Distinctive features of steampunk clothing, what it is. Steampunk style for fantasy fashionistas (photo) Steampunk skirt

Nowadays steampunk style can be called one of the most eccentric, mysterious and unusual styles. The birth of the modern version of steampunk dates back to the 80s, and the works themselves, which became the basis of the original fashion trend, appeared in the 19th century - Mary Shelley, Jules Verne and HG Wells are considered the "founding fathers" of this style.

The main feature of the steampunk style is a mixture of modernity and antiquity. For example, Victorian wardrobe items are combined with modern clothes, and authentic jewelry in the form of gears are harmoniously combined with various devices. The main elements of the steampunk wardrobe include the following:

Steampunk style in clothes. Blouse or shirt

Almost every item of steampunk wardrobe belongs to the Victorian era. That is why, when choosing a suitable shirt or blouse, preference should be given to tight-fitting models in white, black, brown or gray shades with gathers around the neck. Besides, excellent option for a steampunk look, use a shirt decorated with lace, long puff sleeves or lantern sleeves.

Steampunk style in clothes. The dress

Stop your choice on a dress of calm neutral shades. As in the reign of Queen Victoria, the dress should consist of a rigid corset, puffy sleeves and a showy skirt. When drawing up an image in the steampunk style, any modern dress models are unacceptable - this option should be left for a more suitable occasion. A steampunk dress is often long or short skirt with pleats, decor in the form of lacing and ruffle.

Steampunk style in clothes. Corset

One of the main must have steampunk followers is a corset. You can combine this wardrobe item with both casual clothes, for example, a jacket or blouse, or with more spectacular skirt... An excellent alternative to a corset can be a tight, rigid vest that retains its shape well. In the choice of color, natural restrained tones such as white, beige, black, brown or gray will be the most optimal.

Steampunk Outerwear & Hats

To complete an unusual and shocking look, an aviator jacket is perfect - you should give preference to models made of leather with a fur or woolen collar. You can complement a more solemn outfit with an original tailcoat, the distinctive features of which are a fitted silhouette, long sleeves and a raised high collar.

With the help of various accessories, the followers of steampunk try to demonstrate its mechanical side. That is why it is so important to complement your image with a suitable detail, for example, a headdress. Steampunk hats are the most prominent piece of wardrobe and often a true work of art. You can stop your choice both on a small fancy model and on a spectacular top hat. One example is a layered hat decorated with satin ribbons and brass gears.

Steampunk accessories

Gloves are also a basic accessory for an unusual fashion trend. Among the materials, it is preferable to make a choice in favor of lace or leather, and as for the length, there are a lot of options - from cropped models to gloves above the elbow.

To complete the steampunk look, so-called mechanical jewelry - earrings and pendants in the form of motors, gears or chains - will help. To add a little femininity to your look, you can opt for leather jewelry decorated with lace. Glasses are also an indispensable element of this fashion trend - you should opt for the “aviator” models with round thick lenses.

Antiquity, complemented by modernity - the basis of the steampunk style. That is why such feminine wardrobe items as blouses, dresses and corsets are harmoniously combined with daring leather belts, metal chains and rivets, as well as with very original "mechanical" jewelry and accessories.

In the world of fashion, there are many different directions that organically get along with each other. Some of them appeared tens and even hundreds of years ago and successfully continue to develop, being updated and improved in modern realities. And there are relatively young fashion trends, the emergence of which was due to external circumstances. The birth of a subculture and, as a result of a new fashion, is influenced by multiple factors. Among them are the peculiarities of time, changes in human thinking, lifestyle, and the development of technology. This newfangled phenomenon is the style of steampunk clothing. Despite its young age, the basics fashion trend laid in the distant past.

The stimulus for the emergence of steampunk is considered to be the numerous appearance of scientific and technological advances at the end of the 19th century. People who approve and support progress have come to love mechanical aids and steam engines. While mastering the technique, the need arose for comfortable and functional clothing.

To protect themselves from the cold and dust when traveling in an open car, people began to wear leather jackets and gloves with high leggings. Flying in an airplane, they put on a helmet on their head, and glasses of a special design over their eyes. Clothes were sewn from dense practical fabrics, equipped with many convenient pockets and a reliable zipper.

