If you’re longing to add a touch of creativity and uniqueness to your everyday style, look no further than the intriguing world of steampunk fashion. Steampunk, with its blend of Victorian elegance and retro-futuristic elements, offers a plethora of opportunities to express your individuality. In this article, we will explore five simple yet effective ways to incorporate steampunk style into your everyday outfits. From stylish accessories to vintage-inspired clothing, get ready to infuse your wardrobe with a dash of steampunk flair that will turn heads wherever you go.
Incorporate Steampunk Accessories
Wear Steampunk-themed jewelry
When it comes to incorporating steampunk style into your everyday outfits, one of the easiest ways to do so is by wearing steampunk-themed jewelry. Look for pieces that feature gears, cogs, or other mechanical elements. Necklaces with pocket watch pendants, earrings with vintage key designs, or bracelets adorned with intricate metalwork are all great options. These accessories will add a unique and eye-catching touch to any outfit and instantly give it a steampunk flair.
Add a steampunk-inspired hat
A steampunk-inspired hat is another fantastic accessory to elevate your everyday outfits. Opt for hats with embellishments such as gears, feathers, or lace. Top hats, bowler hats, and wide-brimmed hats are all popular choices that will instantly transform your look. A steampunk hat not only adds a touch of sophistication but also helps to tie together your whole ensemble, making it feel more cohesive and authentically steampunk.
Include a pocket watch in your outfit
One of the most iconic symbols of the steampunk aesthetic is the pocket watch. Incorporating a pocket watch into your everyday outfit is a surefire way to channel the essence of this unique style. Clip a pocket watch to a chain and attach it to your belt loop or dress pocket for a classic steampunk look. Alternatively, consider investing in a pocket watch necklace, which adds a vintage and whimsical touch to any outfit.
Try wearing goggles as an accessory
Goggles are a staple accessory in steampunk fashion, and incorporating them into your everyday outfits is a fun and unique way to embrace the steampunk style. Look for goggles with a vintage-inspired design and wear them pushed back on your forehead or around your neck. Goggles instantly add a futuristic and industrial feel to any outfit, making them a key accessory for achieving an authentic steampunk look.
Use steampunk-style belts and buckles
Steampunk-style belts and buckles are practical accessories that also add a stylish touch to your outfit. Look for belts with unique designs, such as those featuring gears, clock faces, or other mechanical elements. These belts not only enhance your look but also help to create a defined waistline, adding structure and polish to your outfit. Pair them with dresses, skirts, or even high-waisted pants for a truly steampunk-inspired ensemble.
Opt for Victorian-inspired Clothing
Choose clothing with ruffles and lace
To truly embody the steampunk aesthetic, opt for clothing with ruffles and lace. Look for blouses, dresses, or skirts with delicate lace accents or ornate ruffles. These details add a touch of Victorian elegance and femininity to your outfit, while still maintaining the edgy and avant-garde feel of steampunk fashion. Pair a ruffled blouse with high-waisted pants or a lace dress with a corset-style belt for a look that perfectly captures the essence of steampunk style.
Wear high collars and puffed sleeves
Steampunk fashion often draws inspiration from Victorian clothing, and high collars and puffed sleeves are key elements to incorporate into your everyday outfits. Dresses or blouses with high collars instantly exude a vintage and refined feel, while puffed sleeves add dimension and drama to your look. These details help to create a more retro and historical aesthetic, making them essential for achieving an authentic steampunk style.
Select dresses or blouses with corset-style details
Corsets are synonymous with the steampunk style, so incorporating corset-style details into your everyday outfits is a must. Look for dresses or blouses with lace-up or boning details that mimic the structure of a corset. These elements not only add visual interest but also help to create a defined waistline and enhance your silhouette. Pair a corset-style blouse with a full skirt for a romantic and vintage-inspired look that is perfect for embracing the steampunk fashion.
