Introducing the Steampunk Feminine look
I personally find the steampunk subculture truly fascinating. It’s a realm where the romance of Victorian elegance meets the raw mechanics of the industrial age. But more so, for women, it represents a unique space where fashion, history, and science fiction intertwine to empower and inspire.
When I think of the steampunk feminine woman, I see someone who’s not just wearing a costume, she’s crafting an identity. Steampunk women often draw inspiration from iconic figures like Ada Lovelace or characters from works by Jules Verne and H. G. Wells.
This blend of Victorian fashion with industrial motifs creates a look that’s both timeless and avant-garde. The beauty lies in the details – corsets, petticoats, and full skirts, complemented by the mechanical aesthetic of cogs and brass fittings, hence we introduce the steampunk feminine style.
Steampunk fashion is more than clothing, it’s a form of personal expression. For many women, it’s a way to explore a different aspect of femininity and challenge standard fashion narratives. The community plays a crucial role, offering a welcoming environment that cherishes creativity and individuality.
In the next section, I’m going to share some practical tips on how to incorporate the steampunk aesthetic into your wardrobe. Whether you’re experienced with the style or new to the subculture, I’ll provide advice that’s both USEFUL and ACTIONABLE.
The Art of Steampunk Fashion: Tips for the Feminine Wardrobe
Embracing steampunk fashion as a feminine woman isn’t just about putting on a corset and some brass goggles, it’s about weaving together the elegance of the past with the adventurous spirit of an alternative future – which is the art of steampunk fashion. So, you’re intrigued and want to curate your own steampunk wardrobe. Here’s how to do it right:
Starting with the basics, a well-tailored bodice or corset can serve as your anchor piece. Pair these with layers of clothing, like long skirts with bustles or ruffled blouses to honor the Victorian influence that steampunk glorifies. Take a look at these corsets from a popular online store – they have a selection of different styles and shapes – some with skirts already attached. Plus size steampunk costumes can be found at this online store – simply scroll through the selections.
Don’t shy away from integrating some masculine touches. A fitted waistcoat or leather straps can add contrast and point to the genre’s love for mixing gender norms. It’s all about balance and personal taste.
Accessories are your playing field. Think ornate jewelry, leather cuffs, and intricately designed timepieces. Goggles and gear elements are not mandatory, but they do add an unmistakable steampunk edge to any costume.
A feminine steampunk woman typically incorporates elements of Victorian fashion and industrial aesthetics with a creative and fantastical twist. The style is characterized by a fusion of Victorian era clothing and accessories with mechanical and steam-powered elements.
Wardrobe Staples: The Complete Costume Ensemble
Clothing:
Victorian-inspired dresses or skirts with high collars and ruffled details in lace. Dresses made of brushed cotton or velvet, and trimmed in leather, are common choices for materials used. Petticoats complete the look – often ruffled or finished in lace. Here are some options or choices you can consider purchasing.
Asymmetrically styled skirts, or high-low hemmed skirts in brushed cotton or velvet, with lace details.
Corsets and bustiers, often adorned with gears, cogs, or other mechanical embellishments. A good variety of either is available online at Etsy.
Blouses – which can be high collared, key-hole or scouped, are made with soft cottons and detailed with lace. A few variations of the peasant blouse can be bought online.
Fitted Trousers and tails, extending from vests can be an alternative choice to dresses and skirts, made with natural materials or leather and adorned with accessories, teamed with peasant style blouses – look striking. Involving ones children in steampunk can be a fun activity – here are some kids steampunk costumes can also be found online at this store.
Accessories:
Goggles, can be worn on the forehead or around the neck, if preferring to keep away from the face – sourcing these online can be fun as.
Top hats or mini hats in dark colours adorned with gears, goggles, feathers, or netting. I just love these top hats, half the fun is “window shopping” for them.
Fingerless gloves in lace or leather, with gears or clock faces – colors matching ensemble. Let’s get serious and complete this costume, by shopping now.
