How to get into Steampunk Fashion?

Summary

Fashion blog for this article, welcome vaporist.

As its aesthetic evolution progresses, steampunk increasingly establishes its "marks". This fashion has evolved a lot through literature and cinema, and now through the internet and social networks.

It continues to evolve, especially thanks to the new arrivals of Steampunk , who will bring their personal touch. But where to start when you discover all this melting pot of culture?

Key points

  • 🕰️ Literary and Cinematic Inspiration : The characters and universes of Jules Verne, HG Wells, and films like "Mortal Engines" are great sources of inspiration.
  • 👗 Victorian Fashion : Incorporate Victorian fashion elements such as corsets, frock coats, and waistcoats to create an authentic foundation.
  • 🚫 Avoid Clichés : Don’t feel obligated to follow classic steampunk symbols if it doesn’t fit your vision.
  • 🎨 Diverse Colors : Use a diverse color palette beyond traditional browns and coppers.
  • 🔀 Mix of Genres : Integrate elements of other styles (pirate, medieval, fantasy) for a unique steampunk look.
  • ♻️ DIY and Recycling : Promote hand-made and recycling for an ecological and economical approach.
  • 🎩 Key Accessories : Accessories such as hats, goggles, and gloves are essential to complete a steampunk outfit.
  • 🔧 Customization : Personalize each element of your outfit to tell a story or add a unique touch.
  • 🎬 Evolution and Popularity : Steampunk fashion is evolving and gaining popularity, particularly thanks to films and social networks.
  • 🌍 Community : Steampunk encourages the creation of a community of enthusiasts who share ecological and artisanal values.

Take inspiration from literature and cinema.


Steampunk fashion is a real-world reproduction of what can be found in literature of this genre. It's simple, take inspiration from the characters of Jules Verne and HG Wells , contemporary authors, graphic novels (comics, Manga), anime and cinema (Miyazaki, Sherlock Holmes, Back to the Future 3, Around the World in 80 Days and recently Mortal Engines), some TV series (Dr Who, Murdock, Penny Dreadful...). The references of the genre are scattered and numerous.



Base yourself on the Victorian era.


Dress in Victorian fashion and accessorize, divert, mix genres. Queen Victoria's England is the cradle of the industrial revolution , so it is no surprise that Steampunk, which is a fantastic version of it, is largely inspired by Victorian fashion. In fact, many steampunk novels set their uchronia at this time. In fact, all you need is a strong element in period style: a corset, a frock coat , a waistcoat, a bustle, a long skirt, a military jacket, a jodhpur or riding pants, a flight jacket, etc. Draw on historical iconography (period photos and engravings, fashion books, advertising, catalogs, antiques, etc.). The Internet and social networks ( like Pinterest ) are rich in images.

How to get inspiration from the Victorian era for your steampunk outfit?


Get inspired without falling into cliché.


Steampunk fashion is about creating an outfit that enchants the senses, entertains the wearer, and engages the viewer. Don't feel compelled to shy away or respond to the appeal of an outfit just because you're afraid it's not Steampunk enough. You can break away from conventional Steampunk symbols (goggles, octopus, gears, watch) if they don't fit your outfit or fit the vision you want to project of your character, your personality. Steampunk is a style that is lived as much as it is worn.

Don't fall into the steampunk cliché



The colors of steampunk.


There are no "steampunk colors" like there are "gothic colors." Contrary to what some people have claimed, Steampunk is not limited to browns (leather), black and white, copper colors or metals in general. Apart from neon, all colors can be Steampunk, or more precisely, Steampunk can be adorned with all colors. There will always be a justification for the colors you have chosen and that you like to wear.
Steampunk is set in a world of advanced technology during the Industrial Revolution, so it's possible to have bright colors and intricate machine-made designs on a wide variety of objects.

steampunk colors with a smile



Have fun mixing genres.


You have the right to like other genres. 17th and 18th century fashion, pirate style, medieval, fantasy, the Roaring Twenties, the Western , etc. Steampunk enjoys mixing genres and reinterpreting them. Cultural amalgams are welcome (Oriental, Native American, African, Arabic and Persian, Inuit, Russian, etc.).
All genres can be explored, created, reworked and developed in this spirit. This is what makes Steampunk fashion a laboratory of diversity and creative expression. Have the spirit of bargain hunters and second-hand dealers to find treasures at a lower cost.

How to mix gothic and steampunk?



DIY (do it yourself).


To accentuate the old and retro look, rummage around, recycle, go to garage sales , and make your own outfit items. 88% of French people think that the sharing economy creates social bonds and puts people back at the center of the economy. Steampunk is ecological and social in this respect: everything can be used to make your costume. There is no shortage of DIY (Do It Yourself) tutorials on the Web, both for clothing and accessories. Creation combines intellectual and manual work. Steampunk enthusiasts do not reject modernity; they adapt it to their convenience. They know very well what consumerist world they live in, which is why they develop their costumes and accessories in an ecological and artisanal approach, a real community of bargain hunters . They visit thrift stores, military surplus stores, go to flea markets, and unearth treasures at scrap metal dealers. They tinker with the past, mend the old-fashioned, and transform an ordinary plastic object into a unique artisanal piece! Of course, there are still boutiques and specialist shops if you don't have the time or simply don't want to get your hands dirty (whistles).

DIY steampunk mechanical parts



7: Accessorize (glasses, watches and others)


It's the accessory that makes everything. It must be consistent with your outfit and your character, also called Steamsona . In this area, imagination is king. As in the 19th century, you don't go out without a hat , unless your hairstyle is very elaborate. The models are very numerous and it is easy to customize them. This goes from simply adding details to making them the support of a story. Shoes and boots are just as important. Gaiters can simplify and diversify footwear needs at a lower cost. Gloves, mittens and anything that decorates the hands can change a character trait. What the hands hold is also important: cane, umbrella, pistol, rifle, etc. Whether you are armed or not, there are countless sets of holsters and straps, not to mention belts. And of course, you can use luggage variations, from handbags to suitcases, from jewelry, medals to sets. If you are a handyman, you can still add mechanical wings, various devices that will make you look scientific or martial, portable machines made of copper, brass and leather, which produce light or steam effects.

Is steampunk style going mainstream?


Of course it is becoming more democratic, and the release of a film like Mortal Engines for example is a sign of this, but let's not exaggerate, steampunk is not yet mainstream. So there is still time to get started and amaze with your style or even inspire others.

See you soon, vaporist, and thank you for sharing the article to democratize this unique and flamboyant style that is steampunk!

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