Initially new fashion did not have a specific name. Clothes were more classified as workwear, they were worn only when necessary.

What is steampunk today

As an independent direction, the technological style was formed in the eighties of the last century. It is based on things and accessories stylized in the old days of Victorian England. The style is characterized by spectacular, bright, sometimes shocking outfits.

The main principle of forming trendy images is a harmonious combination of old ideas and modern execution. Steampunk successfully combines several directions with similar style features: Victorian, Gothic, futuristic and retro. Have fashionable style there are many fans, most of whom are people who want to stand out from the crowd and show their individuality.

Creating a steampunk costume with your own hands is not an easy task. It requires attention to any little things that make up a whole image. In addition to wardrobe items, you will need all kinds of screws, gears, springs, chains and other mechanical things that symbolize belonging to the progressive era.

Steampunk style in women's clothing (photo)

The most conspicuous piece of the costume is the headdress. A variety of hats are available for women, ranging in size from tiny pills to tall cylinders. They can contain any metal element such as a gear, beautifully decorated with a satin ribbon. Such a headdress will serve not only as protection from bad weather, but also as a spectacular decoration of the costume.

Blouses and shirts for women are inspired by the Victorian era. They fit the figure tightly, forming gathering folds at the neck. It is preferable to choose fabrics of natural origin in neutral colors. Lace blouses of light pastel shades look organically.

Steampunk clothing for girls requires the presence of a corset, ideally emphasizing femininity and grace. It is not necessary to wear it as underwear; models made in the form of a leather vest fastened with buttons look original.

A skirt made of thick fabric can be different lengths... Its main highlight is the bustle - a special overlay in the form of multiple assemblies, giving the figure splendor and volume.

Steampunk wardrobe does not have a pronounced gender identity. Therefore, beautiful ladies can safely dress in shirts, ties and trousers of men's styles.

Don't forget about gloves. it required element a basic steampunk costume. Gloves can be clipped. They are made of thin elastic lace or soft kid leather. The length is chosen arbitrary, depending on the remaining elements of the costume and personal preferences.

Any jewelry is made in the form of objects imitating small mechanical details. Earrings, pendants, pendants, brooches - all this can be done on the basis of screws, gears, nuts. So that metal objects do not look too rough, women are invited to complement their look with accessories made of fabric, lace, and leather.

The most spectacular adornment of the style is aviator glasses. They have a round shape and thick colored lenses. They are often decorated with leather inserts and steel details.

Shoes for a stylish party should look original and non-trivial. Fashion stiletto heels are thickly decorated with metal components that are easy to fix on your own. In a daytime look, you can do with practical boots with high laces or leather shoes on a stable straight heel.

Steampunk mens clothing

Fabrics for sewing clothes choose practical, wrinkle-resistant muted colors. The dominant shades of clothing are gray, black, brown. An inconspicuous striped print of narrow lines is allowed.

The men's suit resembles the elegant attire of an old aristocrat. A light shirt, trousers, a vest and a fitted elongated coat on top. A top hat or bowler hat must be worn on the head. Another variant outerwear rather resembles a military style. It is characterized by Leather Jacket pilot, decorated with a fur or knitted collar. A pilot's helmet with goggles is put on the head.

The most suitable shoes for creating stylish image- these are the English street shoes Grinders. Classic models are widely popular among dudes, punks, hip-hoppers, military.

Accessory requirements are the same women's suits- mechanical elements that copy individual parts. For men, leather belt... Bronze or brass finishes make it sturdy and durable. Several patch pockets conveniently hold keys, a wallet and various little things. Modern look very original mobile phones, stylized antique.

The finishing touch to the portrait is, of course, the glasses. The choice can be goggles or aviators. The former are reminiscent of special glasses for welders with extended lenses and colored glasses. Going to theme party, it’s also a good idea to take with you a fake weapon, a pistol, a sword, a knife.

