Some are saying that the poll is rigged because I’m only showing pictures of dresses. So in the interests of fairness here are what the other High Voltage ConFusion clothing options look like:
The mighty zoot suit
Who can not love it’s exaggerated shoulders? The lurid colours? The delicious saxophone wail that you are sure to hear everywhere you go?
I will admit that this is not the best example of the zoot, but I am trying to get books written, you know! I have a vivid memory of Kid Creole (of Kid Creole & the Coconuts fame) attired in a lime green and black one. Exquisite!
The purple jump suit 
Because what other colour could a jump suit possibly be? Plus can double as pyjamas. Who would not look adorable wearing it?
Elvis’s gold lame suit
Do I even need to explain why this is the best suit of all time? A billion Elvis fans cannot be wrong.
I do have a sneaking suspicion, however, that it only truly looks good on Elvis himself and that anyone else wearing it will be a bit trag. But then I don’t think anyone but Elvis is allowed to sing “Suspicious Minds”. Mmmm . . . Elvis.
Skirt and top
In theory, far less exciting than a ball gown, and, yet, look what Vivienne Westwood does with it! Splendificerly wondrous fabulosity! Imagine the grand entrance you’d make swishing into a con dressed in this ensemble? Those boots! Those colours! That fabric! Does anything beat silk taffeta? Westwood doesn’t think so. She says you can wear it straight from your suitcase. No need to hang it. I just question how big the suitcase would need to be . . .
How to choose between them all?
Don’t forget the dress piccies here and here.
Mmm . . . clothes.
It’s heartening that you are all so solidly behind my going out and being a conspicuous consumer. Fortunately most of these outfits are not available new and must be purchased from vintage clothing providores, or, you know, stolen from museums . . . (Not that I would do that, because stealing is wrong.) So, it’s really recycling and very environmentally sound and not conspicuous consumption at all!
What a good world citizen I am. Oh, hush!
Now, see, that’s my theory, too! If you buy it from a vintage shop, the good-for-the-earth-ness outweighs any possible downsides. (Like price, for example.)
As an aside, I just read Skin Hunger (per your recommendation) and LOVED it! Every time something from one story appeared in the other, and when I realised the actual stakes…gah! Much uneasiness and tension and startlement, also great anticipation to know what happens next. ‘Tis an excellent book and everyone should go out and read it.
~Mary
I’m sold. It is the Westwood combo for me so far. Perfect for an SF convention. You’d probably win hall costume prizes.
uh, so Scott’s not wearing the zoot suit?
isn’t the con a choreographed musical? he needs something he can dance in.
i love the ‘sf is dead, look a the short fic mag decline’ song and dance.
Mary Elizabeth S.: Now, see, that’s my theory, too! If you buy it from a vintage shop, the good-for-the-earth-ness outweighs any possible downsides.
Absolutely. The problem is finding something in your size in a vintage shop. Even the fanciest ones are very hit and miss.
So pleased you loved Skin Hunger!
Cheryl: I’m sold. It is the Westwood combo for me so far. Perfect for an SF convention. You’d probably win hall costume prizes.
If you were in England you could break into the Victoria & Albert and steal it for me!
Oh man… I would totally wear that zoot suit to the convention….
Hell, if I had it, I would just wear it around the house…