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Corporate Steampunk Fashion

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Fri, 01/08/2010 - 22:52 — Libby Bulloff

In Jake's post on goth, via the comment thread, Sangori asked a fashion question I'd like to address:

"How do you really, I mean really, incorporate your subculture style into your everyday work life?

Call me a fence-straddler, (I have come to terms with the fact that I am) but I am having real trouble finding a way to incorporate my love of steampunk inspired Victoriana with my work wardrobe in a way that puts off a fully professional image. Being that I have a toddler at home and don't get out much other than to go to work I have to express myself through fashion mostly in a work-appropriate way. While in a creative field, I do spend my nine-to-five in an office environment. I certainly have a found a few choice pieces that do cross between work and steam well enough, and I have a covet/shopping list of a few more (think tall brown boots, tweed skirts and vests, a herringbone newsboy cap and camel coat to brave the cold weather in). However, while I feel confident in my steampunk styled toggs I can't help but worry that my sense of theme dressing comes off as a bit costumey to my employers and colleagues.

Is my worry more a facet of being unwilling to fully commit to the cultural aesthetic of steampunk style, or something more valid that others struggle with?"

Bloody good question. Ok, so, first of all, I don't think having problems finding work-appropriate attire means that one isn't entirely invested in a subculture. It's not a matter of lowering one's standards, per se. Being conscious of how your fashion choices affect both your own disposition as well as the way others perceive you is actually an incredibly mature way of looking at the closet. There is a fine line between being fearless and being foolish with your wardrobe, so I'm pleased that Sangori is questioning this.

Fortunately, I believe steampunk/vintage punk is one of the more palatable and flexible fashion styles one can take to the office. When I rocked a desk job, my boss often complimented me on my "timeless" and modest garments (and on that note, since so much of Victorian fashion is straightlaced fabric from head to toe, you never have to worry about breaking the dress code by showing too much skin!). I stockpiled a lot of traditional work clothing, like long blazers and jackets, vests, floor-length flowing skirts, pinstriped trousers, knit dusters, and wool knickers. These items are easy as pie to find online or at thrift stores if you're on a budget. Considering exactly how casual business-casual attire reads these days, it's definitely a statement to show up to work in a tailored white suit, a striped dress shirt, and a white silk tie, plus pointed vintage shoes--and I managed to acquire that specific outfit for mere pennies by scouring sale racks, vintage shops, and Goodwill.

Sangori's fear of looking a bit costumey is very valid, and should be approached with stealth. Perhaps, if you're uncomfortable with your work dress code, pretend it's the costume--it always made me feel really slick to pass as "normal" whilst hiding lime green striped tights under my dress pants.

You can look unique and stylish without having to be a caricature. One of the easiest ways to avoid looking like you're trying too hard is to watch your accessories. For example, if you don't wear goggles to do your day job (like welding or working with chemicals), LEAVE THEM AT HOME. Unless you get paid to nuke space aliens, don't bring your Weta raygun in your purse (though if you have this occupation, let me know--I want in). If you like the supportive feel of a corset, it's ok to wear one, but keep it under your clothing. You may be able to get away with a bowler or a top hat, but it's generally impolite to wear epic headgear to board meetings. I have never had a problem, however, with carrying a pocketwatch, having fancy but tasteful jewelry, or donning old school sock garters under my skirt. In fact, my coworkers loved the look.

Assert your extreme steampunkness through the way you carry yourself--have excellent grooming habits, fine manners, and fantastic footwear, and you'll impress the heck out of your colleagues. Anyone who feels otherwise is likely jealous. If you're still worried that you're not displaying your love for Victorian sci-fi enough, try presenting it through the manner in which you decorate your workspace--most jobs will allow you to place toys on your desk or post inoffensive items on your door. I used to decorate my office door with flyers from my art shows and Wondermark comics.

Need more help? Turn to the folks who have been incorporating their subcultural style into their work attire for years: the Corporate Goths. A lot of the tips on this site helped me out when I was a wee babybat with a cubeville design gig, and they hold true across subcultural lines.

Thanks to Sangori for the inspiration. If anyone has any more tips for dealing with one's work wardrobe, feel free to leave them in the comments.

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Comments

AbsentMindedProf - Sat, 01/09/2010 - 10:50.

and also a lovely answer. This is something I struggle with as well, working in cubicle land in the Midwest and I have often wondered if my attire is seen as a bit to costumey as I add more and more layers of Steampunk to it. Though, I often feel men have an easier time of this, as so many male fashions have remained constant over the years (and also, few people are keyed in to the details of male attire). Interestingly, the things people commented on the most was when I began wearing waistcoats. I suppose it must be something with the "old-school" nature of them that leaped out at people.