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General concept of style

Initially, steampunk was a science fiction movement that modeled its own special universe. This is an alternative civilization that has taken the path of improving mechanics and steam engines. From punk, it has its own special emphasis on the human in the world of machines, on the base passions and simplicity of human nature. The general style of steampunk storytelling revolves around man: his greed, greed, anger, lust, and other animal instincts. However, a kind of humor and belief in a bright future strikingly distinguishes it (although in a specific dystopian humor, these genres are similar) from cyberpunk.

In general, these genres go hand in hand, and often steampunk novels are written by the luminaries of cyberpunk. But here the interesting thing begins: in fact, this genre simply does not have either its own music or particularly famous works in literature. What is there? And there is a beautiful entourage. Lots of beautiful surroundings. There is a subculture of its own, which crystallizes against the background of other informal subcultures. There are works of related genres, which (again, thanks to the entourage) are attributed to the steampunk universe.

For example, the group "Abney Park" plays a mixture of punk and Balkan folk. But thanks to lyrics and music videos, they are a steampunk band. For example Gibson, Miyazaki and Sterling (note that everyone famous founding fathers cyberpunk) also created works in this genre. Jules Verne and Herbert Wells, the first science fiction writers who lived and worked in the true world of steampunk as it was at the end of the Victorian era, are rightfully considered the forerunners of this genre. Although what is steampunk for us was for them an element of realism in fiction.

What is steampunk in clothes

So, steampunk is more of a special civilization. What is characteristic in this world? As already mentioned - a special development of technologies, an alternative to our world. Everything is mechanical, made of wood, copper and pipes. The development of steam technology is at the level of today's development of electrical engineering. Steam-powered aircraft (airships and airplanes), steam buses and cars, steam ships (huge dreadnoughts and a variety of ship designs, up to kerosene-powered submarines). The development of electricity is at the level of Tesla's times. Mail and telegraph are popular (see "Postage").

Differences from other related subcultural styles

Since the steampunk world is historically focused on Victorian England (and the history that has developed in its alternative), the fashion for clothing dates back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. But with one caveat: this is styling. If young people dressed in steampunk were in the true Victorian era, they would have caused a scandal.

For comparison: history, stylization for the era, steampunk:

Victorian style ( modern direction, which exists in the same way as steampunk, only "in its pure form") and its interpretation of haute couture:

Gothic Lolita and Victorian Gothic:

So basic style stuff

Corset. The love of corsets (as the main element of the set) is discussed in more detail in the next article. Here we will once again clarify that this is leather, with rivets - in fact, either a bodice or a wide belt. Not a corset, strictly speaking.

Goggles, top hat and boots. Again - in the next article. Here you are invited to just admire the beautiful images.

Skirt. It can be of different lengths, in contrast to the standard Victorian style, which does not allow such liberties. Necessarily with frills, often with lace, in gathers. The most fanatical followers of the style wear bustles. Sometimes it's just a pair of lace underskirts that add volume, sometimes it's special. fitting with inserted underwires and frills, as in historical linen, and sometimes a complete reconstruction. A bustle is (to simplify) a half crinoline that lifts the skirt from the back and sides.

Shirt... Most likely a free-romantic cut, with lace and frill, although it may be classic. Typically, the model is taken from the Victorian era.

Outerwear. Aviator jacket, tailcoat, coat reminiscent of Victorian.

It can be borrowed from the Goths (in special stores) or sewn to order, or even buy something from an unusual coat online. A fur coat or a sheepskin coat (insulated aviator) is quite appropriate. It all depends on the chosen direction within the style (lady, or adventurer, or maybe a teenage girl ...)

Mixing with other popular styles and looks in different directions

The following subcategories of steampunk looks are popular:

The first and most popular, albeit the most impersonal, is stylization. Corset, skirt, top hat, boots. Decorations. Everything. There is more "punk" than "steam" in this look.

It is modern, as close as possible to punk and at the same time not for everyday wear (more precisely, if you do not set yourself the task of being in a subculture). But ideal for one-time outings and parties.

And here is a typical establishment:

Aristocrat (as an option - a wandering, traveler). The skirts are long, there is a hairstyle on the head, a hat, if the cylinder is not coarse, masculine, but graceful, often the stylization of a cylinder. Decorations in a historical style, costume jewelry and jewelry... Does not wear bare arms, chest and shoulders (unlike the common image of "faceless steampunk girl")

Not many people are familiar with such a direction as steampunk. However, his philosophy is so interesting that it is simply impossible not to talk about this style. In addition, steampunks are real connoisseurs of fashion, combining several directions in their image at once: futuristic, retro-Victorian and western.

