I am very happy to say that I rarely drive my car and I have cancelled my work parking monthly fees. This is what I have gathered from my time commuting:
1. I have panniers, but I took them off to do a triathlon. Never put them back on. I use a knapsack now.
2. I used to ride a hybrid to work, but I went through a little spat with a bad back, and found my road bike to be much easier to carry down the flight of stairs at my work. Never looked back. Plus I am faster on my road bike.
3. I did get a flat and did have the right pump with me to change it (had the pump for the hybrid). A kind person came along who helped me out (I did have a spare with me). I travel fully loaded with spare, GOOD pump for my tires, plus cartridges. I am ready.
4. I remind my hair dresser that I wear a helmet twice a day and to style accordingly. She has given me a nice style that looks decent despite my commute.
5. I leave certain toiletries at work; bring a minimum of makeup; I do leave some clothes at work in a back room that has a place to hang clothes. My bugger is sometimes forgetting underwear! Have gone commando a few times with a panty liner. Too much info. Have to remember to pack spare underwear.
6. I give myself a washcloth bath in a private washroom at work, followed by some powder. I am a sweaty person normally, too bad we don't have a shower, but the cat bath is doing the trick.
Good for you for your commute! Re the fears of nasty comments, like my mom says: if you worry about what others say, you will worry for the rest of your life. You are doing a good thing! They don't matter! Good for you!