The Boulder poetry scene has always been known for being on the cutting edge of fashion. From our earliest WildWest cowboy poets, to Ginsberg and his freaky Beat cronies, to the time Jewel may or may not have parked her van outside Penny Lane, this town is accustomed to chic wordsmiths blowing our minds with both their lyrics and their looks. Go to any of the many (maybe even too many) events on our calendar, and you’re bound to see some startlingly stylish individuals, leaving your mouth agape, asking questions like ‘it’s possible to look like that?’
What we’re wearing now is going to be what you’re wearing months or years or even decades from now. In fact, it’s already been a few weeks since the equinox and cuz we dragged our asses to get this guide posted, you’ve likely been left hanging with no idea for what you should be wearing this season. If someone has recently told you your outfit is ‘so spring 2025,’ or squinted in confusion at your clothing choices like you didn’t understand the assignment, or the only thing ‘drip’ about you is that engine thing Flatirons Subaru keeps reminding you about, our apologies. Let’s set things right by revealing what some of the most fashion-forward Boulder poets are wearing right now.
In early March we went up to the Flagstaff Overlook in Boulder, otherwise known as Panorama Point, on the day after like the only time it’s snowed this year. As with any attempted organization of poets, fate decided who would actually show up for the shoot. Luckily fate came thru and delivered 9 of our snazziest dressers in the scene. It was a two day shoot with photographer Andrea Becker gracing us with her talent and expertise the first day, and me following up the next day, scrounging up anyone who was willing from that month’s BAFS Second Sunday class at the library and doing my best with non-avian subjects as the sun set rapidly over the Flatirons. But no matter what amateurism I brought to the table, Andrea was able to salvage it later with her super pro editing skills, and so here ya have it – your guide to what to wear this spring, with a little expository flavor from each of the featured poets…
Virginia Shultz
“Vested Mountain Possibility”
What are you wearing?
Vertically-striped seersucker shirt, wool embroidered vest, wide-leg Levi jeans, mid-century grape cluster pin, custom-painted Rutsu Barefoot low-rise boot.
Is there a story behind any part of your outfit?
Wearing my “poetry shoes” that were a gift from CU Conference Services upon my retirement/rewirement in 2025. One is day, one is night and decorations include horses, bees, mountains, ocean, and flowers, including a sunflower!
Grape cluster pin with cloth leaves from 1940-1950, worn by my mother.
What’s a local poetry thing you’re really into right now?
Responses to artwork (Firehouse, Loveland Museum). Screaming at America readings. MANY Open Mics from Loveland to Denver, even 2 in one night!
Matt Clifford
“Distressed Safari Skater”
What are you wearing?
This fetching ensemble consists of the latest in Black Market Translation fashion designed by the inimitable Chris Eason and featuring Garfield going all Monday on a motherfucking cop (on sale now), paired with my undecorated veteran overshirt (more on that below), atop the classic black jeans and Vans look I have been rocking since doing it once as a teenager and nobody said anything
Is there a story behind any part of your outfit?
That green number was prethrifted from the Aunt Joanne donation line, circa 2008, Rochester, Minnesota, and approrpriately manufactured by Boundary Waters. It has been through holy and moly, passed around a veritable community of friends and warmwishers, is torn, stitched, stretched and sewn, smells a little and always comes home. It is my perhaps my favorite stitch of clothing ever and has great pockets!
What’s a local poetry thing you’re really into right now?
Taxes! I love being able to help poets with their taxes, it makes me feel so much better about being an accountant and lends an interesting vantage point to see how the “haves” my jobjob serves and the “have differentlies” I work with on the side approach financial matters. And more enthusiastically after that Boulder is a poetic destination in June and July for the Poetry Season of Naropa’s Summer Writing Program and Beyond Academia Free Skool’s Summer Camp Can I also obnoxiously promote my band(s) here? Personally I am into poetry that gets over the issue of words and for me that often comes out as music…
Black Market Translation:
- Every fourth Saturday at Mutiny Information Cafe
- May 31- Naropa, SWPicnic
- June 5- Punketry at Longmont Firehouse
- June 14- SWPunketry at Mi Chantli
- June 27- Punketry’s 9th Birthday Party at Mutiny
- July 5- BAFS Punketry at Wolverine Farm, Fort Collins
- July 11- Love Shovel Ranch, Nederland
- August 23- Boulder Bandshell (and always up-to-date listings on bandsintown)
Andrea Becker
“Earthy Eclectic Goblincore”
What are you wearing?
Brown knit skirt, wool-lined Bearskin boots, brown Northface pullover with a nice big pocket, and warm hat
Is there a story behind any part of your outfit?
Yes—my aunt bought me the pullover at a thrift store when I realized it was heavily discounted and brand new. After I got home I realized it was an XS but my aunt told me I have to keep it forever because of sentimental value. So I wear it even though I’m more like a medium.
What’s a local poetry thing you’re really into right now?
I can’t wait for the next 2 months of punketry! Also looking forward to checking out some of the writing groups at St. Mark’s in Denver. But also the springtime and the refreshed spirit that comes with it!
Jonathan Bluebird Montgomery
“You’re a Teacher?”
What are you wearing?
Black bandana, transition aviator glasses, Levi’s denim jacket w/ Folkmanis finger puppet American Robin and winged pig, yellow Boulder Poetry Scene t-shirt, jeans, black Nikes
Is there a story behind any part of your outfit?
Bandana: I have like 40 different colors, but black is the fallback cuz it goes with everything.
Pocketbirds: Robin is sign of spring (they’re here year round, but you start seeing them everywhere now)… Winged pig represents anything-is-possible.
Shirt: We put out these BPS shirts back in 2022, during a hustling phase. I never really tried that hard to sell them tho, and now I think they’re probably just for people who like wearing weird forgotten things with no context, so maybe just me and Matt Clifford. You can still get them here.
What’s a local poetry thing you’re really into right now?
Some new things I’ve enjoyed recently – third Thursday open mic at Tonic, Boulder Writing Circle at Ozo, Fireside Ink Writers, and Rachel Turney’s Poetry In Brief reading series on Zoom.
Cuz of teaching, it’s hard for me to be as involved this time of year. But we’re cooking up some BPS projects for the summer, like a big book of all BPS’s articles ever, just for historical archive’s sake. I also might be working on one of my FRCC student’s books, and Sarah Lee has something in the works too.
Marcus If
“70s Werewolf Professor”
What are you wearing?
Typical attire for a poetry event.
Is there a story behind any part of your outfit?
Three of the items are storied. The sport jacket is my ‘professorial’ tweed which implies I am prepared to edumacate ya. My new favorite limited edition shirt is from a British company called Loud Elephant that donates some proceeds to pachyderms. I bought that belt at a country fair in the Pocono Mtns when I was 14 and it still just barely fits, longest owned piece of clothing I wear.
What’s a local poetry thing you’re really into right now?
Beyond Academia Free Skool’s “Second Sunday” poetry workshops at the Boulder Public Library and planning for BAFS Summer Poetry Camp.
Jorge Figueroa
“Modern Pirate Swag”
What are you wearing?
fedora, sunglasses, sunset pink shirt, beaded necklace, creamsicle orange shorts, teal sneakers
Is there a story behind any part of your outfit?
I bought all of it after I threw away everything.
What’s a local poetry thing you’re really into right now?
Chicken dance mosh pits with Punketry.
Maggie Saunders
“To be Determined”
Squids
“Personal Uniform”
Maggie (written and possibly fictionalized by editor):
What are you wearing?
Scarlet shades, white butterfly earrings, red top, denim shit, jeans, black shoes (one rainbow laced)
Is there a story behind any part of your outfit?
One of the first butterflies you see in Colorado in the spring is the little white one, known as the Cabbage White. One March day Maggie was frolicking along the edge of the mountains being all artistic and whimsical and shit, and she suddenly lost her footing and started plummeting to the earth below. Just then a kaleidoscope of butterflies (this is official collective noun, look it up) came to rescue her. One butterfly on its own would be ridiculously incapable of saving her, but several million at once were able to cradle her body mid-air and flutter her back to safety. It was then that Maggie realized she needed to commemorate this new lease on life by crafting her own Cabbage White earrings, which are now taking the jewelry world by storm, and have inspired similar styles from Cartier and Tiffany’s.
What’s a local poetry thing you’re really into right now?
Maggie is the director of the Beyond Academia Free Skool. They just did their Poets on Pearl thing as part of Boulder Arts Week last weekend. They also do a workshop every second Sunday with different instructors at the Boulder Public Library. This summer they’ll be doing their annual summer camp in July, and a performance poetry event at the Boulder Bandshell in August. She also co-organizes Planet Disillusioned with Squids.
Squids:
What are you wearing?
Starfleet standard issue casual
Is there a story behind any part of your outfit?
Years ago I lived out of a shuttle craft, and, space being at a premium (lol) I had to minimize my belongings. The result – a look that is slightly too shabby for formal events, and slightly too formal for shabby events. Also, they say Einstein had a closet full of the same outfit because he didn’t want to think about anything but his work. I’m no genius, but my adhd doesn’t like to spend much time on fashion choices. Colors to match my Dudebabe ♾️❤️
What’s a local poetry thing you’re really into right now?
Planet Disillusioned: first Friday at the Coffee Stand. Poetry Jam meets sci-fi musical experimentation 🛸 ❤️
Cicada Musselman
“Comfy New Mom”
What are you wearing?
Mom jeans, mom overstretched black spaghetti strap tank, black nursing bra, burgundy comfy duster sweater, red and blue striped socks and brown leather doc martens.
Is there a story behind any part of your outfit?
This look is about layers for spring weather fluctuations and easy access to my tits for feeding my baby, as well as finally having jeans to fit in to feel like a real person, and the just stylish enough visible socks with boots.
What’s a local poetry thing you’re really into right now?
The main way I’m engaging in the poetry community right now is by organizing for Beyond Academia Free Skool, planning our Poetry Writing Marathon for National Poetry Month APril 12th at the Boulder Public Library 2-5 pm and gearing up for Summer Poetry Camp July 3rd-13th
Photography by Andrea Becker and Jonathan Montgomery. Article written by Jonathan.
Boulder Poetry Scene 