Leather Belts with pouches and small compartments, or soft drawstring pouch bags in velvet or leather fabric. This of course is an optional extra – only if you wish to add a belt, you can find these here.
steampunk look
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Footwear:
High boots with laces, buckles, and sometimes exposed gears, lace-up ankle boots or Victorian-style shoes in leather – predominately in black or brown tones. My favourite are the short Victorian-style boots – classic and chic, and other individual styles can also be found online here.
Jewelry:
Gear-shaped, teardrop, or marcasite earrings, necklaces, and bracelets. Some costume selections can be bought now.
Pocket watches or compasses – as pendant accessories, around the neckline. Some selections – rated well are available at this store, online.
Steampunk-themed brooches and pins, or any antique or marcasite styled brooch, with genuine stones in deep colors. As you scroll through this online site, you may find some interesting pieces here.
Colors:
Earthy tones such as brown, copper, brass, and leather colors are often predominant and encouraged, however rich jewel tones like deep reds, greens, and purples can be incorporated as well.
Hair and Makeup:
Elaborate hairstyles with braids, curls, or updos, often adorned with small gears or decorative hairpins.
Subtle or dramatic makeup with a vintage feel, including winged eyeliner and bold lipstick.
Props:
Parasols or umbrellas with decorative mechanical elements, keeping in with the colours of your ensemble. Finding these can be easily done at Amazon today. Alternatively, you can source them here also.
Canes or walking sticks with intricate designs, made of wood or natural cane. Try finding yours here – they are highly rated at this online store.
Hand-held steam-powered gadgets or contraptions. Held in ones hand – to tinker with. There’s not a huge selection, but you may find some through Etsy.
Remember, the key to steampunk fashion is creativity and individual expression. Steampunk enthusiasts often enjoy crafting their own accessories and modifying existing clothing to create a unique and personalized look, and this completes the steampunk costume – styles.
How to Shop for Steampunk Attire
Wondering where to shop? Specialty boutiques, online marketplaces, and even local craft fairs are hotspots for steampunk attire. Don’t overlook the power of a good seamstress or tailor – if within your budget, they can help customize off-the-rack items into perfect steampunk pieces.
For those who love a good project, transforming thrift-store finds into steampunk wonders can be incredibly rewarding. Add some gears, change the buttons, or alter the silhouette of a conventional piece to make it a unique female steampunk costume.
Online shopping such as Amazon and Etsy, stock many steampunk costume items and accessories for women, and men – check out my recent post on “Reviewing Men’s Steampunk Costumes” where you will find all the tips on what to look for, when purchasing through online stores.
In conclusion, dressing as a steampunk feminine woman is less about strict rules and more about creativity and expression. Mix textures and influences, play with accessories, and remember that each piece of your ensemble tells a piece of your story. By following these guidelines, you’ll not only look the part, but you’ll also feel a deep connection to the bold and enchanting world of steampunk.
I have enjoyed bringing you this post on women’s steampunk costume attire, and trust you will take some ideas onboard when crafting your own personal steampunk style.
Please feel free to leave any comments on the subject below.
Happy crafting and dressing.
Helen
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Hi, this is my first time hearing about steam pu k fashion but they clearly know how to dress in style. It would see. Like it would be hard to find. This type of clothing at say the shopping mall. Do you mostly get this online? And can you find this at thrift stores? Thanks a lot.
Hi Jake, thanks for your review.
If you look within the bottom half of the post, you will see where to find steampunk fashion. In a lot of ways it’s like a DIY approach to dressing, or adapting certain costumes.
Like mentioned, start with basics and add to them. Staple items (for men) such as jacket tails,pants,hats, gloves and boots can be bought online at the stores mentioned.
Check out my other post on Men’s steampunk fashion at https://vintageclothesandaccessories/themalesteampunk style
Also, my reviews at https://vintageclothesandaccessories/reviewofmenssteampunkcostumes for more detailed information.
Not at shopping malls Jake – unless it was a specialty shop on steampunk alone. Basic items can be purchased and then things added to make it unique to your preferences.