Anyone who thinks the life of a writer is glamorous has been watching too many movies or too much Castle. In fact, most of the writers I know who don’t have to leave their house for day jobs or to take their kids to school spend a fair amount of time in sweats or pajamas. Their clothes have coffee stains and wrinkles. Their footgear is more often slippers or socks than heels.

But once a year, for the Edgar Awards, the ugliest award on the planet brings out the beautiful side of the mystery-writing community. Even I stuff myself into fancy clothes and head out for the evening. So without further ado, here are some of the fashions on display at the Edgars 2014: