Steampunk is a very popular aesthetic in popular culture right now, and it’s easy to see why. The aesthetic can be seen in films like Kitten Club, The Little Mermaid, and An American Werewolf In London, as well as TV shows like Outlander, Fringe, and Orphan Black. There are also books such as Seth Grahame-Smith’s Pride & Prejudice and Zombies, which we covered here.
What is steampunk? Basically, it’s a subculture that incorporates Victorian era technology with science fiction elements. It often has themes of alternate reality where steam-powered machinery operates in the present day. Needless to say, there are many different ways to incorporate steampunk into your wardrobe or home. Keep reading to learn more about this popular alternate reality style.
History of Steampunk
The term “steampunk” was first coined by K. W. Jeter in 1979, who used it to describe the combination of various Victorian era technologies and science fiction, as well as future-oriented imagining. In the 1980s, steampunk became a popular trend that was largely focused on science fiction. The aesthetic is defined by steampunk-themed gadgets, classic Victorian fashion, retro-futuristic architecture and even futuristic locomotives.
Steampunk’s history is often linked to cyberpunk because it started at a time when many technological innovations were occurring–such as computers and the internet–and they were widely speculated about in sci-fi literature. Like cyberpunk, steampunk also has a strong emphasis on technology and dystopias because many people see them as symbols of progress or resistance to modernity.
As of now, steampunk appears to be an evergreen trend that has been popular for decades. This could be due to its popularity in sci-fi novels like “Nineteen Eighty Four,” which provided a glimpse into what our future could look like with these alternate realities.
What is steampunk fashion?
Steampunk fashion is glamorous and timeless, as well as very versatile. It’s a popular style that can easily be incorporated into your everyday life, whether you want to dress up for an event or just want to wear something different.
The key to steampunk fashion is the Victorian-era technology mixed in with science fiction elements. Steampunk fashion tends to have a very gothic feel with layers of petticoats, corsets, and ruffles. The aesthetic also incorporates jet-black hair and dark makeup, while wearing hats that are often high and lacy in order to give off a Victorian feel. Due to its versatility, there are many different ways of incorporating this aesthetic into your wardrobe. Here’s a list of some alternate ways in which you can incorporate this aesthetic into your wardrobe:
Elements of Steampunk Style
Steampunk is all about being different, which is why it incorporates different styles and themes. Here are some of the elements of steampunk style:
-Black, brown, or red clothing
-Victorian-era accessories
-Hair that’s braided or tied back with a bow
-A monocle or goggles
-Mostly Victorian era technology, such as steam engines, airships, and clockwork devices
Popular Brands that Create Steampunk Clothing
Steampunk fashion is popular, but there are not many brands that exclusively create clothing and accessories that fall under the aesthetic. There are a few though, such as Dark Matter Clothing, ModCloth, and Madewell.
That being said, these companies definitely know what they’re doing when it comes to steampunk. They have styles for every price point, from high-end to low-budget.
Steampunk Makeup and Beauty Products
If you want to incorporate steampunk into your look, you may want to consider adding a few beauty products. For example, you could use eyeshadow in a metallic hue with silver or copper as the main color. You can also apply liner that includes a mix of black and brown in varying thicknesses to create depth on any eye color. If you have darker skin, use a purplish-red lip gloss to complete your look.
The above is just an example of some of the beauty ideas for this aesthetic that can be incorporated into your routine!
Where to find Steampunk Inspiration?
The aesthetic can be seen in a multitude of places. You can visit steampunk websites like SteamPunk.net, find steampunk clothing and jewelry on Etsy, and watch steampunk films to get inspired for your next project.
However, there are some other places you might not have thought of that are good resources for inspiration. One is the Internet Archive’s “Victorian Web.” The Victorian Web is a website that displays contemporary images from the Victorian era accompanied by an accompanying text. This site will provide plenty of ideas for how to incorporate the aesthetic into your projects. If you want to see what steampunk looks like in images, this is a good place to start looking.
Final thoughts
on steampunk
The aesthetic of steampunk is inescapable these days. There are so many ways to incorporate this style into your home! But why? What is the appeal of this fashion trend?
Some people like that steampunk can be very unconventional. It’s a style that is not easily categorized, so it offers a lot of creative freedom for individuals who want to experiment with their look. That’s one thing we like about it too!
Seth Grahame-Smith’s Pride and Prejudice and Zombies is our favorite book because it takes a pop culture classic and turns it on its head. It’s a book that has all the same ingredients as other books set in the Victorian era, but then introduces zombies into the story. This gives it an almost fresh perspective on the classic novel, which we love!