Look for steampunk-themed prints and patterns
Steampunk-themed prints and patterns are a fun and creative way to infuse your everyday outfits with steampunk flair. Look for clothing adorned with gear, cog, or machinery prints for a futuristic and industrial touch. Alternatively, opt for fabric prints featuring Victorian-inspired motifs such as ornate keys, vintage maps, or clock faces. These prints are subtle yet impactful and will add a unique and whimsical element to your overall steampunk look.
Pair vintage-inspired skirts or pants with your outfits
When putting together a steampunk-inspired outfit, consider pairing vintage-inspired skirts or pants with your chosen tops. Look for skirts with high waistlines and A-line silhouettes, as they are reminiscent of the Victorian era. Alternatively, opt for wide-leg pants or trousers in a retro fabric such as tweed or houndstooth. These bottoms will not only enhance the vintage aesthetic but also provide a solid foundation for creating a well-balanced and visually appealing steampunk ensemble.
Add Industrial Elements
Choose clothing with gears, cogs, and machinery prints
One of the key elements of steampunk fashion is the incorporation of industrial elements such as gears, cogs, and machinery prints. Look for clothing adorned with these details to add a distinctive steampunk touch to your everyday outfits. Dresses, blouses, or jackets featuring gear or cog embellishments instantly give off a futuristic and edgy vibe. These elements serve as a visual reminder of the steampunk’s industrial roots and make for an eye-catching addition to any outfit.
Wear clothing with metal accents or hardware
To achieve an authentic steampunk look, opt for clothing with metal accents or hardware. Look for dresses, tops, or outerwear featuring buttons, studs, or buckles made of metal. These small details add an industrial and utilitarian feel to your outfits and create an overall steampunk aesthetic. Pair a blouse with metal button detailing with a leather jacket for a modern yet vintage-inspired look that captures the essence of steampunk fashion.
Include leather or faux leather pieces in your outfit
Leather or faux leather pieces are a great way to incorporate an edgy and rebellious element into your steampunk-inspired outfits. Look for jackets, vests, skirts, or pants made from these materials, as they add a rugged and adventurous touch to your look. Leather pieces also provide a unique contrast to the softer fabrics typically associated with steampunk fashion, creating a well-balanced and visually interesting ensemble.
Opt for clothing with exposed zippers or buckles
Exposed zippers and buckles are trendy details that can instantly elevate your everyday outfits to the next level of steampunk style. Look for tops, skirts, or pants with visible zippers or buckles, as they add an industrial and futuristic touch to your look. These elements provide a sense of functionality and edginess, perfectly aligning with the steampunk aesthetic. Pair a top with an exposed zipper detail with high-waisted pants or a skirt for a fashion-forward and steampunk-inspired ensemble.
Look for clothing with distressed or weathered details
Distressed or weathered details are another way to add an authentic steampunk touch to your everyday outfits. Look for clothing with intentionally frayed edges, faded fabric, or distressed patches. These elements create a sense of history and wear, adding a vintage and lived-in feel to your look. Pair a distressed denim jacket with a lace blouse or a weathered leather skirt for a cool and contemporary spin on the traditional steampunk style.
Experiment with Layering
Combine different textures and fabrics
Layering different textures and fabrics is a fun and creative way to add depth and dimension to your everyday steampunk outfits. Experiment with combining lace, leather, velvet, or brocade to create interesting contrasts and visual interest. For example, layer a lace blouse under a leather vest or pair a velvet skirt with a brocade blazer. These combinations not only enhance the steampunk aesthetic but also create a unique and visually appealing ensemble.
Layer a corset or waistcoat over your clothing
Adding a corset or waistcoat to your outfit is a classic steampunk layering technique. Corsets and waistcoats instantly cinch the waist, creating a flattering and feminine silhouette. Layer a corset over a blouse or dress to accentuate your curves, or wear a waistcoat over a shirt for a more structured and tailored look. These layering pieces bring a vintage-inspired charm and authenticity to your overall steampunk ensemble.
