To many, the word “steampunk” has an ambiguous connotations since to describe what it means, you have to go into detail. But if you kind of know what it entails. Well, to put it this way, it’s a subgenre of science fiction or science fantasy that incorporates technology and aesthetic design inspired by 19th century steam powered machinery. Works associated with this subgenre are often associated with alternative history particularly Victorian Britain or the Wild West or in a post apocalyptic future during which steam power has maintained mainstream usage, or in a fantasy world that similarly employs steam power. Though it can be considered Neo-Victorian, steampunk most recognizeably features anachronistic or retro-futuristic inventions as people in the 19th century might’ve envisioned them. And it’s likewise rooted in the era’s perspectives on fashion, culture, architectural style, and art. Technology might even include fictional machines like you’d find in Jules Verne or H.G. Wells. Other technological examples contain alternative-history style presentations like lighter-than-air airships as well as analog or digital mechanical computers. While the term was coined in the 1980s, there are steampunk works of fiction created as far back as the 1950s and 1960s. Many science fiction works in the 19th century could fall under this as well. Nevertheless, common steampunk works usually take place after the American Civil War to the turn of the century. Still, it’s a kind of genre that has a lot of fans that it’s among a subculture that has a presence at conventions and Renaissance Festivals where you’ll see people in such steampunk attire. And here I’ll show some of these costumes to you.
- While it’s rude to open your umbrella indoors, they didn’t say anything about parasols.
I should note that most Steampunk costumes aren’t period accurate, especially women’s outfits. While you see some women wear a dress like this, in the 19th century, this would’ve been viewed as obscene at best.
2. While wearing a dress, always make sure your corset is made of leather.
I tend to see a lot of leather corsets here as well which Victorian women didn’t wear over their dress. However, I can understand this since wearing a corset in the 19th century was not comfortable.
3. In Steampunk, a lady always has to have a utility belt and goggles.
Sometimes you’ll see women in Steampunk garb wearing pants, too. Also, short sleeves. In the 19th century, these were fashion no-nos. Though some women did try to defy these rules by wearing bloomers.
4. I hear a metal corset is both stylish and is great for protection.
I do think this outfit is very pretty. However, I wonder how comfortable it is. Probably not suffocating as its 19th century equivalent.
5. I’m very confident that this woman can surely fix her man.
Mostly because she has a tool box with her and her boyfriend looks like Iron Man’s grandpa. I’m sure there’s plenty that could go wrong with him, mechanically speaking.
6. Well, she seems to have had a lot of work done.
As far as her outfit is concerned that is. Then again, she tends to resemble a 19th century Seven of Nine as a biker chick.
7. I guess this is Her Royal Majesty the Queen of Hearts.
If it’s the one from Alice and Wonderland, I’d get the hell out and dodge. Because there’s some kind of bloodlust about that woman since she’s constantly ordering beheadings.
8. Sometimes it helps to have the right curls and a shiny dress.
Still, this dress wouldn’t pass a traditional Victorian dress code. Too much leg above the ankles. Might’ve even been mistaken for swimwear.
9. In Victorian times, it was proper for women to dress in a hoop skirt.
However, in Steampunk, the hoop skirt isn’t very wide and isn’t always covered. Thus, at some point in the 19th century, she would’ve been seen as a whore. No offense. She just would.
10. An antique pistol can always complete a steampunk look.
But it’s probably obsolete as a weapon since it takes about a minute to reload once fired. Repeating ammo was a mid 19th century invention.
11. As far as belts go, feel free to accessorize.
Guess she’s never heard of a purse or fanny pack. Then again, the latter term has a very different meaning in Britain which I can’t even divulge.
12. An eyepatch can always make you look smashing for any occasion.
I guess she’s wearing this to look trendy. Still, it’s a classic steampunk look with garters, top hat, and leather jacket.
13. Striped tights are all this outfit needs.
Seems like this is a rather budget friendly outfit. Doesn’t seem to take much of an effort.
14. Feathers always look great around the collar.
Man, that’s a big dress. Wonder if she could get it through the door. Like the feathers though.
15. A steampunk gentleman always has to sport a pair of mutton chops.
Yes, the Victorian Era was a good time for men’s facial hair. Walrus whiskers and mutton chops were all the rage.
16. When out, always keep your guns and dagger at your disposal.
Seems like she’s dressed if My Fair Lady took place during a zombie apocalypse. Like the goggles on her hat.
17. Sometimes it helps to have a pistol in handy.
But whether it can fire multiple rounds is the question. Still, I do like her outfit even though I don’t like guns.
18. When in doubt, go for a big barreled revolver.
Man, that’s a huge revolver.Like her peacock blue dress. And her peacock hat.
19. There as never an excuse to show up less than well-dressed.
Because if you have to kill zombies it wouldn’t be polite to put just anything on. A man has to look presentable.
