A Costume Guide For Ladies

A lady's steam punk costume is almost unlimited. You can be whatever  captures your fancy. Here are three examples to get you started

The Noble Lady:
Think Victorian elegance. Lots of lace, flouncy skirts, and a fabulous corset. Dark, earthy colors are the most popular, but be creative. Vibrant greens, reds, and oranges all have a place in steam punk. Pinstripes, florals, or other patterns are also acceptable. Accessorize with hats, fans, gloves, and lots of trimmings!  Feathers, flowers, and ribbons come into play, add a dash of machinery just for fun, and you are set!

The Airship Captain:
She is a regal and fearsome creature. Her costume should be of sumptuous fabrics like velvet, silk and brocade. For this incarnation, you can mix the previous examples. The airship captain would probably wear trousers and boots, but would never be dirty or greasy. A fabulous overcoat is usually the grandest part of the costume, with fur and velvet, and big brass buttons. She should have a brass ray-gun at her side to fend of enemy pirates, and a fine spyglass.

The Engineer:
The steam punk engineer is usually a grimy, greasy, leather and copper clad spectacle. Bloomer length pants, knee or calf high boots with a low or flat heel, a utility belt full of mysterious tools, sleeveless or short sleeved, close fitting top, and a more utilitarian corset. Accessorize with a top or bowler hat, finished with a pair of goggles. The engineer is where you can have a lot of fun with accessories. Any empty spot can be embellished with clock work, bits of metal, even electrical components.

Your Own Ideas:
Many find inspiration along with versatile clothing, right in their own closet.  Use the Internet to spark ideas.  There are lots of steam punk websites and pages that have excellent costume examples.