Wear stockings or fishnet tights under skirts or shorts
To add a touch of whimsy and femininity to your everyday outfits, consider wearing stockings or fishnet tights under skirts or shorts. Opt for stockings with intricate patterns or fishnet tights with a larger mesh size for a more distinctive and visually interesting look. These legwear options not only keep you warm but also serve as a layering element that enhances the overall steampunk style.
Try adding a vest or blazer to your ensemble
Vests and blazers are versatile layering pieces that can instantly transform your everyday outfits into steampunk-inspired ensembles. Look for vests with unique details such as lace-up fronts or metal accents to add a touch of steampunk flair. Blazers, on the other hand, provide a more structured and polished look. Pair a vest with a ruffled blouse and high-waisted pants or layer a blazer over a corset-style dress for a refined and fashion-forward steampunk outfit.
Pair a steampunk-style cape or jacket with your outfit
Steampunk-style capes or jackets are statement layering pieces that can take your everyday outfits to new heights. Look for capes or jackets with unique details such as asymmetrical cuts, exaggerated collars, or military-inspired buttons. These outerwear options not only keep you warm but also serve as focal points of your outfit. Pair a cape with a tailored skirt or wear a jacket over a lace dress for a bold and striking steampunk look.
Play with Colors and Fabrics
Choose neutral colors like brown, beige, and cream
Neutral colors are the foundation of a steampunk-inspired color palette. Opt for shades of brown, beige, or cream when selecting your clothing items. These colors create a timeless and sophisticated look, reminiscent of the Victorian era. Consider wearing a beige blouse with brown trousers or a cream-colored dress paired with a leather jacket. By sticking to neutral hues, you’ll create a cohesive and authentically steampunk ensemble.
Incorporate deep, rich colors like burgundy or emerald green
To add a touch of opulence and drama to your everyday steampunk outfits, incorporate deep, rich colors like burgundy or emerald green. These jewel tones are reminiscent of the Victorian era and exude a sense of luxury and elegance. Consider wearing a burgundy corset over a black blouse, or try pairing an emerald green skirt with a cream-colored top. These color combinations will instantly elevate your look and give it a regal and vintage-inspired feel.
Add pops of metallic colors like gold or bronze
Metallic colors are a key component of steampunk style, and incorporating them into your outfits can take your look to the next level. Look for clothing items with gold or bronze accents, such as metallic trims, buttons, or hardware. These pops of metallic colors add a futuristic and industrial touch to your ensemble, while still maintaining a sense of elegance and glamour. Pair a gold-trimmed blouse with black pants or wear a bronze-accented skirt with a white shirt for a chic and eye-catching steampunk outfit.
Use fabrics like velvet, brocade, or lace in your outfits
The choice of fabrics plays a crucial role in achieving a steampunk-inspired look. Look for fabrics such as velvet, brocade, or lace to add a touch of Victorian luxury to your outfits. Velvet, with its soft and lustrous texture, instantly exudes elegance and sophistication. Brocade, known for its elaborate woven patterns, adds a sense of opulence and grandeur. Lace, with its delicate and intricate designs, brings a romantic and feminine feel to your ensemble. Incorporating these fabrics into your everyday outfits will elevate your look and give it an authentic steampunk vibe.
Pair different patterns and textures together for a unique look
Steampunk style encourages experimentation and creativity when it comes to mixing patterns and textures. Don’t be afraid to pair intricate patterns such as paisley, houndstooth, or damask together for a visually dynamic and unique look. Additionally, consider combining different textures like lace, leather, and velvet to create interesting contrasts and tactile interest. Mixing patterns and textures is a great way to showcase your personal style and create a one-of-a-kind steampunk outfit.
Embrace Steampunk Footwear
Opt for Victorian-inspired boots with lace-up details
When it comes to steampunk footwear, Victorian-inspired boots with lace-up details are a perfect choice. Look for boots with a high or mid-calf length, as they exude a sense of drama and gothic elegance. The lace-up design not only adds visual interest but also allows you to customize the fit of the boots. Pair these boots with a flowy skirt or tailored pants for a look that is both fashionable and functional.