Steampunk clothing style

Hats

Hats are the most outstanding piece of clothing among the stipemen. Girls' hats can range from small, quirky feminine models to large top hats. All hats carry the whole composition through many layers. One example of a steampunk style hat is a small hat that fits on top of the head and is adorned with a brass gear and satin ribbons. It is appropriate to wear this accessory in almost any weather.

hats

Luxurious hair

Hair is one of the most simple ideas to follow. Most steampunk girls opt for retro styling. Most often these are hairstyles from the Victorian era and the middle of the last century. The main elements of the steampunk hairstyle are wavy curls and thick bangs.

hairstyles

Fancy blouses and shirts

Steampunk blouses and shirts are usually neutral in color, form-fitting and with ruffles at the neck. This garment can be either short or long sleeves. All blouses and shirts are in Victorian style. Very cute and original.

blouses

Fancy corsets

The corset is almost an integral part of the female steampunk look. It can be worn with casual wear, such as under a vest or a themed jacket. You can also combine a corset in color with a skirt, which will allow you to consider these two items as a whole. Too bold for you? Then choose a vest that resembles a corset.

corsets

Original gloves

Gloves, as well as hats and corsets, are the basic accessory of this fashion trend. They can be leather or lace. The length depends entirely on individual steampunk preferences.

gloves

Bustle

A bustle is a fashionable device at the end of the 19th century, which is placed below the waist under a skirt or dress to add pomp to the outfit. Fluffy skirts, even mini skirts, are a hallmark of steampunk style.

bouffant skirts

Mechanical jewelry

The word "mechanical" in this case is used in its direct meaning. As a rule, jewelry, be it pendants, bracelets, a ring or earrings, in their outlines resemble gears, motors, chains, etc. In order to make the look more feminine, you can add leather bracelets with lace to the existing accessories.

decorations

Outerwear

Steampunk outerwear is presented in two options: an aviator jacket, or a tailcoat. Aviator jackets are made of leather and decorated with a woolen or fur collar. This garment is suitable for daily wear. But a tailcoat, or rather a coat, reminiscent of a tailcoat, will bring originality: long sleeves, a fitted silhouette and a high, raised collar.

jackets and tailcoats

Belt

A very interesting masculine belt is very common in steampunk looks. This element will give you the opportunity to feel like a pioneer or a pirate. The belt is always made of brown leather with a rough bronze finish. As a rule, there are two or three pockets on the belts, where keys or a phone can easily go.

belt

Stunning glasses

Steampunk glasses always remind of some brilliant mad scientist. The most popular model of glasses is round thick lenses (aviators). Very often they are decorated with mechanical decoration and leather.

glasses

Sculptural shoes

So we got to the shoes. Like other elements of the image, the shoes deserve special attention. The design of shoes always includes mechanical components: gears, screws, chains. Women's shoes always on a high stiletto heel.

shoes



What is steampunk?

The steampunk style is more often associated with pessimism, cynicism and drama. Elements of utopia can be traced in the literature. Animal human instincts are built on greed, anger, greed, lust, envy. However, the belief in a bright tomorrow distinguishes the style from cyberpunk and punk.




Today steampunk is a modern subculture prevalent in design, graphics, sculpture and computer game development. The main difference in style is in specific mechanical accessories. The design of the premises traces the presence of levers, gears, metal elements. The games read the history of the Victorian era (polished wood, valves, lighting).

The aristocrats at that time wore exquisite top hats, tailcoats and trousers combined with lace shirts and coats. The girls attracted attention with corsets and crinolines with a hood on their heads. Stockings with garters harmoniously completed the image of the liberated ladies. Workers wore caps, boots and jackets. Among the fashion accessories, the smoking pipe stood out, pocket watch on a chain and walking sticks. Fantastic technologies for that era were reflected in the image of young people of the 21st century.



