Cycling wardrobe

Cycling shoes, skullcap/buff.

I wouldn't buy both sealant spray and a puncture repair kit.
Perhaps buy an ordinary backpack and a reflective/waterproof cover? Or is that what you meant?

What are you planning to wear under the waterproofs - working clothes? To keep your legs dry you could buy some waterproof overtrousers. As Monty Dog pointed out, you'll tend to get sweaty.

A pair of glasses is a good idea for cold/wet weather. You can get basic clear-lens glasses from DHB (Wiggle) or on eBay for not much money.
Lights are absolutely essential at this time of year: far more so than a helmet IMO.
You'll probably also need some tools for minor adjustments - chain lube and the like at a minimum.

Dont underestimate the usefulness of armwarmers and a windproof gilet. Ive recently come to the firm conclusion, after collecting lots of various tops and jackets since I started cycling some years ago, that "less is more" as Ive alwasy tended to overheat in anything too substancial. So, perhaps a Windstopper softshell rather than a waterproof for wehn its really cold, and the aforementioned decent base layer/short sleeve jersey/arm warmer/gilet combo for maximum versatility. In fact, some of the windproof short sleeve jerseys are great (DHB on Wiggle) with armwarmers, meaning you can sometimes not need the gilet either.

This took me years to realise, and only after Id spent loads on long sleeve jerseys and waterproofs which always left me hot and sweaty. Today my most used kit seems to be a short sleeve Gore Ozon windproof jersey, an Endura FS260 Pro Jetstream windroof long sleeve jersey (Mk2's available for @ £40 on line if you search) and now a Craft Elite Weather short sleeve jersey which also claims to be showerproof (a la the Castelli Gabba jersey but much, much cheaper). Since using these (often with armwarmers) Ive been way more comfortable on the bike...

Oh, and +1 for mudguards, and a packable waterproof jacket (Altura pocket Rocket mk1 @ £45 on Wiggle) just in case it really starts to come down mid-ride...

I kept shoes, belts, and other items that don't need washing at work.
Also comb, deodorant, and extra underwear (in case I forgot to pack them....).

In warm weather, having rain gear just causes more perspiration - so you get wet regardless.

I used a lightweight backpack with a waterproof 'stuff sack' inside.
Don't bother with cycling shoes for such a short commute - wear shoes that are walkable, and not be hurt by water.

Ask if there is a utility closet, or furnace room where you can hang wet things.

Jay Kosta
Endwell NY USA

Let us know what you've bought after a month of commuting, that'll be useful to share.

This is a 2x 4 mile ride. There are 2 ways to do it, either ride hell for leather and spend 15 mins cooling down, or pootle along and take an extra 15 mins, then stroll to your desk. Think about the time/faff of getting dressed up for the ride vs time in the saddle.
Personally I dont feel the need for much cycling gear over 4 miles, not padded shorts or arm/leg warmers. Generic hiking gear is generally more useful. The best source is probably GoOutdoors
Wear some wicking T-shirt style base layers.
A bright, reflective windproof outer for dry days and a similar waterproof for wet days. Waterproofs get clammy whatever the makers claim.
A neck buffs and waterproof footwear are winter essentials. For short rides, simple w/p shoes are quicker than porous shoes and neoprene over-booties.