how to make a ladies’ steampunk outfit

Adelle Archer, Steampunk Machinist

Here’s the nuts and bolts of Adelle Archer’s day outfit.

(all photos in this post were taken during filming at the Governor’s Mansion in Sacramento, California.  The one to the left was taken on an iphone, and the two below were taken by Heather Redwine).

The outfit revolves around her toolbelt: a red leather studded belt from Five and Diamond.  I filled this with actual tools from my toolbox which made it authentic, but a little dangerous for my dance partners!

I paired this with my kick-ass buckled leather boots that I had purchased many years ago on zappos.

David tries to avoid flying tools

The next big purchased item was the buckled cincher top from Pyramid Collection.  This did not have enough shape (even with a steel-boned corset underneath!) so our awesome costumer Denise added some boning to it.  We also had to tuck in the top ruffle since it was a bit awkward.  With it tucked the cincher has a clean, straight line across the top.

kickass steampunk boots

Next I got a short pleated skirt for $10 from H&M.  (I also looked at Forever 21 and Fredericks of Hollywood and Hot Topic, but they were all a little to froo-froo.)  Under the skirt I wore opaque black Danskin leggings.

While at Hot Topic, I got black net cufflets.  On top of these I wore some awesome handmade ruffled cuffs from Choklit’s Adornments for Tarts.

The white blouse is just my everyday work blouse from Ann Taylor.  Who would have thought Ann Taylor could be steampunk? (although, admittedly, I did pick this one because of the slightly pirately ruffles on the sleeves)

For the final touches, I wore big silver hoop earrings, a celtic design necklace I got in Ireland, and a silver wristlet.  And of course the curly curly hair.

Voila!