So, is this is your first foray into steampunk? Delve in - the water's warm and we're a welcoming & inclusive bunch from all backgrounds.
Come join the fun!
It's a gathering where enthusiasts of the steampunk genre come together to celebrate their love for all things science fiction, Victorian-era, and industrial revolution-inspired, and immerse themselves in a world of imagination and wonder.
We'd love it if you do dress up, but you don't have to - just come along and spectate.
You'll discover a wide range of activities and attractions designed to immerse you in the fantastical world of steampunk. There will be live music, ranging from musical performances to theatrical acts and street performers. These may include steampunk-themed bands, circus acts, magic shows, or interactive storytelling performances.
Whatever you do, DO NOT miss Tea Duelling and Teapot Racing - two very popular, quirky, and iconic events that no steampunk festival worth its salt is without.
You will also get to browse vendors selling steampunk-inspired merchandise including clothing, accessories, jewellery, artwork, props, and gadgets.
Steampunk fashion generally has a period aesthetic, characterised by a blend of Victorian or Edwardian-era styles, but with elements of science fiction, industrial machinery, and adventure. But creativity and individuality is encouraged, so feel free to mix and match elements from different historical periods and genres to create their your unique look.
Be inventive. Make it your own!
Check the internet - there's a whole world of ideas to grab inspiration from.
Accessories: these matter more than authenticity: goggles, hats, belts, boots, gadgets.
Colours: a steampunk colour palette isn’t restricted to brown: use rich blues, greens, burgundy, or even metallics. Black often appears as a base with silver accents, sometimes leaning into a gothic style.
Practicality: consider your comfort and the weather: you might be wearing your costume for many hours.
To come to the Isle of Wight Steampunk Festival you do not have to dress up if you don't want to.
But perhaps you'll be inspired for next year? Warning, it can become addictive!
Steampunk is about individuality, so let it loose your creative flare and give your costume some steampunk pazzaz.
Here are some ideas to get you started:
Victorian Gent: Polished, elegant, but instantly recognisable as steampunk. Tailcoat or frock coat with a ruffled dress shirt and waistcoat. Add a cravat or ascot tie. Trousers can be slim or straight cut, often in brown, grey, or pinstripe. Wear leather boots or brogues. Accessorise with a pocket watch, a top hat or bowler with goggles and some leather gloves. Props can be a walking cane, small gadget props, plus belts with pouches.
Explorer / Adventurer: Cargo or trousers or rugged jeans. Shirt with rolled-up sleeves or rugged vest. Wide leather belts, pouches, or holsters. Boots, scarf, goggles, maybe a utility satchel.
Mad Scientist / Inventor: Lab coat or long duster coat. Slim trousers and a shirt with braces, gloves and goggles. Add quirky props like small mechanical devices or 'steam-powered' gadgets. Ruffle or backcomb your hair to make it appear wild.
Airship Mechanic: Leather jacket and grandad shirt with sleeves rolled up. Trousers tucked into boots, with a utility belt and tools. Goggles and brass/metal accents on straps, belts, or hats. Add a flowing scarf.
Airship Pilot: Leather flying jacket or a aviation captain jacket with trims and epaulets. Or just a leather waistcoat if it's hot. A grandad shirt or t-shirt and a flowing scarf. Add a utility belt and leather gloves. Trousers tucked into long boots. Either a flying cap - the type worn in open top aircraft - with flying goggles. Add brass/metal accents to straps and belts.
Post-Apocalyptic / Fantasy Twist: Layered clothing: tattered coats, scarves, and straps. Boots, gloves, masks, and mechanical-looking accessories. Carry toy weapons, clockwork gadgets, or a steampunk-inspired backpack as props.
Victorian trade/skill: Think along the lines of Sherlock Holmes. Or a Victorian chimney sweep. Add props to get the look right.
Steampunk is about individuality, so let it loose your creative flare and give your costume some steampunk pazzaz.
Here are some ideas to get you started:
Victorian-inspired: A longer length skirt with layers, a fitted blouse with high collar or lace detailing, and a corset or waist cincher. Short tailored jacket, bolero, or a lightweight cape. Accessories with top hat or fascinator adorned with with feathers/gears, gloves, pocket watch, parasol. Wear ankle boots or heeled lace-up boots. Carry a lace umbrella and wear props like goggles, brass jewellery, and tiny mechanical trinkets.
Explorer / Adventurer: Think pith helmet, goggles, cargo-style trousers or shorts, belts with pouches, maps, compasses. Inspired by Jules Verne explorers or Indiana Jones with a steampunk twist.
