How to Put Together Your Own Steampunk Costume

Are you preparing to embark on a steampunk adventure, complete with gears, goggles, brocade and corsets but you need a gown for the ball? We offer a few tips on how to put together your own steampunk costume.

Thrift shops
Thrift shops are a goldmine for steampunk clothing, so long as you know what you’re looking for. Be on the lookout for brocade pieces, buttons and clasps and high necks, which were all common in Victorian clothing. Natural fibers will work best with your steampunk costume, since they will better reflect the time period. Standing collars and lace detailing will also work well with steampunk imagery.

Specialty stores
Many specialty stores now offer steampunk clothing and costumes for off the shelf purchase. These stores (which are often online) will offer full steampunk dresses that feature corsets (underbust or overbust) boleros and tiered ruffle skirts. These are great spots to hit if you’re looking for one show-stopping piece (like a leather trimmed, steel boned corset) or an entire outfit. Keep in mind, these pieces are often limited run and high quality and will cost you accordingly.

Traditional stores
While you might think that you could never find steampunk clothing at the mall, you would be surprised at what you can find at traditional clothing stores if you know what you’re looking for. Like the thrift shops, there will be a lot of immediate discards, but many shops will be carrying some lace detailed or standing collar shirts and brocade has come back in a big way recently. We also love incorporating traditional jewelry into our steampunk outfits, especially chokers and ear cuffs.

Fabric stores
Fabric stores are treasure troves for those skilled with a sewing machine. These stores cater to a variety of people and will often have incredible selection of lace, chiffon, brocade and leather by the yard. They also have amazing selections of buttons in every metal finish you can think of.