Features of steampunk clothing

Choosing a steampunk look, modern fashionistas and fashionistas tend to inherit the role of one of the characters of the Victorian era. They can be crazy scientists like Frankenstein, serial killers, smart criminals and equally smart detectives like Sherlock Holmes and Moriarty. We must not forget about brave travelers, corrupted aristocrats, spies and secret police agents.



The images of clerks, bourgeois, feminists, street children and even prostitutes belong to a different, but no less exciting world of that era.

Fantastic style fashion is not dictated by general rules. It is unique and constantly changing under the influence of modern trends. The main elements of a Victorian wardrobe:

  • dresses with tight corsets;
  • skirts and women's bustles for a beautiful posture;
  • men's trouser suits with vests;
  • coat;
  • military clothing;
  • short leggings for men and long stockings on suspenders - for women.



Among the accessories today, pocket watches, long umbrellas and goggles have not lost their relevance. Modern gadgets can complement an outfit if they are styled after the Victorian era. Elements of high fashion, motives of the Gothic aristocrat and Lolita, neo-Victorian are traced. Modern outfits differ significantly from the sources, but the main elements have been preserved.

Advice! To reflect the Victorian era and steampunk style in your own way, check out the works of Jules Verne, Albert Robid and HG Wells.

How to combine clothes to get a harmonious look?

V female image the corset plays one of the most important roles. He emphasizes femininity and grace. The product is put on not only as an element of underwear, but also as an independent part of the wardrobe. If you don't have the courage to put on a corset, choose a fitted vest. To match the bodice with the skirt, try to match colors that are similar. Discreet shades of white, beige, black, brown, green, gray look great.




Women's blouses and steampunk shirts should fit snugly against the body and form folds of fabric around the neck. Sleeve length doesn't matter. Short models will harmoniously complement long gloves. When choosing a color for a model, pay attention to neutral pastel shades.

The blouse is in harmony with the Victorian era skirt. It can be of different lengths, but it necessarily contains special overlays that make the product multi-layered and give the figure splendor and volume.


Choose a dress from fabric in soothing shades. The main components: a tight corset, puffy sleeves and a spectacular layered fluffy skirt... Modern models of dresses are unlikely to fit, because they are rarely decorated with laces, ruffles and a lot of folds.

In steampunk style, women can afford tailored trouser suits. In this case, men's cut shirts are great. When creating men's sets, replace the skirt with tight-fitting pants or capri pants. Complement the bow with a jacket or frock coat on top of the shirt.

Creative girls and guys emphasize the fantastic look with metal prostheses instead of shoes.




The Victorian era offers a wide variety of footwear. If boots or stiletto heels take pride of place in your wardrobe, decorate them with metal parts that you can buy in any market and fix it yourself. But if you are tired of uncomfortable shoes, feel free to wear high leather boots on flat sole... They are suitable for both a trouser suit and a dress.

In winter or autumn, a corset alone is not enough. In order not to freeze in the cold season, feel free to wear an aviator jacket or tailcoat. The first option is decorated with a woolen collar and is suitable for daily wear. A tailcoat or coat that resembles it brings originality to the image. The main thing is to raise the collar high.




To create a modern steampunk look, you need to skillfully combine vintage items with elements of a modern wardrobe. Victorian, gothic, futuristic and retro looks are in perfect harmony.

Advice! When choosing a steampunk outfit, don't dwell on the wardrobe staples of that era. The main thing to remember is the fine line between fantasy and sexuality. Provocation is the essence of the original images.

Pay attention to the details

Combine modern and Victorian styles with themed accessories:

  • Headdress- the most noticeable element of the costume. Any model of hats is suitable for women. From short bright veils to tall top hats. It is appropriate to place a metal piece such as a gear on them.


  • Gloves- an obligatory element of the costume. To emphasize shocking, choose models with cropped fingers. Product material: thin elastic lace or soft skin... The length of the gloves can be adjusted to your liking.
  • As ornaments pay attention to beads and bracelets that mimic small mechanical details. A gear pendant or a cog bracelet will complement the look perfectly. Add lace to soften the roughness of the metal.
  • Glasses The original designs are reminiscent of the popular Victorian mad scientists. Aviator glasses are the hallmark of the Victorian era. Colored lenses and a round shape distinguish the wearer from the crowd and attract the attention of others. They can be decorated with steel parts and leather inserts.


