11 Essential Steampunk Fashion Elements & Hairstyles for a Modern Look

1. Cute Hat

Hats are one of the best Steampunk fashion elements. Steampunk hats range from dainty little fascinator-type adornments to full-on top hats! They are always multi-layered and proper. I love them! My favorite is a feminine top hat complete with brass gears and lace. Wearing a hat is great in nearly any type of weather, and it’s a perfect piece to wear while in transition to and from the office, especially when paired with industrial goggles.

2. Gorgeous Hair

Hair is probably the easiest element to incorporate into your daily look. Many women’s Steampunk hairstyles are inspired by vintage looks. In this sense, I mean vintage as in anything from Victorian-era waves and up-dos to 1950s pin curls and rolls. Steampunk hair should have movement and use lots of big curls, waves, and bangs. My favorite style combines Bettie Page bangs with a wavy, curly bob! If you are looking for more inspiration, you can find a wide variety of Steampunk hair accessories online to complete your style.

3. Fancy Shirt

The Steampunk shirt is usually a neutral color, form-fitting piece. It also consists of long sleeves and a high, ruffled neck. Sometimes the shoulders are a little puffy, but they are always classy and cute! Overall, the shirt is structured and sleek. It has a wonderful Victorian feel and a look that is totally office-ready—if a little theatrical.

4. Funky Corset

A corset is almost always a must in women’s Steampunk attire. Depending on your work location, a corset can be a little tricky to wear in the workplace (a serious understatement, there). However, you can skillfully incorporate the corset into your daily attire. Worn underneath a vest, the corset is nearly invisible. You can also match your corset with the color of your shirt, blending it in when worn together. Another option is the corseted vest!

5. Creative Gloves

Gloves, like hats and jackets, are easy Steampunk accessories to add to your daily wear because you can take them off when you need to. But who wants to? Often, these gloves look like works of engineering art. They are interesting and fun pieces of Steampunk fashion. They aren’t always designed for office use; most are fingerless designs, while others are knitted or made of lace.

6. Bustle and Flow

A Steampunk outfit is not complete without a bustle! The bustle adds loads of interest and texture to almost any outfit. Bustles are available in any size or style. The variety ranges from a barely-there small jacket bustle to a full-on, multi-layered and tiered skirted bustle that stretches to the floor! Lovely! A jacket bustle is my favorite piece to incorporate into daily wear for spectacular Steampunk essence.

7. Ingenious Jewelry

Steampunk jewelry is another great way to add subtle elements to your look. These pieces feature gears, chains, and swirls. Much like the awesome eyewear mentioned later, these accessories are all about the details. Some pieces feature a nautical creature or insect, while some even feature a classic cameo as the focal point. No matter the animal or metallic work on display, the pieces are timeless and lovely. My favorite pieces incorporate beetles.

8. Jacket or Tailcoat

Top off your outfit with a nice jacket and you’ve got a Steampunk element that you can wear day or night. There are two main types of coverings: the aviation jacket and the topcoat. You have likely seen an aviation jacket many times before; they are typically made of leather and incorporate a wool or fur-like collar. My favorite Steampunk covering is the tailcoat! This piece is a structured, clean-lined, long-sleeved, high-collared joy!

9. Pocketed Belt

The Steampunk belt is probably the most fun part to wear. The intricate designs typical of this style make you feel like an explorer—or even a pirate! The belt is always made of brown leather and usually has brass-colored buckles and adornments. Typically, the Steampunk belt has a pocket or two (or three) to store items. Wearing this, you would always have a place for your keys and phone!

10. Awesome Eyewear

Whenever I see Steampunk glasses, I am reminded of a mad scientist! Perhaps it’s the multiple lenses that invoke the image, but it certainly is an interesting element. Steampunk eyewear ranges from simple spectacles to glasses with gears for rims. Another option is a pair of intricately designed goggles! These are usually aviation goggles turned to bronze and adorned with gears, leather, brass, and golden glass. Creative genius!

11. Sculpted Shoes

Finally, we cannot forget the shoes! Steampunk shoes are incredibly expressive. Designs always incorporate gears—the symbol of Steampunk! The shoes are almost always high-heeled knee-high boots. You can also find Steampunk shoes in flats and Victorian ankle-boot form. Either way, you are sure to make a statement no matter which style you wear. My favorite Steampunk shoe has metalwork down the back of the entire heel! Fabulous!

There you have it, ladies and gents! My list of Steampunk fashion elements you need in order to rock an entire outfit or mingle the pieces in your daily attire. For more style inspiration, check out our guide on Steampunk hairstyles to complete your transformation.

When building your Steampunk wardrobe, keep these quick tips in mind:

Do you have a favorite Steampunk fashion element? Please, share!