Steampunk fashion will gear you up for a reimagined past

While most fashion aficionados are currently looking to CBGB and the 1970s for style inspiration, a different set of punks are eyeing H.G. Wells and the 1870s. Theyre called steampunks, a term coined some 20 years ago by science-fiction author K.W. Jeter to describe a cult aesthetic movement inspired by 19th century sci-fi and fantasy that envisioned what a modern world would look like if steam power fueled technology. Think Sherlock Holmes, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea and Will Smiths 1999 camp classic Wild Wild West all squeezed into one kooky corset.

In Anatomy of Steampunk: The Fashion of Victorian Futurism, author Katherine Gleason dissects the fantastical subculture and its subscribers people from all walks of life who create elaborate characters and costumes, made up of topcoats, lace and other Victorian trappings paired with goggles, gadgets and mechanical bits.

But everyday steampunks arent the only ones captivated by the likes of Captain Nemo. From Alexander McQueen to Olivier Theyskens, fashion designers have long flooded high-end runways with top hats, voluminous gowns and swashbuckling styles that have trickled down to highly wearable retail versions. Even Marc Jacobs went Victorian vamp for spring, sending models across a post-apocalyptic landscape in embroidered lace gowns and appliqud jackets sure to earn a steampunk hashtag on Pinterest.

The style subculture is DIY by nature, and as Gleason emphasizes, there are no set rules or limitations to the look. Out of the shock of the old explodes the rebellion of the new, writes New York-based steampunk speaker Diana M. Pho in the books introduction. All you need is an inventive spirit and a little punk spunk.

Rule the Seven Seas in a seasonal style blooming with feminine detail. Helene Berman wool-blend peplum military coat, $370 at julesb.com

No corset? No problem. A trompe loeil tee will do just fine. Love Moschino printed cotton T-shirt, $134 at farfetch.com

Protect you most important thingamajig so your life runs like clockwork. Steampunk cog iPhone 5 case, $24.50 at cafepress.com

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Steampunk fashion will gear you up for a reimagined past