I have been meaning to post about Steampunk Fashion IRL ever since starting this blog--and while the perfectionist in me wants to start with a more general overview of how steampunk looks can be achieved with comfortable and practical everyday clothing, I just can't wait to share what I found this morning while combing through Zappos.com:
Just the right heel! Just the right height! Full-grain leather and organic canvas! Totally Steampunk! $340.
Also a wee bit steampunk and yet still practical. And a much more reasonable $175.
Oooooh, reliable brand, original design, full-grain leather, waterproof, and would dress up nicely. Much more modern in feel because of being so streamlined, and that heel, but the military-feel detail allows them stylistic versatility. $160.
Another good brand and interesting design. $190.
These boots get the award for the most creative design I've come across today--and which I can't decide if I like or loathe. Even the person who wrote the description for these boots on Zappos was not sure: "This undeniably feminine Betsey Johnson™ boot is a sight to behold." Why, yes. And I think a creative Steampunk gal could work these into her ensemble really well. In fact, I'm not quite sure who else could. . . a modern-day saloon showgirl on her day off? $180.
These boots are well-named, but are still a wee bit steampunk simply because of the leather tones and the buckles. Oh, yes, steampunks love buckles. $240.
These are a little more modern in feel, and less rough/distressed, but I could see these really working with a steampunk outfit. Buckles and straps, yes please! $200.
Not that I think these boots will be as well-made as some of the others, but they get kudos for original design--and if there is anything steampunks like more than buckles and straps, it's grommets. $170.
On the other hand, a simple and lovely pair of neo-Victorian boots is always steampunk. These are beautiful--probably my favorite of all of these. And, of course, $398.
Another attractive, similarly Victorianesque boots. Unfortunately,
still $238.
The vintage airman look to these would perfectly complement a ladies' steampunk airship ensemble. $398.
These is just something about these I really like, even though they are so stylistically ecclectic they are not quite one particular genre. I think with these it's the distressed and neo-punk and color scheme and almost cobbled-together look about them that I could see working really well with steampunk. But any prospective buyer had better have as much money as flair, because these boots will set her back $428.
I like how simple these are, and the detail along the side that has a vintage/military feel. $336.
More brass and buckles, with a cool vintage toe design. $170.
Interesting mix of black straps and brass buckles on the brown boot. $180.
Another really creative style, and pretty easily adapted to a variety of looks, including steampunk. $240.
Also really nice vintage toe and lace detail on this one. $389.
This morning's search was for mid-calf or knee-high leather Steampunk-esque boots on Zappos. (I'll make posts on other Steampunk style footwear as time goes on.) As you can see, the things that made a boot particularly good for steampunk are material (leather, canvas), metal detail (brass is most steampunk), color (a rich brown with brass detail is quintessential steampunk), and embellishments like front laces, buckles, straps, and grommets. I would say the toe should be slightly pointed too. The type of heel is not as important--although it should not be too modern. Most important is how the elements of the boot all work together.
Any readers, please feel free to share links to other Steampunky winter boots in the comments!
