Steampunk is a subculture that has its roots in Victorian literature and aesthetics. This culture is broadly defined as an alternate reality where steam power plays a major role. In this reality, the industrial revolution continues into the modern era, with craftsmen drawing upon their knowledge of clockwork to come up with new inventions and mechanical devices. Steampunk outfits consist of clothing that has been reworked from existing trends and designs to fit the theme of this subculture.
In this blog post we will explore what steampunk costume is and how you can dress for the occasion. Steppelpunk is one of those genres that has blossomed in recent years and taken off like wildfire. It’s not surprising really – it combines some of our favorite things (machine parts, fashion, retro style) into something truly wonderful! And while it may seem like just another subculture at first glance, there’s actually quite a lot that sets it apart from other niche fads and fashion trends. Read on to learn more!
What Is Steampunk?
Steampunk is a subculture that has its roots in Victorian literature and aesthetics. This modern fantasy takes place in an alternate reality where steam power plays a major role. In this reality, the industrial revolution continues into the modern era, with craftsmen drawing upon their knowledge of clockwork to come up with new inventions and mechanical devices.
In this blog post we will explore what steampunk costume is and how you can dress for the occasion. Steppelpunk is one of those genres that has blossomed in recent years and taken off like wildfire. It’s not surprising really – it combines some of our favorite things (machine parts, fashion, retro style) into something truly wonderful! And while it may seem like just another subculture at first glance, there’s actually quite a lot that sets it apart from other niche fads and fashion trends. Read on to learn more!
Origins of the word “steampunk”
Steampunk is a genre that was born out of fiction. It was first used in the late 1800’s to refer to different styles of literature and art that featured futuristic or retro machines. This “steampunk” genre is loosely defined as any story, novel, film, comic book or other piece of media which features steam power as its central theme. In fact, the word “Steampunk” comes from a combination of two words – “steam” and “Victorian”. Steampunk costumes really began to take off in contemporary culture in the 1980s when people began to experiment with Victorian (particularly Edwardian) styles and combine them with modern machinery.
Components of a Steampunk Costume
Every steampunk outfit starts with a statement piece, usually the headpiece. Similarly, there are several components to a complete outfit. The most common components of a steampunk outfit are:
– A top hat (a basic and necessary component)
– A cravat (tie or bow tie)
– A vest (something to add color to your outfit)
– Mechanical gizmos that represent different pieces of technology from the 1800s
– Legwear (platform boots with metal or wood heels, wickerwork shoes, etc.)
– Accessories such as goggles, goggles goggles!
Types of steampunk costumes
Steampunk costumes can vary widely due to their fiction-based origins. Some of the more popular steampunk clothing includes corsets, goggles, and top hats. It’s also worth noting that this subculture is not limited to just clothing – you can find plenty of other items that are inspired by this style such as jewelry, props, and even furniture!
The best way to get started is to do a little research on the internet or at a local steampunk store for ideas. Here’s some information about those two resources:
Online Resources: You can find plenty of online resources for inspiration in terms of what types of steampunk outfits you might want to create. One resource to start with would be our very own website, where you can see how we did it with our lovely cosplay outfit! If you need some more inspiration though, I would suggest checking out some other sites like Pinterest or Etsy for ideas.
Local Steampunk Store: Some stores will actually help you create your own steampunk costume from scratch! Not only will they provide material options and basic instructions on how to wear the garment properly but they’ll also offer expert advice on what items to use and more! This is an excellent option if you don’t have any time or money at all – just head down there and grab a costume without spending any money!
Examples of iconic steampunk characters and items
Steampunk is a subculture that has its roots in Victorian literature and aesthetics. This culture is broadly defined as an alternate reality where steam power plays a major role. In this reality, the industrial revolution continues into the modern era, with craftsmen drawing upon their knowledge of clockwork to come up with new inventions and mechanical devices. Steampunk outfits consist of clothing that has been reworked from existing trends and designs to fit the theme of this subculture. After a lot of deliberation, I decided to choose some iconic examples of steampunk characters and items.
The first example is Tom Holt’s The Night Land. This novel is set on another planet that was originally colonized by Earthlings but has since become something else entirely. Something much better than anything we could have imagined…
The second example is Doctor Who’s sonic screwdriver. When it comes to steampunk, you’re going to want to make sure your costume includes some kind of gadget or tool for sure!
Another item which always provides great inspiration for those getting into steampunk is the Babbage Difference Engine (shown below). It was created by British engineer Charles Babbage in 1822 and served as an early design for what would later be known as a computer.
I hope these two examples help you get started on your own steampunk costume!
Conclusion
Steampunk is a genre of science-fiction and fantasy that typically features steam-powered machinery embedded in retro-futuristic settings, usually in the victorian or late-19th century era. Steampunk costumes can range from the chic to the quirky. With a little imagination, your steampunk costume can be as creative as your imagination allows!
