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We are probably agreed that brightly coloured ties and waistcoats displayed playing card patterns are very uncool. But what is generally acceptable? I've got some "four aces" cufflinks and a nice black skull/ace of spades t-shirt, but that's about it.

Also - where's the best place to get classy jackets with deep pockets?

www.classyjacketswithdeeppockets.co.uk

Really though - do you think there's a special shop that sells them?! Why not just pop to M&S and ferret around instead. These kinds of things are so hard to recommend. Really they are.

Actually I used to have an outfit loaded with sequins, a playing card pip theme and shimmering cape (think Elvis) that actually lit up... granted, it was the 70s and disco was huge and glitz expected (did I mention the 4" stacked shoes?)

Costume depends on the who and what you plan on being. Pop Hyden has become your classic confidence man vs. the clean cut comic he was a few short decades ago (when we were but kids). Billy McComb exploited his UKness in his latter years as have many others you all exported our way, because it works here... but according to a couple of my chums on that side of the pond, it works over there as well -- Brits love to laugh at themselves while American's think they are only supposed to laugh at everyone but themselves

So the question you need to ask is WHO AM I?

Knowing the kind of magic you prefer to do most will help; it helps on many levels because you will become more focused and thus, more specialized in what it is you will allow yourself to do that defines that image or character; everything from the type of effects you perform and any special requirements they may have when it comes to costuming, to the type of venues and income you see yourself fitting. The old saying being to dress a pay grade higher than your audience whenever possible and at minimum, their equal... that is, if you aren't heading towards a specific costume for a specific reason.

The other rule of thumb for people just starting out; model your look off of the people you look up to the most that are of the level of success you want to be at in the next 3-5 years. By learning to mimic the look and essence of such people (and I'm not saying to do an "impersonation" mind you), the more you will psychologically start connecting with the energy that allowed them to prosper. That's why military and business leaders study the books and records of others that were successful in their field -- it's a model!

So think it out and simply start carving out your niche.

Duplicity wrote:www.classyjacketswithdeeppockets.co.uk

Really though - do you think there's a special shop that sells them?! Why not just pop to M&S and ferret around instead. These kinds of things are so hard to recommend. Really they are.

Dude you are WAY too cheeky! I went into M&S and asked for a classy jacket with shutes built in and they didn't know what I was talking about. Outrageous! Don't they train these people?

I dress in everything from formal sutis to edgy streat wear..and that includes misc. special requests for gambling themed dress, old vintage dress, etc.

I dress as the client requests...and I help the process along by having them tell me about their event, its overall theme, and what the attendants will be wearing...from there I dress accordingly.

I don't really like anything that shouts out magician. When I'm performing, I like to dress as nicely if not nicer than I'm expecting the audience to be dressed. For most performances I'll wear a nice cocktail dress, if it's a very relaxed do then I might dress down slightly but usually I'll be in a cocktail dress.

Also - where's the best place to get classy jackets with deep pockets?

Make your own. Adapt the pockets by splitting the bottom of them and adding a toppit-like enhancement. You'll need to be fitting a toppit to your jacket anyway for some effects.

Morning coats (tails jackets) have hidden pockets in the tail which are fairly deep

arseless chaps

Yowza, I'm not going to ask where you pull the rabbit out of...

Lady of Mystery wrote:I don't really like anything that shouts out magician. When I'm performing, I like to dress as nicely if not nicer than I'm expecting the audience to be dressed. For most performances I'll wear a nice cocktail dress, if it's a very relaxed do then I might dress down slightly but usually I'll be in a cocktail dress.

Without attempting to get in to innuendo bingo or be personal, I am in awe of you working in a cocktail dress. I am afraid for walk around I have my pockets stuffed and would feel seriously under equipped with less than a couple of trouser pockets and a full quota of jacket pockets!

I wore a suit with a waistcoat and bow tie for all but one of the paid gigs that I've done, the other was quite relaxed so I ditched the waistcoat and popped a triby on my loaf of bread for a slightly more off the wall look.

For the two stand up acts that I've done, I've worn suit trousers and jacket with a t-shirt and the trilby.

I usually wear a black suit with 3 quarter length jacket, some black velvet gloves & a mask my assistant wear kinky boots... i've said too much.

I wear a suit and a nice shirt. Today I wore tracky bottoms and a painty t-shirt but that was in the local after work so the specs weren't too appalled. Full respect to Lommy for going out working in nowt but a dress, God knows where you put everything. I work fairly light but I still have cards, sharpie, back up ID, sponges (including one jumbo) some coins and a pot of jam, Killer Elite, some spare loops, rubber bands, erm flash paper and a TT, it all takes room.

Oh and Greedo is NOT JOKING about the chaps. He even cuts the requisite fabric out of his jeans at a casual meet. Shudder.

In magic, you hear so much about making a first impression and what weight that has. I have no doubt that he's remembered by all who see him!

Just a thought, please don't update the avatar!!!