Most people dress comfortably in typical pedestrian clothing.
The masquerade is a costume competition with theatrical presentations lasting a minute or two. It is sort of like a fashion show where the models make the costume and create their own a theatrical presentation. As such we prefer ideas to showmanship and authors, artists, poets and song writers to media actors. Many theatrical elements of the con are added by amateur enthusiasts such as costumers and the occasional media person with family in Maryland. The earlier we get an idea the more likely we can use it.