What I have simply borne in mind through all of this is that it may effect your career, so start to add layers slowly. As your look slowly starts to slide toward more Steampunk-ish styles, people will have time to adjust to the changes. I began with snazzy hats- which, since I work in a cubicle, people really only saw as I came in and left. I then added a pocket watch or a leather-and-gauges heavy wrist watch. I moved on to wearing a waist coat now and then. Soon now, I'm hoping to have some traditional trousers and braces to try out at work, and see how it goes. Slowly, but surely I have infiltrated corporate America with some rather Uncorporate apparel. It's kind of fun. The only down-side to this is that I often feel I have put together a bit of a hodge podge outfit, with some very modern items and some not so much. While I think I maybe have been more comfortable just making the plunge all at once, I do think it has helped my co-workers adjust slowly to my "weird" clothing habits.

I wish you all much luck in your endeavors!

Evilgamer13 - Sat, 01/09/2010 - 13:10.

One nice way to accentuate a garment without putting inappropriate clock parts on your attire is to replace the buttons they can be brass and have clockwork or astronomical designs (or just be plain) and be a subtle detail as opposed to the plethora of gears sewn on vests that serve no purpose and do look a little costume like. I also have a brass like finish on my glasses which I think act as a very nice and inoffensive ascent to a casual staeampunk look.

I am also going to disagree with absentmindedproff and say that in some ways at least men have a harder time dressing into a genre without looking like it's a costume, and I believe that is because of the number of culturally acceptable jewelry ascents men can wear while still looking professional is much smaller. It takes away from a mans professional appearance to war earrings even simple mettle studs, where as women can wear no earrings studs (metal or stone) or small hanging earrings and still look professional at the office. Women can also show up in a three piece suit with a pocket watch and no one will really bat an eye where as if a man showed up in any form of dress it would be seen as exceptionally unprofessional.

Phog Allen - Sat, 01/09/2010 - 14:41.

Thank you for those wonderful links Libby. The pirate themed coat was an instant hit with my wife. We are both Victorians at heart so these style elements never seem anything but grand to us. I agree that keeping it somewhat above the costume level at work could be difficult. I work blue collar but my wife is in a professional setting. She could easily pull off a lot of steampunk fashion as being just a bit more formal than usual to the uninitiated. It helps that she is petite and quite small. She can wear some of our sixteen year old daughter's clothing. They go about size 5-6. It makes it easier for her not to sort of overwhelm the others in her offices. As another poster mentioned, waistcoats are an instant hit and add a certain panache to many combination's for women. They add an immediate sense of vintage to a lady's ensemble. Particularly if they have contrasting buttons. Brass or pewter please! Do not forget the paisley prints either. While associated with men, waistcoats, and ties, they are a grand accent to to ladies outfits. This may be wading in waters far removed from Goth (of which neither of us tend toward) but does give some flexibility.

Libby Bulloff - Sun, 01/10/2010 - 20:18.

Executive transvestite for the win, Phog Allen! I think I own more neckties than most of my dude friends. I am for it.
 
Glad you like the coat. I have it in a lovely dove grey and it always gets me compliments. Makes me giggle, too, to think a cosplay jacket totally passes as business attire. :D

Jake von Slatt - Tue, 01/12/2010 - 15:10.

I loath neckties and avoid them whenever possible.

But it seems to me that vests and jackets often need some structure on or about ones neck to look "right."  I've found that a cotton v-neck, like an India Kurta, over a brightly colored T provides just that without the discomfort of a rag around your neck.

Here's an example:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/exoskeletoncabaret/4194385430/in/set-72157622561812501/

A. Lupin - Fri, 01/15/2010 - 10:16.

unfortunately I have to wear one as part of dress code every day. dress code for men is a blazer, collared dress shirt, dress pants/khakis, and a tie. of course most guys wear the universal navy blue blazer, always wear the same tie, and khakis, so I enjoy subverting the dress code in little victorian-esque ways such as wearing full morning dress including topper and cravat to class. part of the joy is the subversion of their own rules.

Phog Allen - Sun, 01/17/2010 - 09:20.

Eventually you will get used to neckties. Honestly you will. Most chaps tie them entirely too tight. I mean the cinch as compared to the knot itself. Loosen it 1/4 inch and see if it does not help. Cravats! Love them. Morning dress too! Well done young man.

Phog

Jake von Slatt - Sun, 01/24/2010 - 11:59.

Sorry, it's a phobia really. Rotating machinery and neckties are a scary combination. Besides, they were originally developed to contain one's body lice, a problem I rarely have!

