If you're thinking of putting together your own steampunk costume, you'll find a carefully curated collection of photos in the Fashion Inspiration section. Today we'll take one of the most popular photos and show how you can recreate this look with your own flair.

Model: Rin / Photographer: Kato for Steamgirl.com

This is well-known Steamgirl Rin, in an outfit I like to call "Steampunk Burlesque." There are a few elements that give this a burlesque or showgirl feel, differentiating it from other steampunk character styles: the sexy underbust corset, the showy high-low hem of the ruffled skirt and the glamorous feather cap (which isn't really a feather at all, but more on that in a minute).


CORSET

Lets start with the underbust corset (aka underbust bustier or bodice--learn more about corsets in our fashion guide). Like a traditional corset, it laces in the back to accentuate the bust, cinch in the waist, and achieve an hourglass shape. But the underbust is sexier than the overbust corset or bodice since it runs under the breasts, leaving the cups open. This gives you the option to wear whatever you want underneath, from a colorful tube top to a bikini, or-- if you want to go full burlesque-- pasties.

Here's a dark grey underbust corset that looks almost identical to Rin's:

  Or a gorgeous black brocade underbust corset with buckles and leather detailing:


Find more underbust corsets here.

SKIRT

The skirt is a long tiered ruffle skirt whose front has been tied up into a bustle. This gives a dramatic long-in-back, short-in-front shape, and explains why it's sometimes called a "mullet skirt", "high low skirt" or "dip hem skirt" (learn more about the high-low hem skirt). The raised front is also a flashy way to show off your legs, which is important in a burlesque costume.

Kato doesn't seem to be selling her Steampunk Couture clothing anymore, but another shop has licensed her designs, so you can get her actual Black and Grey Vex Skirt here.

If you're looking for a more affordable option, here's a black high low skirt with great customer reviews (also scroll down to check out the customer submitted photos in the review section):


Here's a more modern version of the ruffle high-low skirt by Dreamgirl. This is made of multiple layers of satin ruffles. It doesn't have a bustle, but the short  front maintains the showgirl effect. The photo shows the skirt with the shortest part over one leg, but as customers point out in the reviews, you can turn it toward the front:


At first glance, Rin looks to be wearing some kind of feathered showgirl headpiece, but it's actually a combination of three things: an aviator cap, goggles, and her hair. What looks like a white ostrich feather is actually Rin's hair pulled into a pony tail and sticking out a hole in the top of the cap. I assume she did this to give an appearance of a show-girl's feathered headdress, contributing to the burlesque style.

Here's a great faux leather aviator hat (aka bomber hat or aviator cap) under $20:

 And top it with a pair of cheap steampunk goggles (this one is under $10):

You'll need to wear something under the underbust corset (or you can opt for some cool pasties instead).

Add some sexy vertical striped sheer thigh high stockings:

Finally, we have the fingerless gloves. They come in every color and pattern imaginable, but keeping with Rin's muted palette, here are two cheap black and grey striped options:

Striped Goth Fingerless Gloves Amazon.com

Black & Gray Striped Fingerless Arm Warmers Amazon.com

Because it wouldn't be Steampunk without some Victorian influence, make sure you top it off with a cameo necklace. Try something with a little edge, like this Lolita Skull Cameo Pendent:

MORE
 
Fashion Guide - Understand the elements of Steampunk fashion and learn to put together your own costume

Tutorials - The best (free) Steampunk costume, weapon, & prop tutorials and DIY guides from around the web

Fashion Inspiration - Browse our photo gallery of Steampunk cosplayers