Steampunk is a very distinctive and increasingly popular lifestyle niche, and thousands of people adopt aspects of it into their regular or after-work activities. One of the most popular parts of Steampunk culture has got to be the visuals – which basically means the clothing and accessories which are carefully chosen to represent the wearer’s alternative identity.
As Steampunk clothing is inspired by the Victorian era it isn’t generally possible to wear it daily, and serious fans tend to save it for meets and special events, but it is definitely possible to incorporate aspects of Steampunk into your everyday clothing style.
Typical Steampunk icons
Along with themed clothes featuring items like frock coats, vests (for men), and corsets and petticoats for women, the major part of a Steampunk look comes from accessories. Typically these include eyewear, especially goggles or glasses, hats – pretty much any item made from lace, armour, buckles and belts – with a tech edge, parasols, pocket watches, and antique brooches. Browns and bronzes dominate traditional gear but these days a wider variety of colors are used and considered acceptable, which is good news for fashion peacocks.
While some of the items listed are best kept for full-on dress up days there are some which can be adapted lightly to add the desired hint of Steampunk style to a mainstream outfit; it just takes a little thought and imagination, along with some savvy shopping of course!
Take a look at these ideas and suggestions.
Sunglasses
This is the easiest way to add a touch of Steampunk style to your look, and versatile enough to work with formal or casual outfits. To truly capture the essence of what Steampunk represents look for sunglasses with mirrored lenses and crisp looking metallic arms. These glasses have stylish round lenses, available in various lens – arm color combinations so they can be styled to suit any outfit.
Square sunglasses are also a great Steampunk accessory, and this pair, which can be ordered with black, blue, pink, red, silver, yellow or orange lenses, are distinctively ‘steampunkesque’ but entirely wearable on a daily basis.
A third, and quite different version of the Steampunk glasses effect is delivered by these amazing ‘high fashion meets retro’ sunglasses which have a stylish side piece perfect for those on bikes or riding in open-top cars. With eight color combinations, ranging from basic black and silver to gold and green or rose and sunset, these are a definite winner.
You can check out all of our steampunk sunglasses here.
Jewelry
Simple yet stylish, a black velvet choker adds a classically Steampunk touch to evening wear. It is super versatile; being available in several widths and various colors, and is bound to quickly become a go-to piece.
For bracelets take a look at this antique style piece or this necklace and earring set which also has a suitably old-fashioned but stylish look.
Corsets
Unlike the old days when women suffered to squeeze into garments made from whalebones, the modern Steampunkesque corset is super sexy, but much more wearable. That’s just as well considering they help most Victoriana style clothes fit properly. Plus they are fun to wear and a great boost for creating a waist and breast uplift.
If full-on Steampunk is out of the question try wearing this gorgeous leather and lace corset as a compromise. Available in a dozen sizes (from S to 6 XL), and 3 stunning colors, this is great party wear, either over or under a shirt.
You can check out all of our steampunk corsets here.
Footwear
Victorian women favoured delicate pumps and boots with intricate lacing at the front. This cut-out style shoe-sandal hybrid does a great job of combining Victorian style with a modern edge and is a pretty easy accessory to work into either an office or leisure time outfit.
So there you have it, a few ideas on how to grab a piece of the Steampunk style when, or if, the full-on ensemble is either not practical or appealing. Enjoy.
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