Welcome to the World of Steam(punk)

Steampunk is a genre of novels, short stories, and even some movies...based usually in Victorian London setting. Of course, not all authors take that view, and the original "steampunk" stories were based in America. The basic term "Steampunk" was coined by K.W. Jeter, and his explanation follows:

"Enclosed is a copy of my 1979 novel Morlock Night; ...Personally, I think Victorian fantasies are going to be the next big thing, as long as we can come up with a fitting collective term for Powers, Blaylock and myself. Something based on the appropriate technology of the era; like "steampunks", perhaps..." (letter to the science fiction magazine Locus, in 1987).

Steampunk novels, regardless of the setting, generally follow a theme. The theme being a hero or heroine, set in the past and utilizing technology of the present and future, in order to overthrow the villian. To me, Steampunk is many things, and can take on many forms...Up to the modern day way of turning a laptop into a Steampunk "machine". (See picture below)

In regards to the genre and the fashion therein...So much can be said about corsets, kilts, top hats, the goggles (oh, the goggles!!!), the pantaloons, overcoats, parasols, gloved hands, time pieces, waistcoats...I could go on and on! But, since this is an overview, I will try to give the most basic information, regarding the most basic pieces...

Let me start this section with my own personal everyday wear of a steampunk inspired look...I have a peasant style blouse made of cotton (actually, I own two of these, as they are so comfortable, and versatile...one in white, and one in white with green leaves throughout). The tops are short sleeves, and in the winter I wear a tissue thin white, long sleeve t-shirt (extra long sleeves which kind of billow from the wrist) underneath or a high necked black turtleneck, depending on the top I picked. I pair these with a version of cargo pants (one in khaki, and one in black) that while sounding mundane, have the best side panels that have ribbons attached, just under the pockets on the side of the calf section of the pant. These ribbons are also attached to the inside of the pant, so that when tied it creates a cropped, almost pantaloon, effect. And, of course, the shoes have to be steampunk, as well or a steampunk outfit it would not be! I am the kind of person who if I find something that works, I stick with it...hence, in my previous fashion hubs, I mention attaining classic pieces that never go out of fashion! To point...I found a pair of soft leather flats (I hate heels!), that have cutouts along the line of where your toes begin...beautiful detailing and stitching went into every one, and where the typical flat ends (about a quarter to an inch before your toes begin), this pair also ends...the steampunk aspect is in the details (as always!). There is a strap that goes across (not a "maryjane" style strap which is closer to the leg) right under that portion of the flat, so that as you stand up, it crosses the upper portion of shoe (by the toe)...And the strap is held down with a buckle, in this case the buckle is made of brass. Sounds a little confusing, but it's the detailing of the shoe that make it steampunk in nature. This particular pair is so comfortable, and so classic (can be worn with nearly anything!), that I also bought a pair in black (the buckle on this pair is pewter)! The pieces, while all seperate and classic, make marvelous everyday wear for steampunk! Add a beautiful parasol, or cinch the peasant top with a corset, and it's become even more steam-inspired! Change the shoes to an old british military boot (hate to say it...with heels, for perfection) and it's become even more steampunk.

The basic "rules" of fashion in the modern day world, work just as well for the genre steampunk, or any genre of clothing...Less is sometimes more, and More is almost always Better!

The above example from my own closet, was basic everyday wear...But where's the fun in being "a little" bit steampunk? Or steampunk inspired? The pictures below, show the adage "more is better"....But any style of dress can be deemed steampunk if the basic details are there to begin with, or added on later!