Last weekend, we attended the annual High Desert Steampunk Ball in our latest Steampunk costume creations. This one is my favorite Steampunk outfit to date.
2013 Steampunk Costumes -Oscar and Debbie (Photo by Chris Stowell)
Debbie’s Costume:
This years costume all started when I fell in love with the stripey Chicstar Black Three Tiered Tail-skirt. I LOVE this skirt. Its so fun to wear, nicely made, and not to badly priced either. From these, I went stripe crazy and added Thigh High Striped Stockings with a Lace Top from Spirit Halloween (surprisingly NOT cheap-o one time wear only stockings). The little back vest also has a subtle stripe to it, although you can’t see it in the picture. I found the vest at the thrift store last year just waiting for the perfect costume ensemble. Next came the
Black Nude Lace Corset also from Spirit Halloween, worn over an ivory white lace Victorian style top from Forever 21. The accessories came from a mixture of things I already had (choker, necklace, lace gloves) and amazing finds from local artisans (hat and mask). The final pieces are the most comfortable boots I have ever worn – Tavistock Victorian button boots. Seriously, while everyone else at the ball had their shoes off after an hour, I was still happily dancing the night away four hours later. This was the first chance I have had to wear these boots and it certainly won’t be the last. Highly recommended.
Shop women’s steampunk clothing here.
Oscar’s Costume:
Oscar joined me on the striped theme (unintentionally, I think). We tried about 6 different looks before this one fell into place. He was going for a Daniel Day-Lewis meets Steampunk vibe with his striped Victorian pants (custom made), striped J Peterman Gatsby shirt, black brocade vest (I added brass buttons), black civil war boots, silk neckerchief, and black Victorian top hat. And the best part of this costume- a Ruger Viquero single action revolver (similar to a Colt 45). We are lucky to live in a state where he can carry a gun in public and no one bats an eyelash. It was unloaded of course.
Shop men’s steampunk clothing here.
Toddler Costume
We liked our costumes so much I think we will wear these for Halloween this year. I made a Steampunk outfit for the little one, too. Her costume is all from thrift stores. I found some gears in the Scrapbook section of my local craft store that a glued onto her jacket and skirt. I painted her jacket buttons a golden brass color. I then used some scrap leather to make her a belt and a little purse. She likes her little purse the best (I do too).
Steampunk Baby Costume
Debbie Sessions has been teaching fashion history and helping people dress for vintage themed events since 2009. She has turned a hobby into VintageDancer.com with hundreds of well researched articles and hand picked links to vintage inspired clothing online. She aims to make dressing accurately (or not) an affordable option for all. Oh, and she dances too.
