Hi mate I would get a good jacket, and ome sort of buff for your face throat. Riding in the winter like last year this year is very cold!! Get a hump for your pack it’s high vis and water proof. You ll see peopl in yellow jacket with a black pack on!
Bike wise go slicks but if you can at all get a commuting bike you’ll trash your main bike with the extra miles and road salt grit. Plus it will have to sit and fester in the day and night you dint want to be washing it every day.
It’s hard work but the difference to your fitness is huge, just remember to mix the pace and route as much as you can to seethe benefits.