I am going to take a different tact here.

Why did her mentor suggest that what she was wearing was not professional, and that she should be wearing something different?

Second question? How does what she currently wears reflect her unique personality and performance persona?

The reason I ask is because in magic we are taught that a certain type of attire is expected or appropriate, when it is a matter of individual character.

Despite what anyone tells you, she should be wearing clothing that she is comfortable in, that reflects her as a person and edifies her performance persona/character. If the attire (and this goes for everyone) does not do that, then it fails to serve it's primary function.

The costume is meant to be the visual reflection of what is inside. An audience should be able to know who you are and what you are all about from the moment they see you. Quite honestly, from the picture you posted I don't know anything about this performer. It is very bland. It looks like every other would be magician out there, and that is NOT what you want. She needs to stand out, what she wears should say "HERE I AM, and this is WHO I AM."

Whether that is jeans and a t-shirt, or a satin dress, the function and goal is the same.

PM me and I will be happy to share some specific examples.

Thanks gsidhe for your response.

Big Daddy Cool I took you up on your offer and emailed you.

Thank you both!

I will admit that is not the most flattering picture of her suit, but all the pictures I had of her in it usually involve a child, or it is covered by a silk.

I think her outfit is cute. What’s more magical than sparkles? I don’t see it as bland either. Lots of magicians wear dark outfits. If people just want her to wear something skimpier because she’s a girl, I think she should ignore them. Honestly, I don’t know why anyone would have a problem with this outfit. So you’ve got a well dressed and talented young lady performing; I mean, honestly, what is the problem here?

If it was a guy wearing a similar outfit, I seriously doubt you would have heard such a comment. It sounds to me like she’s doing just fine just being herself.


Holly

Thanks Holly for the support! Your response is greatly appreciated.

BCD, again thank you for your in-depth email and advice. You definitely gave us some reassurances and a reminder that we needed to stay true to our daughter, not what others think.

To everyone that responded, again, thank you! Time to start worrying more on the magic-- than on the clothing. With that said, its off to get ready for this weekend's job by setting up for rehearsal!

Warm regards,

Kristen

As the wife and sometimes assistant to a magician here in the UK I must tell you that it's "conservative elegance"...make sure that outfit makes a splash!
You may want to go online and search online specialty dress makers, especially for what you call in the states "reenactment" or the sort..you'll find they make amazingly beautiful dresses!
Best of Luck to You! By the way, where do you reside? It's the tastes in your area that may also dictate what you choose.
Delores

Fishnets?
All kidding aside (and I hope no one here seriously thinks I would suggest fishnets for her). There was absolutely nothing wrong with her attire based on the picture shown. It is entirely "professional looking" (whatever that phrase means). If se is comfortable and, like BDC said, reflects her as both person and performer it is perfect.
I threw in that fishnets comment because te discussion reminds me of an incident from my childhood. I was watching "The Magic Land of Allakazam" and my grandmother turned off the tv in mid-show because she was scandalized by how much leg Nani was showing. Now those of us who remember of seen pictures of her from the show know that even by early 60s standards her costumes were tasteful. I guess my point in bringing that up is, "There's always somebody who won't like it"

I'd ignore this. For one thing, you don't know who called, and for another, you don't know what they meant by "not magician-like enough." If it was that important to the caller, he or she would have been more specific.

BDC was absolutely correct in that a performer's wardrobe needs to reflect the persona wearing it. From what I saw of the photo, she uses some colored props too, so I'm very-wild-guessing it's a "regular" magic act and not a period or character act. The blue sparkles look fine in the photo, but the real questions are, how does she look in dark blue? Would she wear dark blue when dressing up? Does she look comfortable in the suit? Is she playing her age or pretending to be older? It's all about the character and what the character would wear.

One thing you could do is find a local four-year college with a good theater department and go talk to the resident costume designer. He or she could give you both some good suggestions. You don't have to accept the suggestions, but they'll give you something to think about.

Aside from that, it sounds like she's doing great!