Choose boots with buckles or metal accents
Boots with buckles or metal accents are another excellent option for embracing the steampunk style. Look for boots adorned with decorative buckles, rivets, or other metal details. These design elements add an industrial and futuristic touch to your footwear, perfectly aligning with the steampunk aesthetic. Choose boots in dark colors such as black or brown to maintain a cohesive color palette in your overall outfit.
Wear ankle or knee-high boots with your outfits
Ankle or knee-high boots are versatile options that can be paired with a wide range of outfits. For a more casual and everyday look, opt for ankle boots. They can be worn with skirts, dresses, or pants to instantly elevate your ensemble. Knee-high boots, on the other hand, create a more statement look and are perfect for adding a touch of drama to your outfits. These boots pair exceptionally well with shorter dresses or skirts, creating a visually balanced and fashion-forward steampunk ensemble.
Try incorporating steampunk-themed shoe accessories like spats
Spats are shoe accessories that cover the instep and sometimes extend up to the ankle. They are a fantastic way to add a steampunk touch to your everyday footwear. Look for spats made from leather or fabric with unique details such as buttons, buckles, or contrasting stitching. To incorporate spats into your outfit, simply wear them over your boots or shoes for an extra layer of style and sophistication. Spats instantly elevate your footwear and give it a distinctive and fashionable steampunk flair.
Look for shoes with unique heel designs or steampunk elements
When selecting shoes for your steampunk-inspired outfits, consider looking for unique heel designs or shoes with steampunk elements. Look for footwear with sculptural or geometric heel shapes to add an avant-garde touch to your ensemble. Alternatively, opt for shoes adorned with gears, cogs, or other mechanical details. These elements instantly make a statement and serve as a focal point of your outfit. Pair shoes with unique heel designs with cropped trousers or a long skirt to showcase their distinctiveness.
Accessorize with Steampunk-inspired Bags
Choose bags with vintage-inspired designs
When it comes to steampunk-inspired bags, vintage-inspired designs are a perfect choice. Look for bags with classic shapes such as satchels, crossbody bags, or doctor bags. These timeless styles exude a sense of sophistication and nostalgia, perfectly aligning with the steampunk aesthetic. Opt for bags in neutral colors such as brown or black to maintain a cohesive and authentic steampunk look.
Look for bags with metal accents or hardware
Steampunk style is marked by its intricate and industrial details, and bags with metal accents or hardware are no exception. Look for bags adorned with decorative buckles, studs, or exposed zippers. These design elements not only add visual interest but also enhance your overall steampunk look. Bags with metal accents or hardware serve as a statement piece and provide a unique and edgy touch to your outfit.
Select bags with steampunk-themed prints or patterns
To showcase your love for steampunk style, choose bags with steampunk-themed prints or patterns. Look for bags featuring gear, cog, or machinery prints for a futuristic and industrial touch. Alternatively, opt for bags with fabric patterns reminiscent of vintage wallpaper or Victorian motifs. These prints and patterns add a whimsical and decorative element to your bags, making them a focal point of your overall steampunk ensemble.
Opt for bags with unique shapes or embellishments
For a truly standout and distinctive steampunk-inspired bag, choose options with unique shapes or embellishments. Look for bags with asymmetrical or geometric designs, or those featuring architectural details such as sculptural handles or unusual closures. These bags instantly make a statement and add a touch of avant-garde style to your everyday outfits. Pair them with neutral or solid-colored clothing to allow the bag to take center stage.
Consider small satchels or messenger bags for a steampunk touch
Small satchels or messenger bags are practical yet stylish options for incorporating steampunk flair into your everyday outfits. These bags not only hold your essentials but also add a vintage and utilitarian touch to your look. Opt for satchels or messenger bags in distressed leather or with brass hardware for a truly authentic steampunk aesthetic. Pair these bags with a blouse, skirt, and boots for a chic and functional steampunk ensemble.
