Inside those nice running shoes you purchased is probably the most important piece of equipment when it comes to avoiding blisters. This would be your socks. As will be repeated in many of the clothing selections you will make, cotton is not desirable. Companies such as Balga (all my current socks are this brand) have a variety of thicknesses of running socks available, and once you try running socks instead of your standard cotton socks, you will appreciate the difference. Running socks tend to 'breath' better, keeping your feet cool and dry. This really helps to avoid blisters and keeps you comfortable. The thickness of sock you choose is based on personal preference, get a pair or two of a variety of thicknesses, run in them for a while, and decide which you find most comfortable. Also, it may be that as the weather changes you wand a different density of sock. In my case, I have thicker socks for cooler weather, and very thin socks for hot/wet weather runs.
The apparel available for your lower body comes in a huge variety, from full leggings to shorts/capris, and even running skirts! Gone are the days when running meant ultra-short shorts that risked getting you fined for indecent exposure. Go to any running shop and they will have a wide selection of clothing that can show or cover as much of your 'rear view' as you are comfortable with. Running shorts typically include a 'liner' that help provide a little support while the shorts themselves allow for a 'breezy' feel. Tights/leggings provide support for your leg muscles and can be helpful in avoiding chafing, but do not provide much in the way of modesty (perfect for showing off those firm runners legs). Running skirts (for girls, obviously) are a relatively new addition to the apparel industry, they typically include a spandex shorts liner connected to a flattering short skirt. This provides support and chafing protection while also making your rear and thighs a little less of a display. Whatever you choose, look for leggings that include Dri-fit, Duo-Dri, or other types of fabrics that wick moisture away from your body.
Sports bras are a concern for female runners, and are up there with socks on an importance factor. As will most of the other clothing, look for fabrics that wick away moisture from your skin. Moisture against your skin is uncomfortable and can lead to chafing. Before you purchase new sports bras, spend a minute confirming your appropriate bra size. This can be done at home with a tape measure or (my personal favorite) at many lingerie stores. Look for sports bras that have the stitching on the outside and smooth seams. Whether you choose a pull-over, zip-front, or clasp-back style is personal preference, although there some women with larger chests may feel they don't get enough support from the pull-over types.
Running shirts (sometimes referred to as Tech shirts) come in a variety of styles, so let temperature and personal preference guide your decisions here. Again, chose wicking fabrics to help you stay comfortable. These shirts come in long-sleeve, short-sleeve, and tank varieties typically. I tend to prefer a T-shirt/short-sleeve style for my warm weather runs, although my Team in Training jersey is a tank. In colder weather the long-sleeve shirts can help you stay warm and can easily be layered under jackets.
With these basic piece of equipment you are well on your way to comfortable (and stylish) runs. You can look at adding accessories such as belts that hold water bottles, wind breakers, hats, heart-rate/pace monitors, etc. as you progress in your running, but those are not necessary to get out on the road itself. I didn't add any of these types of items to my arsenal until I was running weekend runs of 6+ miles, when water stops may be a little harder to come by.
Well, get out there and stop traffic!
