about €90) while a ladies' gilet costs £24.99 (about €30). Delivery to Ireland is free with purchases above £15.

Stockists: Online at proviz.co.uk