Goggles in steampunk fashion are often modded to included extra lenses and brass fittings. Goggles are used for a variety of things in steampunk fiction: protection during time travel or from sparks while inventing, from flying bugs while piloting airships, or even to enhance eyesight. Even the most elegant of steampunk outfits can obtain the grungy, punk feel of the subculture with the inclusion of goggles. Goggles are often considered to be a vital part of any steampunk costume. Hair may be adorned with braids, feathers, beads, wire, yarn, dreadlocks and other punk-like elements to juxtapose elegant Victorian clothing. However, headwear is not limited to Victorian styles. These were common during the Victorian era and were often considered stylish. A steampunk may often don a top hat, a leather flight helmet, a bowler hat, a straw boater/skimmer, an Arctic flap hat, a pith helmet, a deerstalker hat (in inspiration of Sherlock Holmes), a pirate-style bandana, or a newsboy cap. Headwear is an important part of steampunk fashion. These watches often have exposed gears and other aspects of steampunk technology showing prominently. However, due to the rapid advance of technology during the steampunk era, traditional wrist watches still make the list of the best steampunk watches in steampunk fashion. In a world where wristwatches do not exist, time can be kept fashionably in the pocket of a waistcoat. Air Pirates may do all of the above, but dash in feathers, the look of the aesthetic, and color.Ī Steampunk pocket watch is a common accessory for steampunks of either gender. An aviator may dress in military aviation or bomber jackets, and other tight fitting leather accouterments. Explorers on the ground may dress in billowy clothing, pantaloons, high waters and possibly an outback hat, crush cap, or pith helmet. A roguish variation exists, however, often with high leather boots, gloves, and goggles.Įxplorers, Aviators, and Air Pirates can expect to dress for their elements. Aesthetics often wear well-ironed suits with vests, top hats and long, straight coats and bear a traditional Victorian appearance. Steampunk men can take on a variety of characters. Elegant gloves are a common sight, but adventuring females often don fingerless ones. Corsets are also very common and can be under- or overbust.
Women often wear skirts or dresses, but pants are also common. Outerwear often includes pea coats, riding jackets, flight jackets, and carriage coats. It is not uncommon, however, to see a steampunk lady dressed as a pilot, air pirate, or engineer steampunk is a genre of adventure and women are often eagerly welcomed to join the fun. Steampunk women often (but not always) wear dresses complete with petticoats, corsets, and some sort of headwear, often a small, feminine top hat or a floral pin. Outfits are often tied together by at least one prominent accessory, such as goggles, parasols, top hats, or some kind of mechanical gadget. Colors are commonly neutral, although red and blue can sometimes be found. Colors also tend to be subdued and are rarely bright in color. Steampunk costumes are traditionally handmade or bought from a thrift store, but it is not uncommon to see a steampunk wearing mass-produced clothing, usually from websites that specialize in steampunk fashion. While some wear steampunk-influenced outfits in everyday circumstances, true steampunk attire is often reserved for special occasions, such as steampunk, anime, or cosplay conventions. Steampunk fashion, at its heart, is based on the Victorian style aesthetic, but embellished and influenced by steampunk fiction.