Steampunk Dresses

Steampunk (sometimes called Steam Punk) is a subculture associated with the subgenre in literature. In a phrase, Steampunk can be described as an alternative time line where diesel and gasoline power were shirked in favor of steam power, where clockwork was chosen above electronic configurations of machinery, and where Nikola Tesla's technology was favored over Edison's.

Steampunk dressing can be broken down into a few basic archetypes. One good place to begin is to decide what sort of character you are portraying, in other words: who are you? Are you an aristocrat, mechanic, aviator, pirate, explorer, or zombie hunter? Many of these archetypes do overlap, but it gives you a basis for your outfit. Think of what it would make the most sense to wear. If you are a mechanic, maybe a skirt would be silly. Would your character really wear goggles? Let's face it, they have become cliché in steampunk. But a cliché comes about because it is recognizable and iconic. So, if they make sense, why not wear goggles. Here are a few of the most common archetypes, but by no means all of them. Most of these can be combined to make a completely unique look.
- Adventurer: Think Rick O'Connell, but Victorian. Utilitarian clothes, shirt with sleeves rolled up, jodhpurs, khaki clothes, suspenders, rugged but sensible boots, belt full of gear, side arm, compass.
- Aristocratic: Often the patron or patroness of an adventure. High class, rich colors, rich materials, usually clean, well accessorized, stylish, perhaps more prim. Fabulous hats, gloves, parasols for the ladies.
- Aviator: Goggles (again a good excuse), flight helmet, leather gloves, insignia (the more creative the better!), shoulder boards, belt with side arm, any other weaponry or gear, military style jackets, boots!
- Dandy (male) : Very stylish clothing, well tailored and flattering. A suit, perhaps a formal tux and tails depending on the event. Well chosen accessories. Rakishly worn hats. gloves.
- Explorer: Pith helmet (cliché goggles(sure), khaki colored clothing, compass, gear, weaponry.
- Femme Fatale (female): Form fitting clothing, perhaps exposing decolletage or a scandalous amount of leg. Lace, silk, velvet, feathers. Rich colors, red or rich burgundy. Granny boots (preferably without a zipper)
- Hunter/Fighter: Almost anything goes here as long as you are properly equipped for what you are hunting. A western look is most apropos here, especially with a modified rifle. A monster hunter carrying strange arcane weapons. Rarely clean, lots of leather, lots of weapons.

Steampunk is a subgenre that relies on fit, ingenuity and lots of creativity. Knowing how to take old things and make them new, or to take new things and fashionably antiquate them are part of what the genre is all about.