Sangori - Sat, 01/09/2010 - 18:54.

I must say, thank you Libby and the other other commenters here for their wonderful advice and insight. I think you are absolutely right about taking on a more formal style being much more compelling in the workplace than the average business casual look. And the advice of adding new steampunk style slowly over time is probably a great way to go.

I think I had a bit of a panic moment when I wore my trusty tall leather boots, a to-the-knee flared brown tweed skirt and a cowl neck wool sweater and some brown wool tights. As I was shedding my aforementioned herringbone tweed hat and camel wool coat I was already receiving comments --while favorable -- that indicated my coworkers thought I looks like "a little Russian girl" (not sure about that one), and like "something from a book." And that was in response to a very very subtle nod at Steampunk style.

I thnk the key to carrying that off is exactly what Libby elluded to -- confidence. And you can bet I'm throwing on my own version of lime green striped stocking under those oh so boring plain black trousers the next chance I get.

Well folks, I am off to sew on some brass buttons I've been staring at fondly for far too long. Thank you all for the straightforward advice and encouragement.

Libby Bulloff - Sun, 01/10/2010 - 20:15.

Those boots are the hotness. NO FEAR!!
I think you're already Doing It Right [tm]--you just need to not worry so much. I'll bet you most employers would rather see you show up looking tailored and classic, albeit a smidge funky, than sloppy and dispassionate. And yes, easing people into what you define as your personal style is the best way to avoid scaring them. I was hired at my last two gigs (one office job and one blue-collar warehouse job) with my brilliant day-glo hair, and whilst I refuse to alter that for anyone, I am totally fine with dressing conservatively until my colleagues are comfortable with each subtle layer of weirdness. I think it's the in-your-face self-righteous attitude that some fashionistas display that really garners the stares and nasty comments--not the clothes themselves. If you're confident and polite and answer any sort of nitpicky and possibly rude questions about your fashion choices with the sweetest, most pleasant demeanor, you'll win.
Replacing buttons, overdyeing thrifted clothes, and accessorizing carefully is the way to go! Heck yes. Well done!

Phog Allen - Sun, 01/17/2010 - 09:14.

Excellent points LIbby. My wife and I are actually quite conservative in our daily lives. We aren't counter culture, we are just eccentrics at heart! Overwhelming people at the work place is not conductive to long term employment.

I agree about the boots Sangori linked to. When my wife sees them, they will go to the top of the list. Tall boots are her favourite footwear. She wears them at least three times per week to work. Since I work blue collar (electrician) I am unable to wear many of the fashionable pieces. They would come home in tatters. I am looking more and more for work day clothing styles from the Dickens/early Victorian period. Very tough going, that. We shall see what comes of it.

Phog

Hyratel Wyvern - Sun, 06/12/2011 - 10:23.

For a while, there was a fellow working the checkout at a local grocery, and whenever my father would go through his line, he would utterly deadpan-comment on the fellow's hair: "Your hair is blue." or "Your hair is in spikes all over your head."
Now, this doesn't seem like much, but my dad has a very good poker face, as well as having an always-on "classy"/"semiformal" look while in public, which a fishing vest (though he doesn't fish) does not detract from. (I think it's the hat. ... Correction, it IS the hat.) He is very rarely seen without a felt fedora or straw hat, often with a short feather (about 3 inches) in the hatband. He also wears a mustache and beard, with the mustache waxed and his beard cropped close. Not Steampunk, but a callback to when men wore hats in public as the norm. I myself have a black wool stingy-brim fedora and a knee-length greatcoat (which have been set aside for warmer weather).

Reverend Ender - Sat, 01/23/2010 - 01:07.

It's just too bad that there don't seem to be any boots like that for MEN anymore!

Sangori - Sat, 01/23/2010 - 11:32.

Oh there are boot options for the so inclined gentleman. They just tend to be enormously expensive.

http://www.motorcowboy.com is full of really neat replica boots, but they are pricey.

http://www.stompersboots.com hasa smaller selection, but mroe palatable prices. Their office boots are the most steampunky, but oooh I'm loving those pole climbers in the lace-up section.

A quick search for men's riding boots will pull up some affordable options too.

A. Lupin - Tue, 01/12/2010 - 11:01.

I would just like to say thanks for the great advice. I attend a boarding school that was built and started at the beginning of the victorian era, and so my surroundings are thoroughly steampunk, and yet the fashions of many of my co students are what can only be described as boringly preppy. the dress code for men is non distinct enough that I can get away with alot without breaking it, but one problem consistently comes up. the first is my own lack of ability to gain additions to me wardrobe due to the fact i have no cash ever, and two, on the rare occasions that I am not broke, we are still in the middle of nowhere, and I have no credit card of any sort, so no shopping in physical stores or online, except for occasional weekend trips to Providence, which still leaves me stuck as the mall has very few options. and so i have had to improvise, namely by making friends with the head of our drama dept's costume dept, and she allows me to have free access and borrowing privileges, so that is what i would suggest to any high school or college students out there. i have found a TON of great stuff. The problem is that I have no fashion sense, but i am working on it.