  • Bustle- a device that makes the skirt splendid. Applied below the waist under a dress or skirt.
  • Belt made of brown leather with a bronze rough finish adds boldness, determination and masculinity to the image. The accessory often has several pockets where you can hide your keys or phone.
  • Umbrella or fan decorated lace patterns reminds of the femininity and sexuality of the owner.


Advice! In steampunk, details play an important role. Don't be afraid to overdo it. Gloves, hat, glasses, garter, bracelet, beads - all the details are appropriate in one look.

Wedding ideas

In this case, the bride's dress should be chosen with a lace-up corset in order to favorably emphasize the chest. If the girl has full arms, they will do wide sleeves... But the shoulders are best left bare. To stand out from your friends, decorate your dress and hair with delicate flowers.




A skirt made of ripped fluffy tulle, knee-length or shin-length is great for the Victorian era. Round off the look with brown flat boots. The advantage of such shoes is that you can avoid fatigue and do not miss dancing to the groovy music. Stockings are replaced with woolen golfs.

As jewelry, the bride should pay attention to the necklace with pendants in the form of keys, gears, medallions. Wear a wide leather bracelet on your wrist.

You also need to choose an unusual garter, decorated with chains, keys and a small female revolver. Decorate your hairstyle with an original feather design. For example, a hat with a sailing ship.


Bridesmaids can be given painted masks and umbrellas at the entrance. The image of the groom is created by trousers with suspenders, a cap and a leather jacket. If you have an aristocratic wedding, top hat and cane are the main attributes of the Victorian era. You can focus on the steampunk style with cufflinks in the form of gears, a watch on a chain, and tie pins. Complement appearance round glasses.

Bridesmaids can be given painted masks and umbrellas at the entrance. Warn against wearing high heels. High boots in black or brown leather with flat soles are an excellent option.

Friends of the newlyweds should be reminded of hats. Caps, top hats and mad scientist hats are examples of the best accessories. Ties can be replaced with stylish plaid bow ties.


To make guests fit into the wedding environment, you can use classic version outfits

To make the guests fit into the wedding surroundings, you can use the classic version of the outfits. Choose specific colors. For example, black and blue. In this case, you can choose any black dress, but blue shoes with low heels and original hats decorated with blue feathers will complement the image. It is also better to sew a wedding dress in the indicated colors.

Friends of the groom can wear black dress suits with a matching shirt and blue tie. Take care of your hats and glasses in advance. A pantsuit can be worn by a girl playing the role of a feminist.

Advice!When choosing a steampunk wedding, pay attention to detail. Even a classic long white dress can be complemented with a stylish hat with feathers and flat boots. Doing so will move away from the standards and create a Victorian atmosphere.


Clothes with a lot of laces and rivets will come in handy

How to sew a steampunk corset yourself

A corset is an integral part of a woman's steampunk wardrobe. Finding a suitable finished product is problematic, as you usually don't like the design or the price. To look unique and original, it is better to sew a corset yourself.

To create a product, you need to stock up on thick leather. If there is nowhere to buy scraps of quality material, material from an old bag, briefcase, coat and even bootlegs will do. Even if you managed to get a little leather, do not worry, the corset can consist of different textures. You will also need punching tongs, a satin ribbon or cord (about 10 meters).


Finding a suitable finished product is problematic, since you usually don't like the design or the price

Step-by-step instruction:

  • Cut out the patterns of the corset on cheap fabric, sweep and try on. Cut out suitable pieces for future use.
  • Draw the contours of the resulting patterns on the skin and cut out.
  • On vertical sections of each skin fragment, punch holes with pre-prepared forceps every one and a half centimeters.
  • Connect the cut out parts of the bodice with a satin ribbon or cord.
  • Use a lighter to melt the oblique cuts of the ribbons so that they do not bloom and crumble. Tie the long ends in bows for a romantic look.

Advice! Don't forget to decorate the corset with Victorian accessories. The more patterns on the product, the better. Tie keys, medallions, gears, insert locks.