20. A top hat can always use a few feathers now and then.
I guess those are from turkeys. Wonder if she shot any with that revolver. Probably not because it’s a mere prop.
21. Nothing makes you look like a magician like wearing a red cloak and top hat.
Well, a red cloak and top hat sure look smashing on anyone. And I’m sure it looks pretty on her, too.
22. From the North Pole, I bring you Santa and Mrs. Claus from the 19th century.
Then again, a steampunk North Pole kind of makes sense, considering what Saint Nick has for his workload. Oddly Mrs. Claus isn’t wearing red and green.
23. The feather in your hat always has to match your dress on a good day.
Now I really like this dress. Love the peacock blue jacket with lace and the matching skirt.
24. Pink hair always stands out when wearing a black dress.
She looks simply stunning. Still, I think she either dyed it or it’s a wig. Like the hat though.
25. A steampunk mom doesn’t let her kids keep her from having adventures.
This is so precious. Love how this mom put her kid in goggles and a baby bjorn. So adorable.
26. In the latest in steampunk couture, I give you the “rusty brown look.”
Then again, a lot of steampunk fashion has rusty brown. But she also wears a lot of leather, too.
27. Sometimes you have to dress in the proper apparel to climb up a ladder.
Now this is quite scantily clad. But you can get this a lot when looking for steampunk costumes for a blog post.
28. Parents always know that it helps to start them out young.
Yes, these are Steampunk kids with mechanical pets. And yes, it’s so adorable. I guess their parents must be dressed in steampunk, too.
29. A large dress ought to have a lot of shimmer.
This is a lovely dress. I guess she’s raising her skirt for the camera. Wonder what that pattern is.
30. All a girl needs is a big gun and a heavy duty leather belt.
Seems to have a lot of gears on her tool bet. And yes, that revolver looks quite large if you ask me.
31. I guess this is a lady doctor, perhaps.
And she seems like a plague doctor at that. After all, she has a stethescope, gloves, and a mask that makes her look like Big Bird’s evil twin.
32. Didn’t know that there were any steampunk ninjas around.
Then again, she could just be a Muslim who’s really into steampunk. We must not judge.
33. I guess you can count this guy among the hard of hearing.
Because he sure has one hell of an ear trumpet. Nevertheless, he really knows how to dress in a snazzy outfit.
34. A proper lady always looks so lovely in a dress of lace.
Yes, she simply looks stunning in a lovely lace dress and white corset. But I like her peacock blue scarf the best.
35. Why have a jet pack when a propeller will do just as well?
I don’t think it will help him fly. But you have to like him in a bowler hat and a ZZTop beard.
36. This Snow White comes with her own big stick.
I guess it’s for getting all the woodland creatures to help her clean up. Oh, wait, she does it with her singing. Why did Disney lie to us about that?
37. A white dress always goes well with a leather corset.
Yes, this is a steampunk dress all right. Like her butterfly necklace and goggles.
38. This dress can use a little brass.
Well, they always said she was a bit brassy. They just didn’t say in what way.
39. Striped stockings, leather, and goggles always go well with everything.
To her, she looks like some daring adventuress. To some Victorian gentlemen, what she looks like I can’t describe in polite company.
40. A lady should never leave her house without her camera.
Well, she has a Brownie Box camera from Kodak which is from the early 20th century. Still, she sure looks stunning in that dress.
41. I guess this woman is donned in her steampunk dress beyond the grave.
Yes, this is a Steampunk zombie girl. Looks deathly pale as if she’s had the life sucked out of her.
42. Sometimes all a girl needs is to carry a big torch.
Not sure if it will light up or should be. But she sure looks happy. Must be that she has a big torch in her hands.
43. Guess this woman is a real Foxface.
Because she has the face of a fox. And she seems to prefer hanging in hiding places.
44. I’m sure there’s nothing this steampunk couple can’t handle.
And these two are as badass as they are stunning. Like their hats.
45. No proper gentleman should ever go without a respectable hat.
This is especially when it has goggles on it. And a nice spiffy suit to go along with it.
46. Who says that steampunk costume colors had to be dull?
And it seems these outfits are more colorful than most. Like the guy in the red vest and yellow tie.
47. I guess this is an old veteran British police officer.
Well, a steampunk version anyway. Since I’ve watched a lot of Monty Python, I couldn’t resist adding this on the post.
48. A lady always has as a gun in handy just in case.
Out of all the women’s costumes on this post, this one actually comes close to what a Victorian lady would actually dress like. Well, from the 1870s to 1880s anyway since it contains a bustle.
49. This woman tends to prefer it under water.
Well, this is a steampunk diving outfit for women. As you see, it’s very impractical since it’s a combination of a old timey diving suit and a Victorian swimsuit.
50. Wonder if this fairy came with these wings or made them herself.
This is a steampunk fairy. You get a lot of them. Like her dress if you ask me though.
