Steampunk fancy dress - help, please!

[mimolette]

I've been invited to a steampunk fancy dress event and would really appreciate some MN help! No idea at all what to wear. I am, ahem, curvy so would prefer something with a waist and a more flowy skirt. In fact would love a 1950s style dress but don't think that would really fit the theme? Budget probably about 50 quid, max, and ideally something that can be worn again to non-steampunk events. Any ideas or even shop suggestions appreciated!

Can you sew?

I can't suggest much as it isn't my scene but colour wise, you want to be looking for greens, rusts, brass and brown. Anything watch like or with clock details, cogs, mechanical bits and bobs will go down well. Think victoriana but all in browns basically. Long boots, high-low skirts and fitted tops will work for this look. Oh and hats, googles and gloves all tie in. Sorry I can't be more help

Kind of. I have a machine and can hem curtains, make bags and the like but haven't really made clothes before.

Fitted waist and flowing skirt absolutely fits the theme, you need a Victorian/Edwardian style dress that you can then modify/accessorise with sort of industrial looking things. I don't think a 50s style dress could work I'm afraid.

Lots of online fancy dress shops have steampunk ranges now, eg this one has several outfits for less than £50
www.joke.co.uk/adult-fancy-dress/steampunk-costumes/?S_O=SPP%3ALIST_PRICE%2B&VIEW_SIZE=152&VIEW_INDEX=0

Try this link

www.corsets-uk.com/steampunk-corsets.html

They are a bit pricy but you could buy a corset or a jacket then put it with a long black or brown skirt?

Have a look at Simplicity patterns then. They are sold at John Lewis and online. They have a bunch of steampunk inspired costumes. The directions are pretty good, and since its just a costume, everything doesn't have to be finished to haute couture standards.

For example: www.simplicity.com/p-9586-misses-steampunk-costume.aspx

Thanks very much, everyone! Liking the corset and skirt idea so will probably go with that. The Simplicity patterns look gorgeous but think will be far too complex for me just now (may be in a few years' time!).

This may give you some ideas

www.etsy.com/uk/search/handmade/clothing?q=Steampunk&view_type=gallery&ship_to=GB