Intrigued enough to try dressing up in a steampunk outfit? It's really just a question of your imagination, how much you like thrift stores — where a lot of people get the beginnings of their costumes — and your general craftiness. Here are a few suggestions on how to get started based on Scott Lyon's, aka James Worthington, pamphlet called "The Boyfriend's Guide to Steampunk Outfitting." While it's focused on men, many of the ideas are transferable to women's outfits.
Putting together a steampunk outfit doesn't have to be an expensive project — it just requires a little ingenuity and imagination.
Kiselev Andrey Valerevich/Shutterstock
☞ Think like a Victorian: Not sure where to begin? First, there are pretty much no "wrong" costumes. As long as you start with something Victorian and stay away from anything gas-powered in your accouterments — that would fall under dieselpunk; yes, that's a thing, too — you're likely good to go.
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☞ Pick a persona: Give some thought to the character or persona you want to be. Unlike other cosplay universes, in which people recreate a specific Marvel comic or Star Trek character, steampunk is completely made up (while still rooted in old-timey technology). As Worthington puts it, "If you imagine yourself in the steampunk world, who would you be?" He then offers up some questions to consider: "What occupation do you see yourself in the steampunk economy?" "Along a continuum running from the historical to the fantastical, where would you be most comfortable?"
☞ Get the threads: Look for button-down shirts in solid colors or vertical stripes without buttons on the collar tips; waistcoats or vests in solids or stripes; straight-leg slacks.
☞ Top it off: Get a good felt top hat. Halloween versions are perfectly fine. If youíre a railroad worker in your steampunk world, Worthington suggests a wool, visored cap.
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☞ Leave the kicks at home: Shoes are important, so no sneakers.