Style Your Hair in Steampunk-inspired Ways
Create intricate updos with braids and twists
When styling your hair in a steampunk-inspired way, opt for intricate updos that incorporate braids and twists. Look for updo tutorials that feature styles such as braided crowns, fishtail braids, or twisted buns. These hairstyles not only exude a sense of romance and femininity but also have a whimsical and adventurous feel that perfectly complements steampunk fashion. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different braiding techniques and add in accessories like gears or feathers for that extra steampunk touch.
Use hair accessories like feathered headbands or hair combs
Hair accessories are key to achieving a complete steampunk look. Look for accessories such as feathered headbands, hair combs with metal accents, or hats adorned with gears and lace. These accessories instantly transform your hair into a visual focal point, adding a touch of drama and whimsy. Secure a feathered headband around an updo or tuck a hair comb adorned with gears into a braided hairstyle for a unique and enchanting steampunk-inspired look.
Try styling your hair with retro-inspired curls or waves
To channel the elegance and glamour of the Victorian era, consider styling your hair with retro-inspired curls or waves. Look for tutorials on vintage hairstyles such as finger waves, pin curls, or victory rolls. These hairstyles exude a sense of timeless beauty and perfectly complement the steampunk aesthetic. Use heated curling tools or even foam hair rollers to create voluminous curls or smooth waves. Adding accessories like ornate hair clips or brooches can further enhance the vintage and steampunk feel.
Experiment with adding fascinators or mini top hats to your hairstyle
Fascinators and mini top hats are quintessential accessories in steampunk fashion, and incorporating them into your hairstyle is a playful and stylish way to embrace the steampunk style. Look for fascinators or mini top hats adorned with feathers, lace, gears, or other steampunk elements. Place them strategically in your hair, securing them with hair clips or bobby pins, to create a whimsical and eye-catching look. Fascinators or mini top hats instantly elevate your hairstyle and give it a distinctive steampunk touch.
Incorporate steampunk-themed hair clips or barrettes for a unique look
Steampunk-themed hair clips or barrettes are small yet impactful accessories that can transform your everyday hairstyle into a steampunk work of art. Look for hair clips or barrettes embellished with gears, cogs, or intricate metalwork. These accessories can be used to pin back sections of your hair or secure an updo, adding a touch of industrial and whimsical flair. By incorporating steampunk-themed hair clips or barrettes, you’ll instantly elevate your hairstyle and complete your overall steampunk look.
Complete Your Look with Steampunk Makeup
Apply a neutral or smoky eyeshadow with a touch of metallic
Steampunk makeup often features a neutral or smoky eyeshadow with a touch of metallic to create a captivating and mysterious look. Opt for shades such as browns, taupes, or grays for a subtle and understated eyeshadow base. Then, add a pop of metallic color, such as gold or bronze, to the center of the eyelid or along the lower lash line. This combination creates a striking and attention-grabbing eye look that complements the steampunk style.
Use a winged eyeliner to create a dramatic look
Winged eyeliner is a classic and timeless makeup technique that adds drama and intensity to any look, making it perfect for steampunk makeup. Use a liquid or gel eyeliner to create a bold and elongated winged look that extends from the outer corner of the eye. This technique instantly creates a sense of mystery and allure, enhancing the overall steampunk aesthetic. Pair winged eyeliner with neutral eyeshadow and defined brows for a fierce and captivating makeup look.
Apply bold and dark lipstick colors like deep red or plum
To complete your steampunk makeup look, opt for bold and dark lipstick colors such as deep red or plum. These shades exude a sense of power and sophistication, perfectly aligning with the steampunk style. Use a lip liner to define and shape your lips, then fill them in with your chosen dark lipstick color. This lip color creates a strong and confident look, balancing the overall makeup and adding a touch of drama and elegance.
