Ah yes the perennial question of what to wear and how one’s sartorial elegance can be another’s dog’s blanket. Let me tailor a considered response for you.

As you will know, it is quite some time since I last performed to the great unwashed. But when I did, I, myself, developed a signature costume designed to make an impact before I even opened my mouth.  It was a twin-set complemented by a string of pearls, killer red stilettos and a rather cheeky peek-a-boo bra – though alas in my later years it was decidedly more of a boo-hoo affair.

But, of course, not everyone has the figure or élan to carry off such an ensemble so if you can’t wear something like that try something else.

When one thinks about it though, the poet has always stood out from the crowd, well except for TS who looked like the banker that he was, and very often their chosen couture complemented or even augmented their verse.

                                                                             

Take dear Oscar, a lovely boy by all accounts, dressed flamboyantly yet impeccably and certainly made a clothing statement that was perfectly attuned to his slick, witty, city verse. Whilst at around the same time in the states Walt Whitman deliberately adopted the wild looks of the hillbilly, the silly boy, though again he was perfectly reflecting the nature of his work.

Alan (Ginsberg) though a darling in many respects, was rather too quick to get his kit off in my view and honestly, does one really want to see an over-weight, middle-aged chap in the buff anyway? Especially as his dinkerly-dot looked like a shrunken, mouldy, badly-diseased prune.

As for the ladies, well Dame Edith (Sitwell) wrote abstract poetry whilst wearing distinctive richly decorated gowns, the occasional turban, a plethora of rings and sporting a proto-type punk haircut. Poor Sylvia (Plath) was an exception to the rule by adopting the look of an American college girl which belied her troubled soul. Whilst Carol Ann (Duffy) has a penchant for black, black, black and tends to look as though someone has either done something unspeakably smelly right under her nose or as if she's recalling one of her bad reviews - cheer up love, you're poet laureate!

Other interestingly dressed current poets, who make a visual impact before they speak, include AF Harold, who looks as though he’s a refugee from middle-earth, and the tartan clad Elvis McGonagall whose clever, ranting verse is quite at variance to his rather comic-Scotsman’s look.

Though undoubtedly, in my eyes, the most attractive and well-dress poet of the moment is Peter Crompton, with his boyish good looks, easy charm and snappy outfits he's sure win the heart of any girl or agony aunt, email me right away Peter (steady Ed).

For a look at what other poets are wearing peruse the Galleries or Poets’ Showcase on this site and, whilst you may think (as I do) that a lot of them should be locked up or transported to somewhere ghastly, it should help you decide on your own costume.

I hope all this is helping you dear, as, in conclusion I can only advise that you work out the type of poet you are and dress accordingly or not.

There that should do it, now back to the cocktails…

SS