Suits you sir! What to wear.
When I started doing magic it was all about looking professional and smart, almost as if I was going to the office. I still see magicians dressed like estate agents.
What you should wear is not a one size fits scenario, it actually depends on what style of performer you are and the image you want to project. However, I still think you should look clean and professional regardless of the outfit, this includes clowns. A cheap unwashed clown outfit looks exactly like that.
I have played with my stage outfits considerably, from bold tartan to black tails. I just wanted to see if the audience would react in a different way. I have previously found people immediately liked me when I came on stage, I wanted to see if I could push them away more at the start and then bring them round to my world. In theory they will have been on a longer journey. An idea I got from Stewart Lee.
Look Professional:
There are three simple rules to looking professional avoid cheap materials, and make sure your clothes fit correctly and they are clean. Artifical fabrics tend to crease and wear quicker than natural fibres and also don't hold their shape as well, so err towards cotton and wool and you will not go far wrong. As for fit, obviously not too small and not too big. Fashion comes and goes so I suggest it more practical to think about your comfort on stage than current trends. For example, the current trend for a slim fitting suits and shirts may make you feel unrelaxed or restrict access to your pockets. Talking of pockets, don't stuff them full of bulky items, your smile should be enough to let them see you are pleased to see them.
Colour:
Despite being artsts, on the whole magicians tend towards the safe colours but this is where you can give a visual hint as to what the audience can expect from you. Safe colours such as Navy let the audience know there are in capable hands, whereas a Red suit is a natural warning. A good way of introducing character without going gaudy, is to just add a flash with ties, shoes, socks and even watch e.g a yellow or orange tie would hint at playfulness and fun.
Patterns:
I'm a tartan addict and have been since childhood, somehow it does match my personality. Printed shirts and patterned jackets are an excellent way to stand out as an entertainer, sophisticated pin stripes will pin you down as serious, a classic plaid or subtle polka dot as energetic. Usually, if you are willing to push a bolder pattern you will probably be more extrovert so it is a natural match.
Uniqueness:
Clothes can enphasise your character and nodd towards uniqueness, mystery and make you seem more interesting. Whether this is an accessory like a piece of jewelry, (I wear a multicoloured Lego watch) or loud socks or even odd shoe laces it will add a bit of curiosity. For this reason I avoid brands and labels, I want people to wonder about me, not to tell them.
Footwear:
I'm a bit of a facist on this one. Proper shoes, no trainers, flip flop or sandals please. Laces or monk shoes for men, ladies nothing that looks too painful. As I have said before shoes and laces can be used to express your self, and I think you can still have fun with footwear without looking like you have come from the running track or beach. I see too many performer be lazy with their choice of shoes, it lets their whole appearance down.
Bottom Line:
Have fun according to your persona but maintain a standard of quality. Experiment, clothes not only help what you project outwardly but also how you feel on the inside.
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