Comic-Con Fashion Goes Beyond Star Trek Uniforms

Racked is no longer publishing. Thank you to everyone who read our work over the years. The archives will remain available here; for new stories, head over to Vox.com, where our staff is covering consumer culture for The Goods by Vox. You can also see what we’re up to by signing up here.

While the San Diego iteration of Comic-Con International isn't set in LA (yet), all of Hollywood drives down to promote what's new in the entertainment arts. It's a common assumption that most comic book professionals would be dressed like their fans -- in jeans and a sweat-stained t-shirt with a pair of worn-out New Balance sneakers, but we were surprised to see how many artists and creators arrived in style. Sure, the cast of Scott Pilgrim may have been the only people walking through the crowded convention floors in Phillip Lim frocks, but there were still lots of attendees who injected some chic into their geek.

Many of the gents were in full suits. San Francisco comic shop proprietor James Sime came to the con every day in a new outfit. Similarly, 30 Days of Night artist Ben Templesmith rocked a slim-fitting Ben Sherman suit matched with a skinny tie and Converse Chuck Taylors.

The ladies of Comic-Con weren't too slouchy, either. Writer Molly McIsaac kept things simple and sexy with a vintage dress, boots, and necklace, and enough skin to expose her Final Fantasy-themed tattoo. Booth babes Melissa Coats and Rebecca Pederson worked in simple touches -- like a neck bandanna added to a short-shorts combo (thank you Sookie Stackhouse for making the latter sexy and not trashy). We kinda fell in love with Jazlynne and her homemade Star Wars dress (from sheets) that she styled with electric blue flats.

It's probably still a few years away before Comic-Con develops a fashion-incubator scene like Sundance or Coachella, but attendees definitely took it a few steps closer this year. (Text and photos by Sina Grace)
· Comic-Con International [Official Site]