I did read the original comment on ShootingStar's blog and found it a bit bizarre. Really, it's no big deal to him, or anyone else, what she wears to ride in. If I was commuting every day I'd probably have a bit more separation between cycling and working clothes, especially during the colder weather. The important thing surely is that people are cycling, not what they are wearing? Other than dark clothes at night with no lights, obviously. No-one ever really cares what drivers wear, or pedestrians (other than children needing hi-vis something when walking in the dark). I do wonder sometimes if non-cyclists see a lycra'd and helmetted rider as the equivalent of seeing a car driver in full racing gear and helmet, and think that's what everyone needs to wear when cycling.

Other than safety and comfort wear (anything with a chamois, gloves, helmet, shoes for off-road) I try to make sure that cycling stuff can be worn off the bike too and that normal clothes can be worn on the bike. If I'm wearing a helmet (most of the time) I can put it with whatever outfit I want, ditto gloves.

I think it was Miranda earlier in the thread who referred to
my non-cycling casual bike riding gf
I suspect that I fall into that category too - I'm unlikely to ever log a lot of miles, I hate riding in the rain, no journey is too short for me to ride with a 3-year old etc. I think it's quite understandable that those who are riding shorter distances have less dedicated cycling wear. Longer distances are more comfortable with more comfortable clothes.. For my 9 miles a day with a trailer doing the nursery run I'd be quite happy with 5 padded liners to wear under normal clothes, and some tights and merino for the colder weather (easy to put jeans or a short skirt over tights).