Steampunk costumes: Victorian fashion for women and men Victorian fashion for women and men

What Defines Steampunk Fashion and Steampunk Style

Steampunk originated as a literary movement in the 1980s and has long since grown into its own subculture: literature, art, design and, of course, fashion that recalls the 19th century and reimagines it with fictional steam-powered technology. Typical of Steampunk style are muted colors (brown, copper, burgundy, black), visible mechanics such as gears and rivets, and leather-look materials. If you are wearing Steampunk clothing for the first time, you can go a long way with three basic elements: a main piece (dress, skirt or frock coat), a headpiece (top hat or aviator cap), and two or three mechanical details.

Steampunk Dress, Skirt and Corset for a Victorian Look

A Steampunk dress with a ruffled skirt, lacing and lace trim is the classic choice among women’s outfits. Just as popular: a corset paired with a separate Steampunk skirt, since the two can be combined freely. Fishnet gloves, gear necklaces, patterned tights and leather-look ankle boots go perfectly with them. If you prefer a darker version, you will find many pieces in our Gothic and Vampire Costumes that can be combined with Steampunk clothing. For a complete look, there are sets with a dress, parasol and mask.

Steampunk Outfit for Men: Frock Coat, Waistcoat and Top Hat

A man can cut a fine figure as an elegant count, English gentleman, airship captain or fearless gunslinger. The foundation of a Steampunk outfit is a tailcoat or frock coat, waistcoat, trousers and a top hat, complemented by a pocket watch, walking cane and aviator goggles. A Steampunk jacket with rivets and buckles also works well as a standalone piece because it goes with many existing garments. Anyone who wants to complete the period look can add sideburns.

Steampunk Accessories: Pocket Watch, Aviator Goggles and Gears

The accessories turn a disguise into a genuine Steampunk costume. We offer top hats and aviator caps, welding and safety goggles, wind-up pocket watches, magnifying spectacles, cartridge belts, gaiters, walking canes and imaginative Steampunk pistols. Especially practical for creative types: metal gears in sets and various colors, which you can use to enhance clothing, hats or bags yourself. This creates a Steampunk outfit that no one else at the party will be wearing.

Steampunk Costumes for Carnival, Halloween and Themed Parties

Steampunk works all year round: as a Steampunk Carnival costume, as a Halloween Steampunk look with darker makeup and fake blood, as cosplay at conventions or as the theme of a themed party. The style also works wonderfully as a Steampunk couples’ costume because a captain and an adventuress complement each other visually without having to look identical.

Steampunk Clothing in Plus Sizes

Many dresses, corsets and frock coats are also available in plus sizes. Since Steampunk relies heavily on lacing and layers, the fit can be adjusted particularly well.

Kostümpalast Expert Tip for a Steampunk Costume

Build your Steampunk costume in layers instead of looking for one ready-made piece: blouse or shirt, with a corset or waistcoat over it, followed by a skirt or frock coat. This makes the look appear more authentic, and you can adjust the fit using the lacing. When mixing colors, avoid using too many base tones, and keep the metal color (brass or silver) consistent across the accessories; otherwise, the outfit can look too busy.