It's true that some cyclists use clothing for aesthetic reasons and as markers of social group. I've seen groups of roadies on training rides, not a race but a training ride, maybe about 10-12 guys all together, and every single one of them was dressed in exactly the same kit. Same jerseys, same shorts, same colour shoes and socks and gloves, same helmets, I mean every of them exactly the same from head to toe. I didn't notice what brand of pedals they had , but I bet they were all the same too. I definitely wouldn't get along with that group.