A Book Signing... OMG!!!! What should I wear?!?!?!

So, I am still trudging along with book signings at the big box book stores almost every Saturday and Sunday.  It's fun and busy and I'm learning as I go.  There's one thing I hadn't given much thought to, though, until this morning: What should I wear?


Most of my book events of late have been squeezed in between work/school/social functions or commitments, so I've left home in the mornings dressed to suit all two or three appointments/engagements throughout the day.


Today was an easy day, however.  I had nothing "piggy-backed" on to today's book signing, and as I got ready to go, I found myself befuddled as to what to wear...


Should I look "authorish"?  I think that means something halfway between professorial and librarian.  Or perhaps "authorish" means Boho chic...  For a guy, I picture a tweedy blazer with leather patches on the elbows.

But what should women wear to signings?  The tone of my book is fast and funny, sassy and sexy, so a serious look or a suit doesn't seem to fit.  It occurred to me that it might be a good idea to dress like one of the characters in the book, but that would possibly only be effective with people who have read the book...?


Another thing I wonder about is hair and make-up.  Today I skipped the paint-by-number face and had the hair in a ponytail.  That's very natural and very "me", but I wonder if readers expect an author to look a certain way?

The only thing I am sure of as I go along is that I have greater success if I stand next to the signing table and say hello as people walk by.  They're more likely to chat (and buy!) than if I am seated behind a desk (I guess it seems I'm more approachable this way...).  So, because I stand for most of the time I'm at a signing, I have learned that comfy shoes are essential!