Steampunk in summer

[Susannah]

Ok - a holiday away and back to England on a beautiful sunny day and I am thinking about my steampunk summer wardrobe - non existent.

What should be in it which is everyday  practical. Hats are good - corsets are not my style, but a half finished pair of bloomers and that is all I have.

I can see the need for a hitched skirt to add to the bloomers - I
Am am athlete so much prefer bare exposed legs, at least knee down (not terribly Victorian I know !) but I really struggle with what to put on my top half. (Ironically where as I much prefer bare legs, I don't do skimpy exposed tops)

So which creative one of you can give me some suggestion
S from that muddle!

[VampirateMace]

I understand the feeling. In summer I revert to wearing t-shirts/tank-tops and shorts, and winter means so much rain that steampunk wear doesn't feel that practical. Of course if it's kaki shorts with some appropriate steampunk accessories, one could probably pull off the expedition look. 

[Argus Fairbrass]

A few ideas have been kicked around the ballpark.

http://brassgoggles.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=28833.0

[Prof Marvel]

I suggest trying the Turkish Harem Silk genre of summerwear- it is all the rage in various manga, but I fear I do not have the good legs to pull it off, and combined with the mustache and beard it will oft' frighten the children and horses...

yhs
prof marvel

[steamgirl88]

Something like this is great!

http://www.clockworkcouture.com/steampunk/spring-punk/wind-at-your-back-summer-dress.html

Unfortunately this particular one is sold out. I'm sure you could find similar dresses at a good farmers market.

[MsKim]

The above-link makes me realize I just donated a very similar dress to our local Goodwill shop not too long ago. Because I couldn't see myself ever wearing it. *facepalm*

[MsKim]

I was just browsing Target's website and came across these lovely boots! How perfect for spring/summer!!

http://www.target.com/p/women-s-mossimo-supply-co-kessi-crochet-boots-taupe/-/A-14915093#prodSlot=medium_1_42

[steamgirl88]

Those are great! I also was thinking that some cut out boots like this might work too. Maybe not these exact ones but at least they're a bit lighter and wouldn't boil your feet?

https://www.sacha.nl/shop/damesschoenen/enkellaarsjes/cut-out-boots-by-sacha/3x0765/

I also have a pair of these, which I wear in the summer. Very light and comfortable (mine are the ones with the upper lace detail if that makes sense?).

http://bunker.es/es/49-botas-y-botines

[Rory B Esq BSc]

A white / cream blouse with a brown waistcoat and belt should work quite well for the top half. Loose fitting to allow you freedom of movement so it's practical for everyday wear.

Accessorize to suit.

[MsKim]

Oh yes - I found the perfect blouse a while back - cream colored, with lace across the top/shoulders and the rest is a very light material. Very lightweight and breathable. I love that shirt....my Mother has the exact same one, however, so I have to be careful when I wear it!  I like to pair mine with my waistcoat...which I've been meaning to wear lately.

I need to find some suitable attire for the bottom half...

[Hurricane Annie]

ruffled tops/ blouses , crochet,  chemise, peasant blouse

[Arabella Periscope]

If you watch the movie, 'Picnic at Hanging Rock,' it has a lot of ideas for Victorian/Edwardian summer steampunk, like wearing black stockings with white lace and a black ribbon belt, and adding your own hat and sword-parasol, etc.  I find snow-glare sunglasses with leather side pieces as used by skiers work well as a kind of summer goggles alternative, as well as being practical.  Though not for driving, as they affect peripheral vision.

[Hurricane Annie]

an excellent Australian book and movie.

 A warning for all young ladies on the dangers of  being led astray