Just because you’re on a bike doesn’t mean you have to look like a Tour de France rider. Step away from the spandex and embrace your flair for fashion. Dress it up with stylish panniers (Winnipeg) or keep it casual with a beautiful basket (Winnipeg). Go thrift style with a wire basket from your kitchen and simply velcro it to your rear rack. Feeling handy? Make your own panniers.

Skip the runners in favour of dressy heels that fit the pedal. These blue heels featured on Montreal CycleChic are a bit high for my taste but each to her own! Heck, some manufacturers are even designing dressy shoes for cycling.

And while any stretchy fabric will be the most comfortable for riding, nothing beats a breezy skirt on a hot day. Unless it’s really breezy, of course. Solution? Wear a light pair of short tights underneath or try a skirt garter and clip. This is where step-through bikes pay off – no hiking your leg over the crossbar and flashing others!

Keep your pants and skirts clean and untangled with a tidy set of fenders and partial or full chain guard as shown above. Uncommon in Winnipeg but uncommonly beautiful are wood fenders. The great helmet debate can be made simpler with a pretty helmet hat. Or go funky with a colourful and patterned helmet.

Let people know you’re passing in style with a fancy bike bell. And see when others are passing you with a handy mirror that clips to either your handlebars or to your helmet. Take a stand to show everyone your funky bicycle seat.

Find more ideas in Momentum Magazine’s 2012 Gear Guide. This Vancouver-based magazine about ‘smart living by bike’ is available by subscription or you can pick up individual copies in local bike stores. And, of course, there’s the original bike photo and fashion site Copenhagen Cycle Chic.

Stay inspired through a few female and fashion-related cycling blogs: