Steampunk is a genre that mixes elements of Victorian fashion , industrial design, and science fiction. It’s a popular theme for cosplay events, where fans dress up as their favorite characters from books, movies, and video games. If you’re a woman who wants to create a steampunk cosplay costume , this guide will show you how to do it successfully. From choosing the right costume to accessorizing with the perfect pieces, we’ll help you create a steampunk-looking cosplay that will attract attention and make you feel like a true Victorian adventurer.
Key points
🎩 Victorian Fashion : Use of lace, ruffles, silk and velvet for an authentic look.
⚙️ Mechanical elements : Incorporation of gears, pipes, brass rivets for an industrial touch.
🦾 Science fiction : Imaginary weapons and futuristic gadgets inspired by various universes.
👗 Clothing : Corsets, blouses, long skirts or pants with metallic accents.
👒 Accessories : Hats, goggles, brass and copper jewelry.
🥿 Shoes : Sturdy leather boots and shoes with mechanical elements.
🧤 Gloves and capes : Complete the look with leather gloves, capes or shawls for a romantic touch.
💄 Hair and makeup : Victorian hairstyles and discreet makeup with emphasis on the eyes.
💍 Jewelry : Add necklaces, bracelets, and watches decorated with gears.
🛠️ Creativity : Mix elements to create a unique and personalized character.
Understanding steampunk fashion to adapt it to cosplay costumes.
Steampunk style is a combination of fashion from the Victorian era but also from the Belle Epoque if you are French. The industrial revolution and its industrial design mixes with the science fiction of this era. It is characterized by the use of brass, gears and other mechanical elements that seem to come out of the British territory of the 19th century. This genre is inspired by the works of Jules Verne, HG Wells and other science fiction authors.
Steampunk is a fantasy world where the past and the future meet.
It allows great creativity and freedom of expression for cosplayers who want to create their own character. There is an obsession with being inspired and diverting characters from films like Star Wars or video games and other manga like kimetsu no yaiba to make retro futuristic cosplay.
Victorian era cosplay and fashion costumes.
The Victorian era style is a big part of women's steampunk . Costumes from this era are adorned with lace, ruffles, and luxurious fabrics like silk and velvet. Women's steampunk clothing is inspired by the Victorian era, where women wore long, fitted dresses, while men wore jackets and pants.
Industrial design cosplay, an essential steampunk costume.
Industrial design is another important element of steampunk. Mechanical elements such as gears, pipes, and rivets are often incorporated into costumes. Clothing is made from materials such as leather and brass.
Sci-fi cosplay
Science fiction is a key element of steampunk. Costumes and accessories can include imaginary weapons, futuristic gadgets, and advanced technology elements. It is common to mix universes such as The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, Star Wars, Kimetsu no Yaiba and other manga or Frankenstein's monster.
Choosing your steampunk cosplay costume
Choosing your steampunk costume will depend on your character and personal style. You can choose to wear a long, fitted dress, a corset, pants, or even a steampunk t-shirt. Here are some things to consider when choosing your costume:
The top of the costume: Corset, bustier or blouse.
Bottom of costumes: Dresses or skirts
A women's steampunk outfit like a dress or skirt should be long and cover your entire body. It can be decorated with lace or ruffles and should be made from a high-quality fabric like silk or velvet.
Cosplay pants or leggings
If you prefer not to wear a dress or skirt for a simpler cosplay, you can also opt for pants or leggings. These should be made from a high-quality fabric like leather or cotton and can be decorated with metal accents or mechanical details.
See the Steampunk Leggings for Women.
Simple costumes with a steampunk t-shirt.
You can also wear a steampunk t-shirt for a more casual look. These are often decorated with mechanical elements, futuristic designs.
Accessorizing your steampunk costume
Accessorizing is a key part of any successful steampunk costume. This can include items such as hats, jewelry and watches, belts and pouches, and boots and shoes.
Hats, goggles and costumes
Hats and goggles are key categories in any steampunk cosplay. Hats should be tall, with wide brims and a sleek shape. Goggles should be decorated with metal or other mechanical elements with colors that match the costumes.
Jewelry and watches for disguises and costumes.
Jewelry and watches are a great way to complete your steampunk cosplay. Jewelry should be made from materials like brass and copper, and should feature mechanical elements like gears. Watches should also be decorated with metal and mechanical details.
Cosplay belts and pouches.
Belts and pouches are practical accessories that can also add a steampunk touch to your costume. Belts should be made of leather or canvas, decorated with metal buckles and other mechanical elements. Pouches should be large enough to hold your accessories and should also have metal details.
Boots and shoes, items for stunning results.
Boots and shoes should be sturdy and comfortable, and should also add to the steampunk aesthetic of your costume. Boots should be made of leather and have metal buckles or laces. Shoes should also be made of leather and have mechanical elements like rivets. Costumes with boots that match the costumes give an incredible finish.
Gloves, cap, necklace, mask, helmet, hood, hat, bonnet, cape.
To complete your steampunk look, you can also wear leather gloves, a metal cap, a decorated necklace, a futuristic gas mask, a pilot helmet, a hood or a stylish hat. You can also add a cape for more drama.
Add the gum, there is never enough when it comes to Steampunk costume accessories. The more "stuff" you can load up, the cooler your costume becomes. Steampunk jewelry is one way to add more "stuff". I always get compliments on the jewelry and accessories I wear.
Think a necklace or choker, bracelet or wrist cuff, earrings or a large brooch/pin. Think lace or brass jewelry with motifs of gears, clocks, trains, hot air balloons, birds, insects, keys, globes and cameos. There is a lot of great custom jewelry on etsy.com with custom prices to match. I usually find good stuff at discount jewelry stores and even the supermarket... but we also created Steampunkstore for this purpose, it is so hard to find steampunk jewelry...
You can't have enough accessories and I really mean it... costumes, manga cosplay and fantasy costumes are all about as many elements as possible. To complete your steampunk look, you can also wear
You can also add a cape for added drama.
- A pair of fingerless gloves is a great idea. Lace or leather, mesh or velvet. Anything works!
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Leather gloves, a metal cap, a decorated necklace, a futuristic gas mask, a pilot helmet, a hood or a stylish hat.
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You can also add a cape or shawl instead of a coat for a nice romantic touch, especially on a more romantic Victorian costume than a Steampunk one.
- A wide band or several thin bands. Not only around the waist, but also as a shoulder holster, shoulder strap, thigh strap, wrist strap or bag handle. Belts are also not to be neglected.
- The gun: probably not a real one but a plastic or metal custom steampunk style revolver would be perfect. Mine is a "pirate" gun that I found at a Halloween costume sale. A little paint can turn any toy into a steampunk weapon.
Work on Hair and Makeup for a Steampunk Cosplay.
Hair and makeup are important elements of any successful steampunk cosplay costume. Victorian hairstyles, such as curls and buns, can add to the steampunk aesthetic of your costume. Makeup should be understated, emphasizing your eyes with a swipe of eyeliner and a touch of mascara.
Put it all together and make your cosplay.
Now that you have chosen your costume and accessories, it’s time to put them together to create a stunning steampunk look. Make sure your costume fits your body well and that all the accessories match well. Add mechanical elements like gears or pipes to create a more authentic look.
Need help with a steampunk cosplay?
If you need help creating your steampunk costume, do not hesitate to contact professionals or specialized online stores. You can also send an email to ask questions or ask for advice.
Steampunk cosplay is a fun and creative way to immerse yourself in a fantasy world and create your own character. With the right tips and accessories, you can create a unique and impressive steampunk cosplay. Remember to have fun and express your creativity!