The way you dress can definately affect the way the audience reacts to you.
For my non ren faire shows, I wear a black utility kilt with a fitted vest and sleeveless shirt.
There is no mistake- I am not one of the normal people walking around. Immediately, something different is expected of me. People start talking about "that guy in the skirt". Add that to my partner Sylver in her cabaret outfits, and a lot of anticipation is created just from us walking in.
When we finally get to the stage, people are ready for us to do something. They aren't sure exactly what, but they are ready for something. It helps people to relate to us as well. By standing out from the crowd, we are immediately recognisable when we hit the stage. Because they recgonise us, they already feel on some level that they know us, even if we havent spoken to them.
The costuming also can make us more approacable. It gives folks something to ask questions about insetead of starting up a conversation cold.
So...Always dress apart from everyone else, dress to match your stage personae, and if you wear a kilt, be prepared for questions as to your choice of undergarments.
The answer- They can find out after the show, but it will cost extra. Especially to you sir.

Just a couple of costuming pics for the curious-
My "Uniform" on stage before performing a blockhead routine with a bracelet glowstick
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v636/g......7670.jpg
One of Sylver's cabaret costumes while standing on my head in the bed of glass
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v636/g......7606.jpg

Gwyd
Random question from an audience member:"Gwyd...Why do you wear a kilt?"
Me: FREEEEEDOM!!!

Style - just style. Different for everyone and it will affect reactions. You have it right when people spot you in a parking lot as "the Magician" when they haven't seen you before. I remember when I started years ago with a company asking about their dress code. The HR was a little nervious and told me that "pants are optional" Not being able to pass up a good line I replied "if it's all the same to you I would prefer wearing pants" When I ran into the Exec a few years on she still couldn't help blushing when she saw me.
John

Hi,

Yes clothes affect our magic and the meaning of our magic. Every detail is important. You can be elegant or not.

magicially yours,

Nedim Guzel

Yes, I think definatelly clothes affect your magic, but is not so much the color itself, is the color combined with the style and what you are trying to tell to your audience, for example, I often do magic on clubs and discos, so, I dress fashion-like, nice dressing shirt, good pair of jeans and go with classy, cool, yet fun effects, if i´m in school or just hanging around with friends, I prefer casual t-shirt and relaxed clothes, and I try to transmit that in my magic, other thing is that dark colors and patterns are good to hide some stuff like I-T-R and stuff

Antonio
Welcome to the magic Café. Even if you are casually dressed there must always be something about you that says you the magician. One time my wife, and I were at the airport, we say a woman that was built, and dressed just like my wife, who walked over to us, and told my wife how good she looked.