Evilgamer13 - Tue, 01/12/2010 - 11:47.

One thing that occurred to me on the ocular front is that for those of us with sub twenty twenty vision, or who simply require reading glasses to avoid eye strain in there studies, have the option of prescription pinz nez glasses (the kind that clip to your face rather then the ones with chains).

Pike - Sun, 01/17/2010 - 16:44.

I really enjoyed this read (and decided to de-lurk and register so I could add a comment! *wave*)

Some of us are unlucky enough to work a job where there is a rather strict and boring dress code (retail/customer service, I'm looking at you...) still, my pocket watch goes with me wherever I go, regardless. I just clip it to my belt and slip it into my khakis. I use it regularly to check the time but haven't had any comments on it yet. Makes me glad to wear it, though :)

lady cordelia d... - Sun, 05/23/2010 - 11:15.

this article is what made me de-lurk as well.

confed sailor - Mon, 01/25/2010 - 20:50.

I wear a Johnson woolen mills 1920's style vest everyday after work during the winter months. As i'm in the Navy steampunk at work isn't an issue, as its not an option. (Anyhow i get all the steam I want working in the engine room.) But, on my own time a vest is a constant companion for me; to hell with what people think at the sight of tweed and silver chain. It's who I am.

izzitnot - Mon, 02/08/2010 - 00:39.

I have to say I'm baffled by this train of thought. I come from DC - When they have a Tweed Ride, they just wear Monday's clothes a day early.
Suit, tie, trenchcoat, buttondown, khakis - all "classic" office wear is descended from the Victorians.

If all they wear are polo shirts and jeans, everyone will think you're the bigwig. Which will annoy the bigwig, at first, but then they'll go shopping.

The nice thing is, if everything is noticed at your workplace, anything you wear will have an effect and you won't have to wear as much. (Like an intimate dinner party, but under duress with bad lighting.) You can keep it minimalist with one tailored piece. (Like Fay Grim's coat). Think of the time you'll save in the morning...

izzitnot - Mon, 02/08/2010 - 01:07.

OK, had to add, I find it funny & interesting that previous posters wish they could be steampunk were it not for their profession/station - and then turn out to have the most steampunk position imaginable! New England boarding school? Blue-collar electrician? The Navy?!!
Most of us "casual office" workers can only envy your possibilities. Harry Potter! Voltpunk 1920's posters! Military dress uniforms (didja get one of those great wool coats?)
Maybe looking the part is frowned upon as a cliche. (I can see not going for the middy blouse...) Too bad. I knew some train engineers who are real history buffs and dress the part. Though if we modernized our rail network they might also go the way of the dodo.

Absolute last word now - if pressed into a sales uniform - get it privately tailored and subtly altered.

confed sailor - Mon, 02/08/2010 - 18:33.

Trust me I'm not complaining, If you could see the collection of greatcoats....that's another thread unto itself. That and while I was in Bahrain, i took the liberty of getting my linen purchased. Oy! such a deal!

The thing is in my case, im 27 and going gray fast, couple that with a predilection for a more formal style of dress and speech, and you have quite the running gag at work about being part of history.

Oh izz, the middy blouse is right out by the way.

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lady cordelia d... - Sun, 05/23/2010 - 11:08.

i read this article the other day and decided to start a blog http://corporatesteampunk.blogspot.com/
i do say that i love reading the comments on how other people, like me seem to think that steampunk is well suited for the office/work.
i haven't read all the other comments yet, but just wanted to mention that as far as steampunk feeling "costumey", if you are expressing yourself by dressing in clothes you enjoy and a style you like it should not/ will not feel "costumey" (barring that you don't dress with all the "props" you may use at a convention on a day to day basis).

lady cordelia d... - Sun, 05/23/2010 - 11:10.

i read this article the other day and decided to start a blog http://corporatesteampunk.blogspot.com/
i do say that i love reading the comments on how other people, like me seem to think that steampunk is well suited for the office/work.
i haven't read all the other comments yet, but just wanted to mention that as far as steampunk feeling "costumey", if you are expressing yourself by dressing in clothes you enjoy and a style you like it should not/ will not feel "costumey" (barring that you don't dress with all the "props" you may use at a convention on a day to day basis).