Eye rolls abound. I think some people don't understand the last three words of the thread title...
If people don't feel comfortable wearing certain clothes to cycle, that's okay. If it works for you to wear a sequined ball gown to cycle and you feel comfortable in that, then go for it... but don't be surprised when other people would rather wear jeans and a t-shirt or even just lycra. Because people aren't the same. And some people get heated even when they're not cycling fast. It just depends on the clothes, weather, elevation, and general level of exertion. It can't really be generalized.
Climate varies, obviously. I'm not a fair weather cyclist, so I go out in rainstorms and 107+ F degrees alike... I'm definitely going to be wearing practical clothing that still aims to be decorous to where I'm going. Spring here is like 72 degrees for like two days, then usually 85-110 for many, many months. So yeah, regarding comments like, "I'm from _____ country or I've seen whoever cycling in corporate attire." Cool! Me too - I've seen 'salarymen' cycling in a full suit. And eff it, you'd cycle too if you've been on the metro/trains there. But the major difference is that it was fall and they have lots of nice residential alleys to cycle through, whereas some people have to cycle in the street and fall is just a limited time of the year. So the expectation/attitude of, "I saw this and everyone should be exactly the same all over the world!" is kind of weird and disregards different situations.
Regarding my initial post, I meant I couldn't wear things like very long (mid-calf) cardigans and coats because they'd either get tangled up when I'm riding or just cause me to overheat, so I just opt for things that are comfortable, still relatively stylish, and doesn't unpractically flap around when I'm trying to cycle. In winter it's tricky because you don't want to wear a lot of clothes while cycling, and when you're off the bike, it's extremely cold so you'll definitely want the coat... and scarf... and boots. Not all clothes are decorous and appropriate. Like, I really like my hot pink sneakers for cycling but they're not really appropriate at work or coordinate well with the outfit, and I have a pair of boots that will work for cycling and walking around but they're not the best and I worry about ruining them, and I *do not* like to repurchase/shop too often and am highly picky. And no, I'm not going to stop caring about how I dress. I get that a lot of people here have such a 'free' life and attitude from such frivolous desires, but I like to look put together, and I don't even have a high bar for style, lol.
And no, not everyone wants to put a rack on their bike, get panniers, or wear a backpack just to go somewhere casually for an hour or two - but sometimes I will bring the backpack if needed. A lot of times I like to be minimalist and only carry my keys and phone around, but like... I'm not getting upset if other people want to carry a purse or backpack around, lol. When I worked at an office with shower/locker room facilities it's totally fine, but I recognize not everyone has the privilege of access to such facilities. I'm not going to cycle in flip flops because let's face it... that's stupid. As is cycling without a helmet. It had to be said. It's less about how it looks and more about practicality, especially in a city riding situation. You could damage your feet.
Regarding makeup, some people want to wear it, some people don't, regardless of their job situation. It's not that big of a deal. If you haven't worn it in a decade+ if ever, good for you. If you wear make up, also good for you! It really doesn't matter about what people think is expected of them at whatever job situation because people are just going to do what they're going to do. Some people want to look a certain way, some people don't care, and some people don't strive for perfection and accept a little frizz here and there, such as myself. You can't change other people by telling them stuff is 'optional,' lol. I think they know, but they're going to do what they want to do.
I don't like this weird standoffish attitude that some cyclists have, it can be off putting to both cyclists and the cycle-curious.