Steampunk outfits limited only by imagination

By tony leather, 10th Apr 2012 | Follow this author | RSS Feed | Short URL http://nut.bz/3z3mrjax/
Posted in Wikinut>News>Off Beat

Bandoliers, cowboy boots and denim would combine perfectly with, goggles resting on the brim or a stetson, and clockwork pistols in hip holsters.

Steampunk outfits limited only by imagination

The premise of the steampunk movement is essentially a fictitious alternative history where breakthroughs in mechanical engineering allowed western civilization to develop higher technology with further advances of the common machinery and chemistry of the day. What many don't understand is, that steampunk is more than brown leather and brass cogs.
It has roots in classic science fiction and indeed, in classical history, making the creation of steampunk outfit ideas a virtually limitless playing-field. All one requires to augment their wardroom is a few simple ideas, and a lot of imagination.
Pretty much anything can be 'steampunked' from common casual wear to elaborately designed costumes based on a central theme. Going steamy can be as easy as a clockwork print on a T-shirt or you can dress to the nines with period clothing and accessories fashioned from actual antiques.
Crossovers are one area that has enjoyed a great deal of attention by steampunk designers, both amateur and professional. Everything from Star Wars to Jewels Verne would be equally appropriate. There are many basic types for steampunk personas, that can be modified or combined to suit ones personal preference.
The airship pirate is perhaps the most quintessential of steampunk outfit ideas. The idea of a captain of fortune standing on the bridge of an enormous airship, decked out in: calf boots, jodhpurs, rumpled waist coat, and brass goggles over the eyes is a particularly inspiring one.
This is a look that is equally suited for with a male or female, as indeed a great many steampunk outfit ideas are. Another favourite is, scientist turned adventurer. Imagine if Darwin or Ernest Shackleton had lived in a world of mechanized wonder, with an oiled canvas overcoat protecting an impressive array of scientific instruments.
Beaten and weathered boots tried by years of fieldwork would be a nice addition to this image. Maybe even, some type of elaborate life support system for exploration into hostile environments. The socialite wearing an elegant victorian dress of crushed velvet with lace trim could be easily modified to represent the subtleties of steampunk fashion. By doing nothing more involved that including a few clockwork accessories such as pocket watches or a creative breathing apparatus.
The apparel of a street urchin or work house laborer can be made into a wonderful steampunk outfit idea. Just by including a few common tools and some grease smears. Voila! Instant machinist or mechanic. The wild west gun-slinger is perfect for those with a bit of a western wear fetish.
Steampunk is an alternate history, not just limited to London's white chapel district. Bandoliers, cowboy boots and denim would combine perfectly with, goggles resting on the brim or a stetson, and clockwork pistols in hip holsters.
These are just a few basic archetypes to get you started. Many of these, if not all are by no means, gender specific and can be paired with basic garments to flatter either, male or female body types. In truth it is your own sense of personal style that will make a steampunk outfit idea, uniquely yours.

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Meet the author

tony leather
mainly non-fiction articles, though I do write short stories, poetry and descriptive prose as well. Have been writing for over ten years now