There doesn't seem to be any set rules to go by. Once upon a time it was a top hat and tales. Not so long ago it was a dark suit and tie. These days anything goes, that seems to include nudity.
I don't know weather this is a good, or a bad thing, and until recently I didn't give it much tought, but the subject came up in a dicussion about Blackstone and Houdini. I wonder if anyone else tought about this when they came up with there style of dress?

Check out my user picture. That's exactly what a magician looks like.

Some say to dress a notch above your audience.

For me depends on venue, your character and style of performing.
When I say this I think of Juan Tamariz, Mac King, Harry Anderson.

To answer your question. Yes, I considered it while keeping in mind my age and character background.

The magician is the oddest dressed man in the room.

Funny, but true.

I was walking up the drive way at a house last halloween, a lady looked at me in an odd puzzled way, I announced "I know what you're thinking, You're thinking you have a costume and this is what I wear every day." she was amazed I could read her mind but....... what else could she have concocted in a half a second except for an observation of how I was dressed.... silly lay people, don't they know we can Cold-Read with the best of them?

I am not stating this to make anyone mad; this is just my opinion… When I see magicians copying Chris Angel’s appearance, what comes to mind is a dirty early 90’s hair band rocker. And when I see magicians in strange bright colored suits and vests, to me they look like bad parodies of magicians. I suppose if they really had a character that must dress this way, I would be OK with it… most do not. Again I am not trying to insult anyone.
Thanks,
Bruce

I guess I fall into the bad parodies of magicians... The majority of my jackets I wear on stage are semi- flashy. They all have a few sequins on them. I even have a jacket with tails that I purchased on e-bay. It belonged to a ringmaster of a circus. I guess it's a good thing I have a comedy show...
Bob.

Dr Delusion,
Hey, if it works for you and it makes you happy, go for it. My other gripes are the bad colored suits that are not cleaned nor pressed and worn with ratty tennis shoes. And while I am at it pre-tied bow ties and novelty ties should be suspect.
Thanks,
Bruce

Bruce
I am very big on flashy colors, but my wife tells me how to mix, and match them. I always wear all black sneakers, and black sweat socks, but I juggle, so I need to be able to move.

Al,
You make a very good point, check with your spouse or someone you really trust before you leave the house. From what I see of your picture, your attire looks great… your shirt fits and your tie and braces (suspenders) don’t clash. I am fine with color; it is when one looks like a cartoon that I find it odd.
Thanks,
Bruce

It was not my intention to insult anyone. I truly apologize if I have done so. I would like to make this comment; I have been attending trade shows (electronics and building industry) for more years than I care to remember. I have seen more good magicians (dressed in tasteful suits or sports coats) given credit for having greater skills, than they deserved. And those with some tremendous skills (dressed very loudly) made fun of and dismissed as a joke by the attendees, because of their attire. I wish everyone well and that they can be the best that they can be.
Thanks,
Bruce

Bruce
This is magicians helping magicians. We are here to learn from each other. Please go to my web site, and let me know what you think of my wife's way with colors. LOL

Feel free to play the games on the cover page of my web site too.
http://www.juggleral.com/

Bruce, I agree with you 100 percent with making sure what ever you wear is clean and in good shape. There's another magician in my area that should read this. I don't know how many times I've done a birthday party show and afterwards have a parent or even one of the kids come up to me to say that they've seen this other guy perform and " boy, did he smell bad " . I've been close to this guy myself and the problem is his jacket. He always wears the same coat, and I don't think he's ever had it cleaned. I'm not on the best of terms with him, but I think maybe I need to find a way to let him know about the need to get his jacket cleaned.
Bob.

I spend $7 to $10 a week at the cleaner.

Al,
Thanks for sharing your website, I enjoyed my visit. Your attire fits your persona and works for me (not that you need my validation).

Dr. Delusion,
You are correct; there is no reason to be dirty regardless of what you wear. Cleanliness shows that you have pride and respect for yourself and for whatever it is you are trying to achieve. I know people hate to hear this, but the old saying is wrong, “books are judged by their covers.”

Thanks All,
Bruce

I am a little hesitant to think that sneakers are the best possible choice for a professional magician.

May I recommend the Cole Haan x Nikes? Cole Haan is the dress shoe company that Nike owns, and they have a line of dress shoes with Nike athletic footbeds. This would give the comfort and ease of sneakers while still looking very professional. One might find these pretty cheaply on ebay.

Nathanel
I also wear thick "gold toe" black sweat socks, and I find that they don't fit well under dress shoes, but your suggestion does have it's merrits, and I will look into it. I already have about 50 pair of these socks.
Thanks

PS- A very interesting looking shoe, but I will have to try a pair on first.

Natanel,
Are you a clothes horse or have spent time as a haberdasher? I was impressed by another post you made about Talbott ties. For larger guys like me, I would recommend Allen Edmonds shoes. They make some nice rubber soled dress shoes and they seem to fit those with larger and wider feet.
Thanks,
Bruce

To answer the question directly: Black tuxedo and top hat. Like it or not, no other costume is better for identifying one as a magician. It looks darn classy too. For marketing purposes you can’t go wrong, especially in the beginning of your career.

Copperfield, Angel, Blaine are all huge names and can wear anything they want. They command respect by name alone. Juan Tamariz, Mac King, Harry Anderson and Al Angello are good examples of entertainers that are in tune with their character and have created something unique with costuming. Until you identify exactly what your character is, or until you’re on TV as much as Chris Angel, a black tux is always a safe bet.

Ken
Thank you for the kind words, it takes one to know one. I use my top hat in my juggling act, and it has been part of my look for years. I go through about one a year.

I get my Jerry Garcia, Tommy Helfinger, and Piear Cardon ties from Marshalls, and the Burlington coat factory they are fine silk ties that sell retail for $35, and I get them for $12. I have one Hermes tie in my closet that I bought on ebay, I have never worn it, but I do look at it occasionally.