Steampunk: a new trend for nostalgics of an era that never existed

In recent years, there has been a real return to the past, probably thanks to the nostalgia towards eras that seem more fascinating and carefree than the current ones. Among the trends that dominated the late 80s and early 90s, we have Steampunk, which seems to be making a comeback.

Before diving into the new trends dictated by this particular and original style, let's see what Steampunk really is and why it became so famous.

The word Steampunk mainly refers to a narrative style in science-fiction that introduces historical settings as anachronistic elements. This genre, in fact, invites us to imagine what the past would be like if the future had happened before.

Photo: Alla Sedova-Sitnikova / Pixabay

Although it was trendy in the late 80s, Steampunk has its roots at the beginning of the twentieth century. It took shape in the works of visionary writers like Jules Verne, HG Wells, and Arthur Conan Doyle.

Usually, the Steampunk universe takes inspiration from the Victorian era, mainly from England at the end of the nineteenth century, in which steam cars or other mechanically operated machinery are the real protagonists.

Photo: Enrique Meseguer / Pixabay

Since this is mostly a sci-fi trend, cinema made steampunk the protagonist on the big screen. If you want to dig deeper, these are some titles that we can include in this genre: 'The City of the Lost Children' (1995), 'Van Helsing' (2004), 'A Series of Unfortunate Events' (2005), and 'The Prestige' (2006 - image).

Besides literature and cinematic art, fashion has contributed to the Steampunk genre. It comes with gears, studs, and other mechanical elements.

Photo: Victoria_Watercolor / Pixabay

Between gothic and industrial, Steampunk has become a real fashion trend. It even has created its own divisions: 'purists' and 'curious' steampunkers. In the first case, these are people who have decided to follow this style as a true philosophy of life. They have founded the 'Ministry of Steampunk', a non-profit organization that deals with creating Steampunk-style events to keep the community of followers together.

Photo: Alla Sedova-Sitnikova / Pixabay

As far as the simply curious lovers of the extravagant trend are concerned, Steampunk is simply a source of inspiration for their outfits. They only borrow a few elements from its esthetic.

Photo: Victoria_Watercolor / Pixabay

So if you happen to walk around and see people equipped with gears, telescopes, leather corsets, retro aviator goggles, or even a top hat, it is likely that you have come across a Steampunk outfit.

These accessories can make any style a steampunk trend. Sources of inspiration are emblematic figures of Victorian London, such as earls and countesses, explorers, soldiers, or even old-fashioned escorts.

In a Steampunk outfit for women, long dresses are common, as well as corsets and jackets with an aristocratic look.

The corset, which can be in leather or brocade, is combined with bell-shaped or flounced skirts or dresses, typical of the Victorian era. Another fundamental element are the boots, which worthily complete this type of style.

Men who want to follow this type of trend, can be inspired by the figures of explorers or soldiers. A white shirt with a waistcoat and knickerbockers is an excellent basis for building this type of masculine outfit.

For both genders, accessories will include metal elements, especially those made of brass, such as gears and eye-catching sunglasses.

Photo: Annca / Pixabay

Steampunk-style hats are mostly bowler hats, low-top hats, and even helmets. Hair accessories are often made of metal, as we mentioned earlier.

Photo: Dorothe / Pixabay

If you are looking for a 100% steampunk style, you will also need to use other types of accessories, such as parasols, telescopes or binoculars, leather gloves, pocket watches, and, above all, showy jewels.

Photo: tunechick83 / Pixabay

In fact, the jewels must have a Steampunk imprint. They will be decorated with bolts and gears or even with animal figures of various kinds, including birds and butterflies.

Make-up for steampunk must be modest. The tan must absolutely be banned in favor of light and pale complexions. They are complemented by delicate and natural nuances, such as peach or pink, without extravagant lipsticks.

Many followers of this trend decorate their faces with small metal elements, especially on the temples. An alternative could be to draw these accessories onto the face.

Photo: Victoria_Watercolor / Pixabay

In short, Steampunk is to all intents and purposes a nostalgic style trend for people with a 'dark charm.' It's a form of escapism in an increasingly complicated world.