Airship Crew / Pilot: Very practical and rugged—like you just stepped off an airship deck. Fitted trousers with tall boots. White blouse and a leather jacket or waistcoat. Accessorise with an aviator hat or peaked cap with goggles. Long scarf trailing dramatically! Carry a brass telescope, or map scroll.
Inventor / Mad Scientist: White lab coat or a long duster-style coat. Skirt, trousers, or leggings underneath—whatever feels comfortable. Gloves, welding goggles and small gadgets or tools strapped to a utility belt. Plus a ray gun and backcombed wild hair! For a more feminine feel, wear a short skirt or slim trousers with tall boots, with a blouse and fitted waistcoat or cropped jacket. Goggles with tinted lenses look the part. Add quirky accessories like glowing vials, clockwork jewellery, or 'mechanical' hair clips.
Mechanic: Dark or khaki overalls, or high-waisted trousers with a tucked-in shirt. Wide leather tool belt with pouches. Heavy gloves and chunky boots. Goggles on your head or around your neck, smudges of 'engine grease' makeup if you want to go gritty.
Engineer (Chic Version): High-waisted trousers or culottes with braces. Fitted blouse (puff-sleeved or frilled for a feminine edge). Tool belt with brass trinkets or props (spanners, mini gadgets). Goggles as a necklace or headband. Fingerless gloves and chunky boots. Touch of red lipstick or steampunk-y jewellery to keep it glam.
Post-Apocalyptic Steampunk: Tattered coats, goggles, makeshift armour from scrap metal, gas masks—grittier than Victorian, but still fits in the steampunk aesthetic.
Military / Naval Styles: Think brass buttons, epaulettes, or a reimagined uniform. Could be land army, naval, or totally made up for your own 'airship' fleet.
Pirate: Asymmetrical skirt (shorter front, longer back) or layered ruffled skirt. Flowing blouse (off-shoulder works too) with a corset belt or side sash at the waist. High boots and a tricorn hat with feathers, or keep it simple with a headscarf. You could carry a telescope, compass, or map as props or even a pocket pistol (toy). Add a touch of brass/gear accessories to tie it into steampunk.
Fantasy Steampunk: Plenty of people put a fantastical twist on steampunk. Take any character type—witch, elf, faerie, animal persona—and give it a steampunk spin with goggles, gears, or brass accessories. For example: a 'steampunk fox' with ears and goggles, or a 'clockwork witch' with cogs hanging from her hat.
Creating a steampunk costume for children can be a fun project! Rummage through charity shops, or ask granny and grandad.
Adapt something from the ideas for adults above but do get your kids involved in the creation. They often love picking a 'character' to play.
Here are some ideas:
Victorian-inspired: Go for a vibe that's cute, Victorian, and whimsical — the classic steampunk look but miniaturised. Boys: Waistcoat or small vest over a shirt (short or long sleeves). Smart trousers or plus-fours. Boots or sturdy shoes. Small top hat or newsboy cap. Goggles (soft/flexible for kids) or a toy pocket watch. Girls: Knee-length layered skirt or pinafore dress and a blouse with puffed sleeves. Waistcoat or small fitted jacket. Ankle boots or lace-up shoes. Mini top hat, fascinator, or headband with gears/feathers. Add goggles or small props like toy gadgets.
Explorer / Adventurer: Cargo shorts, leggings or trousers. Simple t-shirt or vest with a light jacket. Girls could wear a blouse. Boots, shoes, or dark trainers. Accessorise with goggles, compass, a map scroll, toy telescope or binoculars, plus a satchel, or utility belt. For an extra touch, carry a stuffed 'pet' mechanical creature.
Inventor / Engineer: Overalls or dungarees over a t-shirt. Goggles on headband. Gloves or fingerless gloves. Toy tools, 'ray guns', or clockwork gadgets.
Airship Crew / Pilot: Leather or faux-leather jacket. Trousers or leggings. Boots or sturdy shoes. Goggles, a scarf that's flowing or tucked around the neck, and a pilot cap.
Fantasy / Post-Apocalyptic: Layered clothing in rich colours. Capes, masks, or steampunk-themed props. Fun touches like 'mechanical' wings, plush gears, or glow sticks as 'steam gadgets'.
Pirate: Asymmetrical skirt or layered shorts. Blouse or shirt with sash/belt. Boys can wear asymmetrical shorts or trousers, loose shirt with rolled sleeves. Boots or lace-up shoes. Mini tricorn hat or bandana. Accessories: toy telescope, 'treasure map', or small prop sword.
Victorian trade/skill: Boys (or girls) could be a chimney sweep or a sailor. Girls might want to be a housemaid ora nurse. Add props to get the look right.
