Steampunk style for the beginner can at first be a little confusing to fathom. Where does one start when picking out that perfect look? After all it’s not exactly a ‘thrown together’ look, some of the best outfits will have been carefully chosen. The beauty with Steampunk is that it is a style that goes well beyond the clothes. There is a huge dose of fantasy that goes alongside it.

Let’s start at the beginning: to the untrained eye it is a style which can seem little more than what we imagine Victorian dressing to be… combined with a metallic pair of elasticized goggles! Although these can be seen as the essential elements, it’s nowhere near what this lifestyle is about.

To get to grips with it we suggest that you try thinking of your favorite Steampunk inspired classic– whether in literature or in film, there will be many aspects that have attracted you. The inspiration one will gain from the various sources will vary widely. From the fantasy of the fictional works by Jules Verne to the animated Victorian villains in the feature length Studio Ghibli productions, these are fantastic starting points to consider when beginning one’s own Steampunk adventure.

Next consider the characters that you are most attracted to and why. Who draws you in the most? You will find that in most cases you will relate to something about them. Are you really an air pirate at heart, stealing and kidnapping unwilling victims at will? Do you see yourself more as a gentleman inventor busily creating fantastical machines that can travel through all dimensions? Maybe you are an adventurer of the skies, preferring to explore uncharted territory via the dangerous skies? Have you always been a struggling street urchin desperate for fame and riches? Steampunk allows your imagination to run wild without limits!

What is your Steampunk character?

Beginning with inventors, considered by some to be a cornerstone of Steampunk style. Scientists by nature they are curious about the different worlds around them.

You will find them pottering away in their high-tech science labs. When they are not inventing they are out putting their time travelling creations to the test. For your gentleman inventor outfit look out for suits, think of investing in the many wonderful tailored items of clothing. The quintessential waistcoat and monocle will fit the image wonderfully. Personalize your look with the fine detail: Are you a young handsome clean shaven inventor? Or perhaps a more mature man who has seen a fair few adventures already? Details such as carefully crafted facial hair will only add to your look.

Want an edgy take on the gentleman inventor? Then how about the talented travelling wanderer? Tinkering with machinery and architectural instruments is just another day for this character. He or she will use whatever is at hand to fix airships, steam engines or other modes of cyber-transportation. Happy go lucky and very charming in an earthy way.

Both male and female air pirates also need to be rough and ready for literally anything! The pirate costume must be fully functional as well as stylish with space for all those hidden daggers and pistols. This look is all about being ready to attack. For the girls think flattering fitted thick leather under bust corsets and shortened Victorian dresses. These girls are very bad but lots of fun at the same time, so what you wear will have to reflect this at its core. Also add trinkets and charms you love from the bounty your crew have looted. The guys can add souvenirs of their adventures too.

Next we have the Steampunk sirens. These girls are ready to strike at a moment’s notice, the only difference is that they are disguised as respectable society ladies. These female versions of the highwaymen are more used to hijacking in the inhospitable climate of the Wild West! These ladies always get what they want no matter how they do it. That dangerous dame will have your wallet in a heartbeat! They will catch your eye wearing long and lavish gowns looking as sweet as cherry pie!

Aviators are very Steampunk in nature, roguish but very gallant too, the gentlemen of the sky! Military elements for your Aviator style will be perfect for the budding Steampunk pilot.

Perhaps you see yourself as that scrappy street sparrow? Natural pick pockets and thieves you will always be on the look out for adventure! The street urchin is an eclectic look. With strong vintage elements, you will wear pieces that you will have stolen from rich city folk in the marketplace. You will need deep pockets too!

Ever the reluctant explorer? Perhaps you are one to have his or her head deep in a scientific journal? In which case you could well be a Steampunk scholar! Thinking up new idea’s, contemplating time space continuum concepts, an all round dreamer.  Lavish velvet housecoats and slippers will be your clothing of choice as you thoughtfully puff on a smoking pipe imagining up the most fantastical worlds.

Some may argue these characters are simply stereotypes, to copy them directly would be as good as fancy dress. However one cannot deny that they do serve as wonderful inspiration for your own look.

And remember that the finer details matter so do not forget to accessorize. This is where Decimononic can help you with fine tuning your character’s story and outfit with our Steampunk-inspired fine jewelry.

So how will your Steampunk story begin?

Will your handsome bohemian inventor charm win over the respectable middle class lady? Could this rough charm bring out the femme fatale in her? Perhaps your introverted philosopher will finally be dragged out into outer space for an adventure of a millennia? The ever prim and proper gentleman inventor could well fall for the beautiful but deadly street urchin? What will await them when they enter the professor’s new time travelling machine?

Whatever your Steampunk story is, the style is sure to be just as wild as your imagination!