If you've ever seen someone wearing black combat boots, pink paisley bloomers, a white lace corset and a black flannel shirt, you've seen steampunk fashion. This highly eclectic and historical style is the ultimate blend of influences.
Steampunk fashion is rather hard to pin a single definition to. It tends to be historical garb, usually from around the 19th century, usually paired with contemporary pieces. The method results in beautiful and unusual items, such as an authentic tweed suit from the turn of the 19th century paired with a T-shirt.
From clothing to accessories, steampunk is the perfect mesh of old world style and modern innovation. The "steam" part of steampunk fashion refers to the good, old days. The times of steam ships, long voyages and exciting explorations. Sometimes the Victorian era is so preferred that entire outfits are re-created and worn.
The steampunk trend uses more than just the Victorian era for designer fashion. There may be a little medieval, goth and gypsy fashion thrown in, too. Then, to top things off, industrial, urban or outright punk flare can also be used. In fact, there is really no limit to the types of fashion you can use.
A futuristic leather bodice, a traditional brown petticoat, a pair of platform Mary Jane shoes and a colorful head scarf is another example of a steampunk fashion statement. Men may wear a pair of fitted jeans, a purple velvet waistcoat, white peasant shirt and purple, silk necktie.
In loose terms, any historical and technological pieces paired together can be steampunk fashion. Nevertheless, steampunk is more than just clothing. It can be used for home décor, electronic devices and even automobiles.
A computer can become steampunk with just a few alterations. Try a custom made, old-fashioned keyboard for your machine, if you can afford it. Or you can hide your cutting-edge earphones in some delicately tailored, fur earmuffs. You can even tuck your cell phone into a brass cover that looks like an antique cigarette case.
However you may specifically define steampunk, there's no doubt that it's a fusion fashion that's gaining popularity. It's never bland, pedestrian or common. It's always creative, unusual and interesting. It can be sloppy, but is usually structured and embraces every form of artistic expression.
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