51. When you’re an eccentric inventor, who cares what your hair looks like.
Sure she looks very pretty in her steampunk attire. But in the 19th century, many people wouldn’t find her hairstyle acceptable by any means.
52. I guess this woman is a force to be reckoned with under the sea in her submarine.
Well, this is a cosplay scene I have to admit. However, I wouldn’t be surprised if she’s the girlfriend of Captain Nemo. Because she’s perfect for the guy.
53. A proper woman can always look resplendant in purple.
Well, she’s technically wearing maroon, but still. She does look pretty. Even with a matching dress and top hat.
54. As they say, have gun, will travel.
I’m sure this was inspired by Wild Wild West or any other steampunk western. How could I guess?
55. Sometimes you have to face that some guys like a woman covered in gear.
And she’s certainly covered in gears all right. I think she’s going to need someone to fix her. And oil her. And maintain her.
56. I guess this must be the house of a doctor and his wife.
And I see the man is dressed like Big Bird’s evil twin getting ready for a fancy dress ball. But that mask also seems made out of metal.
57. Sometimes a well dressed man needs a goatee, sunglasses, and fancy patterns.
Note that sunglasses didn’t exist until the 1920s. But they still look cool with 19th century clothing so I really don’t care that much.
58. Seems like these two appear to have decided to strike it out west.
And the setting seems to prove it. Then again, they could be cosplaying for Comic Con.
59. Looks like some gentleman has decided to go on a safari in Africa.
And he seems to have a safari hat and everything save for some luggage and porters. But you can get the porters in Africa.
60. No able adventuress could ever leave her home without a pair of goggles.
And she seems to wear her shirtwaist like a professional. But love her goggles and hat.
61. A gentleman must always come prepared for whatever awaits him.
Yes, he seems armed and ready for action. Wonder what’s on his back though. Is it a large telescope?
62. Who needs to adorn yourself with diamonds when you have gears?
You can bet she’s dressed to the nines and her costume isn’t cheap. Like how it’s black leather trimmed with fur.
63. As far as her attire is concerned, this lady is all gold plated with metal.
Not sure if it makes her a steampunk C-3PO. But she does have a clock on her chest to tell the time of day.
64. Looks like this baby is all dressed up and ready for action.
Yes, this is a baby in a steampunk costume which is so adorable. The teddy is even dressed up as well.
65. Sometimes we can all use a break now and then.
Even if you’re decked out in metal with possible mechanical arms. Like the pipe design and hat.
66. Occasionally, there are gentlemen who can be quite over the top about their hair.
Not sure what’s in his guy’s hair. I’m sure they’re not extensions. Still, he certainly rocks in that suit.
67. This little fairy apparently seems to have had work done.
Yes, this is a little girl steampunk fairy and her dog. And yes, I think you’ll find it heartwarming and touching.
68. Egad, I guess this man realized he’s running late.
And he seems well dressed for the occasion with his long purple overcoat. Let’s hope the gear doesn’t damage it.
69. Occasionally, there are times when a lady must lift up her skirt.
Or skirts, since 19th century women wore a lot of them at one time at least in the early Victorian era. Like her corset though.
70. Whatever his faults may be, this man will always give you the time of day.
Because he’s wearing a clock on his head. Wonder if it works. Probably not. But it looks cool so who cares.
71. A gentleman of action has to be prepared for the worst.
And I see the man has a pistol and rifle just in case. Not sure if he’s Victorian or from a western though.
72. I guess this is a lady who’s only trying to catch a train.
Luckily, she has plenty of ways to know the time. That is if the station’s clock isn’t working.
73. Looks like it’s the 19th century back a long, long time ago in a galaxy far, far away.
You didn’t think I was going to leave out a steampunk version of Star Wars. Course I wouldn’t. Like the Vader costume though.
74. There is never an excuse not to dress as a pretty purple peacock.
After all, purple is considered a rather elegant color. Don’t you think?
75. As they say, black is always a color of taste and elegance.
And it’s a color that can look good on almost anyone. At least given the right kind of fabric.
76. When there’s something strange in the neighborhood, call these gentlemen at your service.
Indeed, these are steampunk Ghostbusters. And no, they’re not afraid of no ghosts. Like the packs by the way.
77. Guess Honest Abe has found a new way to deliver his Gettysburg Address.
However, most steampunk works usually take place after he died. Nevertheless, this is a pretty cool costume.
78. Mind if this lady takes a trip to the seashore?
Because even ladies need a break now and then. Then again, that dress doesn’t seem suited for summer weather if you ask me. But it’s lovely.
79. Sometimes a dress can always look smashing in pink and purple.
However, be aware that this woman is an assassin. So tread lightly within her presence. Unless you’re her target, then run like hell.
80. Indeed, there are some ladies who prefer a metal plated gentleman.
And there are some gentlemen who are quite taken with a lady in feathers. To each his own, I guess.
The Lone Girl in a Crowd 