One of things I've always said about being a professional entertainer is you should always dress appropriately for the job. To me, at least, this is a very important aspect of this business - looking professional.

Now, I guess if you're like Diki and only play for younger crowds, ragged-ass jeans, a T-shirt, unshaven, muddy work-boots, etc... is the way to dress.

For me, the crowds range 50 to 90 years of age, the songs are in the same age category, 1950s to early 1990s, and the dress code is a bit different. Satin shirts with matching satin tie, black trousers with razor sharp creases, and highly polished, black shoes. I usually have no trouble finding the slacks, and often at a reasonable price. Shoes you can find anywhere, but those satin shirts are pretty much an online deal these days. For the past couple years I've found them at Amazon

During the winter months, times when temperatures dip below my age, often beginning in mid October, I'll add a fancy vest to the attire. I found the best prices and best quality vests usually come from online uniform suppliers. The best selection I found over the past decade has been from Six Star Uniforms.

Some jobs require wearing a tuxedo - I have three of them, two black and one with a white jacket. They're rarely used, but by golly, they still fit - a little more snug than a decade ago, but they still look great.

Summertime jobs, when the temperatures are above my age, the only thing that really changes is the shirts. At this point, Hawaiian shirts, and some pastel Cubavera type shirts all go well at outdoor and poolside parties, and at the NH jobs where even indoors it's usually pretty hot.

The only time I get to wear shorts is for some of the Tiki Bar and Marina parties I perform, which are more casual than anyone can imagine.

Hopefully, some of the above links will be beneficial to members of this forum,

Gary

I've never seen a picture where you didn't look great, Gary...

My "go-to" clothes are typically a business casual approach. Khakis/polo shirts or hawaiian shirts are worn for the vast majority of my routine NH gigs. I will wear walking shorts and clean, white tennis shoes on the hottest days.

Tuxedos, suits, jackets, etc. all worn when suitable.

Jeans don't work for me, nor would t-shirts, sweatshirts, etc. The attire should fit the venue and always look neat and clean.

Muddy work boots? You are hitting that kickapoo joy juice a bit hard, Gary!

Thing is, yes, you dress up or down to accommodate your customers. Where I play, millionaires dress casually. Too hot for your dress code for starters! Most restaurants allow shorts, let alone don't require jacket and tie.

There is a completely different attitude when on vacation to city work functions, and of course one dresses appropriately. But ragged jeans, unshaven, and muddy work boots? What have you been smoking?

Just thought I would hit you with a zinger, Diki, before you hit me with one about being old and out of style - GOTCHA!

BTW: I actually do run across younger players who dress exactly as I described - muddy work boots, ragged-assed jeans, etc... Most played guitars at local, redneck bars at ear-bleed volumes.

Now, back to the Margarettas!

Cheers,

Gary

Dressing to suit their customers, Gary!

That's basically the way to go. Whether they dress up, dress down, or don't dress at all..! You want them to feel like you are a part of their 'crowd', whether it's black tie and tux or field boots!

You need to visit this fall when you make your sailing trip... I promise I'll take the work boots off before I come aboard!

I wish I would be sailing down this year, but too many jobs on the calendar to take off for six months again. And, Carol said if I did I would be making the voyage as a single man. I told her to not make promises she didn't intend to keep. I'll be out the hospital by tomorrow afternoon. Just kidding.

We'll probably drive down this January and spend a month of two in the sunny south. Hope to see you again.

Gary

Depends on the gig, Gary. If I was working in places with dirt floors, I'd wear work boots too...but they'd be "dress" work boots (with Yamaha logos)...gotta keep up an image.

Seriously, I usually dress in black, with a black cashmere jacket for the ritzier (and air conditioned) places...black dress pants, or black jeans if it's real casual.

Very few gigs around here you'd wear shorts, unless it's an outside job, like a barbecue or lawn party in the summer...but, I don't do outdoor gigs.

If not sure, keep it uncomplicated, wear pants and shirts that fit you good (no "old man's" bluejeans); but, no matter what you choose to wear, make sure the audience can see you are having a good time playing and that you are confident (and competent) in what you're doing.

Interesting topic.

Ian