Experiment with adding metallic accents or gears to your face
For those looking to take their steampunk makeup to the next level, consider experimenting with adding metallic accents or gears to your face. Look for metallic face paints, body glitter, or adhesive gems to create unique and futuristic designs. Apply the metallic accents along the cheekbones, brow bone, or even on the lips for a truly eye-catching and steampunk-inspired look. Alternatively, have fun with temporary metallic tattoos or metallic face masks to instantly transform your makeup into a mesmerizing work of art.
Consider using false lashes or feathered eyelashes for a whimsical touch
False lashes or feathered eyelashes are fantastic options for adding a whimsical touch to your steampunk makeup. Look for lashes with unique and dramatic designs, such as long and fluttery feathered styles or lashes adorned with gears or metal accents. These lashes instantly enhance the eyes and create a sense of enchantment and fantasy. Pair them with a neutral or smoky eyeshadow base for a look that beautifully captures the essence of steampunk fashion.
Get Inspired by Steampunk Icons and Characters
Study the fashion styles of historical figures like H.G. Wells and Jules Verne
When looking for inspiration to incorporate steampunk style into your everyday outfits, turn to historical figures such as H.G. Wells and Jules Verne. These pioneering authors not only shaped the steampunk genre but also influenced the fashion and aesthetic associated with it. Study their fashion styles and the fictional worlds they created to understand the key elements of steampunk and how you can translate them into your own outfits.
Research steampunk-themed movies, TV shows, and books
Steampunk-themed movies, TV shows, and books are treasure troves of inspiration when it comes to incorporating steampunk style into your everyday outfits. Watch films like “The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen” or “Wild Wild West” to get a sense of the visual aesthetic and fashion choices in steampunk-inspired worlds. Read books such as “Boneshaker” or “The Difference Engine” to dive deeper into the rich lore and imagery of the steampunk genre. Take note of character outfits, costume design, and overall themes to inspire your own steampunk fashion journey.
Look for fashion inspiration from steampunk conventions and events
Steampunk conventions and events are excellent sources of fashion inspiration and a great way to immerse yourself in the steampunk culture. Attend conventions or browse through online photo galleries to see how others express their personal style within the steampunk aesthetic. Take note of unique accessories, creative uses of materials, and innovative outfit combinations. Use these observations to inspire your own steampunk fashion choices and to discover new and unexpected ways to incorporate steampunk style into your everyday outfits.
Find steampunk-inspired fashion bloggers or influencers for ideas
Steampunk-inspired fashion bloggers and influencers are fantastic resources for ideas and inspiration when it comes to incorporating steampunk style into your everyday outfits. Follow their blogs or social media accounts to stay updated on the latest trends, discover new brands, and learn styling tips. Pay attention to how these influencers incorporate steampunk elements into their outfits, from accessorizing to layering techniques. Use their innovative approaches as a springboard for your own steampunk fashion journey.
Combine elements from different steampunk characters or sub-genres
Finally, don’t be afraid to combine elements from different steampunk characters or sub-genres to create a unique and personalized style. Steampunk fashion is highly flexible and encourages individual creativity and self-expression. Draw inspiration from airship captains, inventors, explorers, or even fantastical sub-genres like steampunk fairies or pirates. By combining different elements, you’ll create an outfit that is a true reflection of your personality and style, adding an extra layer of authenticity to your everyday steampunk look.
Incorporating steampunk style into your everyday outfits is an exciting and creative endeavor that allows you to explore unique fashion choices and express your personal style. By following the tips and suggestions outlined in this article, you’ll be well on your way to embracing the steampunk aesthetic and creating stunning outfits that capture the essence of this captivating fashion genre. From steampunk-inspired jewelry to Victorian-inspired clothing, industrial elements, and unique accessories, there are endless possibilities to explore and experiment with. So, go ahead and unleash your inner adventurer and fashion maverick as you incorporate steampunk style into your everyday outfits!