An Elegance and Perfection of Victorian Fashion

Victorian era covered the long reign of Queen Victoria from June 1837 to January 1901. Quite obviously, the fashions and lifestyles changed several times in this long period. Changing technology and Britain’s control of the colonies across the world made it possible for many different kinds of cultural trends to be accommodated into the British lifestyle. In the beginning of this period, home stitching and clothes made according to individual specifications were in vogue. As the factory-made clothes became the norm, clothes began to be mass-produced and fashion began to be marketed on a large scale by the garment industry.

Sewing machines and stitching technology in the factories improved and lock-stitching was invented, this made trimming much easier than to be made by hand and thus, it became a fashion. Similarly, lace-making on a mass-scale and at low cost became possible with the lace-making machines. Bright synthetic pigments brought a new range of shades which were not part of the repertoire of the organic and natural dyes produced traditionally. Thus, many features of the Victorian clothing were directly related to the technological and industrial evolution of England in the 19th century and its relations with the colonies.

The Victorian clothing for women changed through this period, transiting from flowing bell-shaped gowns to the gowns that were flatter in front and bulged at the back, to less extravagant styles with longer corsets and sleeves that changed from pagoda-style to bell shaped ones. Dresses became more loose-fitting than before.

Ideas from all of these styles have been used by the garment industry of our own contemporary times for catering to the taste of the people who follow the steampunk sub-culture. This trend uses ideas from the Victoria era to produce its own steampunk clothes. These steampunk costumes use the Victoria designs and combine them with modern styles and also with punk style clothes.

Victorian elegance is broken into chaotic fusion styles, in order to create the image of a person breaking boundaries of the society. Colours used are dark, white, grey or brown with occasional patches of bright colours, in conformity with the punk styles, while flowing long gowns, puffed sleeves, laces, trimmings, chemises from the Victorian clothing are popularly used in steampunk clothing to create an effect that is exactly opposite of the Victoria dress.

Similar styles in fashion thus, can be manipulated by the industry to transmit ideas that are entirely opposite to each other. It depends upon how different lines and forms from different genres are mixed and matched to produce these divergent ideas about the individuals wearing these dresses.

Victorian Era and its Charm

The main idea of steampunk clothing is to represent the futuristic view of Victorian era yet maintaining the underdeveloped sense of styling. A true steampunk can relates to the work of H.G. Wells and Jules Verne. They were the famous novel writers of punk theme. For many punk style is extremely outrageous and objectionable but who cares, everyone has this and that opinion nevertheless my heart tingles for steampunk costumes.

For me being into punk attire is all about nourishing of ideas that Victorian people laid long ago. Victorian era was a period of tranquil, prosperity and self confidence among people for nation. Great scientific discoveries and inventions are synonyms to that period and apart from punk styled Victorian clothing achievement in the field of science act as base for punk lifestyle. Punk culture is always associated with rebellious behavior of people, I suppose they have misunderstood the whole concept of this newly established sub-genre because the era from which punk movement is inspired only praised for peace and progress. This sub-genre support the agitation against the social disparity in society, punks do not go louder without any means. Despite the repression steampunk sub-culture has grown into phenomenon bringing people together from diverse part of the world under one theme.

Every punk person has set of their favorite steampunk dresses and I am one of them. Actually I have three set of punk Victorian costumes.

Steampunk Harness Dress - This ensemble consist of leather harness, the duggin frilly skirt and McGreedy blouse. Faux leather harness has drawstrings in front and cross designs in back for support. Blouse is made of viscose rayon fabric and had elasticized neck with front opening ties. Elastic neck of blouse allows it to be a dropping shoulder blouse as well. Skirt is made of satin fabric with five layers of frills, giving it voluminous look. Do you know why I chose this dress, because it makes me look graceful and gorgeous?

Captain of the Skies – The dress which exactly tells my attitude. I love this dress, not too reveling yet uber stylish. It is a set of two pieces - captain of the skies over bust corset and a short skirt. My steampunk corset is made of suede fabric and has zipper and drawstring in front. Faux leather straps and black lining are for comfort fit. Short skirt of black linen fabric with metal embellishment on it goes very well with corset.

The Wickfield Dress – Again the set has three pieces the Wickfield blouse, Marquess underbust corset and satin pegged skirt. Alluring poly satin blouse is adorned by net fabric in cuffs. Cotton velvet underbust corset has black twill lining for comfort fit. Skirt has double layers and made of poly satin fabric in combination with small frills and pegged patterns. It has small hanging part at the back which adds elegance to attire. This dress can be worn with or without corset and has very appealing and fascinating approach.

Unlike other conventional clothing, these above stated steampunk costumes literally project my true style. Don’t hid your love for punk subculture go and grab the ensemble of punk Victorian dresses.

Feel on Top with Steampunk Top

Heavily inspired by Victorian top styles, steampunk top styles are available in a bewildering array of designs with the one aim of flattering the upper torso of a woman. Suitable for women of any size, slim or large, when allied with matching set of bottom skirts, waistcoats, hats and accessories, these outfits simply dazzle at themed parties and events.
There is a dazzling variety of steampunk tops you can choose from to depict the image you want. Does it reflect the inner you? That is another matter but with steampunk tops you can project the image you want. There is a steampunk bustier top, a cratchit frock coat top, frilled around the collar and front top, Edwardian ruffle-bustle top, Victorian top inspired aristocrat dandy ruffle-bustle top and a gathered ruffle chiffon top you can choose from hundred other styles of steampunk top. T shirts have also followed in steampunk top steps, with Victorian motifs decorating the front and sleeves depicting the Victorian frills. In a way steampunk redefines women, giving them the typical Victorian allure and feminine charm but with carbon-kevlar fiber toughness that modern women are said to possess or should.
Of course there are times when a woman, even a modern woman, may choose to be absolutely feminine and the boudoir style Victorian top is just one dress style that lets her be artfully feminine to the core. Lace, ruffles and puffed sleeves enchant and mesmerize. Well, well, you won’t know the cat has claws until she flexes her paws. Until then she is oh so charming and delightful: one of the benefits of steampunk costumes.
There is nothing in the book that says you should not look debonair. Match an appropriately styled steampunk top with Victorian style riding clothes that has pleats, some lace and fringes and you can depict a devil may care debonair looks. Some men might get seriously interested.
Steampunk costumes are a revolution of sorts. Drawing inspiration from Victorian styles but with modern touches, they redefine the character and personality of a woman and let her make the most of her image at a party or a celebration. Open to tweaks and mods, a modern steampunk top design allows you to mix and match and play with the style until you get it to project the image you want. There are no definitive rules and it is a free-flowing style with flexibility. A smart woman takes advantage to create her own style of steampunk costume and depict the image she wants to.
Wear a steampunk top, have a matching frilly skirt or a tight one with fringes or whatever you think suits your style the best but do not forget to include the steampunk top hat to complete the ensemble if you plan to attend a theme party. Audacious insouciance. This is the air you can very well project, tilting the hat at a rakish angle and swiveling hips provocatively.
Feel on top with victorian tops and steampunk costumes. That’s what they are meant for.