Getting creative with your steampunk outfit

The IW Steampunk Festival returns to Ryde from September 26 to 28, and for many visitors, half the fun is in the costume. Steampunk style combines Victorian elegance with a futuristic twist, giving plenty of scope for creativity if you want to put together your own outfit.

Start with the basics – a long skirt, waistcoat, shirt, or fitted jacket in muted tones such as brown, cream, or black. Charity shops are an excellent place to look for these without spending too much. Accessories make all the difference, so think about lace gloves, top hats, bowler hats, or leather belts and braces. A pair of sturdy boots or shoes completes the foundation of your costume.

The steampunk aesthetic is strongly linked to engineering and invention. Add metallic touches like cogs, gears, chains, or pocket-watches, to capture that feel. Many craft shops sell small decorative pieces you can glue or sew onto hats, goggles, or jewellery.

Goggles are a signature item. They can be bought cheaply on-line, or you can adapt a pair of safety goggles with paint and leather straps. A parasol or walking stick can also be adapted into a fitting prop.

Hair and make-up add the finishing touch. Think bold eyeliner, rich lipstick, and neatly styled hair with ribbons, feathers, or fascinators.

The key is imagination – combining Victorian fashion with an adventurous, mechanical edge. With a few simple items and a creative eye, you can be ready to step out in full steampunk style this festival.