I actually prefer riding at night.. Here is So. Cal I have specific routes that I know the traffic is very light especially at night.. My rides are usually 1.5 to 3 hours long.. I have an HID headlight, good tailiight and small flashing helmet light, I use a Princeton Tec Aurora affixed with velcro straps. The flashing light is just for being seen. This helps quite a bit at night especially when you look at someone they will stop..
For clothing, always have a light jacket that can fit in a jersey pocket just in case the weather gets a little chilly and leg warmers would be a plus also.. Hope this helps