Originally Posted by sudo bike

Even just other parts of California. Not uncommon to get temps of 105-110+ in the summer in the Valley.

I used to ride plainclothes (I work night, so I ride to and from work at the cool parts of the day), but I recently started wearing my bibs even though it's only a 6.5 mile commute, mostly for the comfort. Dress slacks are too much of a pain to keep clean and fresh, and if I have to change clothes anyway I may as well wear the shorts that are most comfortable in the saddle.

For some people it works, for others it doesn't. Generally, I think if you are in a position that you have to change anyway, may as well sport the comfy bike shorts/bibs. If you can't/don't want to change clothes, go with street clothes until comfort becomes an issue.