Originally Posted by izgod
I rarely buy bike specific clothing. Stupid pockets in the back are useless, especially when they don't even zip closed. Just buy sensible stuff appropriate for the weather.
I use velcro reflective straps to keep whatever pants I'm wearing out of the chainring. I look for jackets with adjustable cuffs to keep cold out or let ventilation in as needed. I wish I could find jackets with more ventilation, like gusseted zipper on the back or under the arms. I like day glo when I can find it, and I just add my own 3M reflective tape, available from any safety supply house.
izgod really has it! I'd add for jackets regular side and chest pockets with zippers ... I always look for a snuggish fit and longer than average (but not so long as to get caught on the seat). Sometimes I do well buying one size smaller than I would for regular clothes and going "tall" in sizing. Gloves that go a little further up the wrist are good. Regular clothes are fine for the most part. I use a brooks saddle so I don't need bike shorts except for long rides (over an hour for me). If I wear bike shorts I usually just put them under regular clothes and plan to change to non-sweaty underwear after the ride.
Good Luck!