Welcome to Steampunk
Newcomers Guide to Gaslight Steampunk Expo
For those of you joining us for the first time, we wanted to personally welcome you to the largest gathering of Steampunks in Southern California – Gaslight Steampunk Expo!
Our community hosts an annual convention where we explore a variety of Steampunk and Neo-Victorian themes, buy wares from our curated vendors, enjoy a variety of workshops and special presentations from our Guests of Honor and speakers, explore a themed Maker Room, play a board game, have tea… all while dressed up in our steamy favorite outfits!
Steampunks are the original time travellers thanks to H.G. Wells novel The Time Machine and many other retro futuristic tales.
Although the majority of our attendees come in costume, we want all of our guests to feel comfortable as they explore the many wonderful facets of our event.
Basic Steampunk Costuming 101
If you would like to try your hand at a Steampunk/Neo-Victorian costume, there are some very easy ways for you to get some costume basics together before you arrive.
- Goggles – Usually paired with a bowler or top hat, goggles are an easy to find accessory that will immediately identify you as a steampunk. They can be worn on the forehead or around the neck, and thanks to the internet, you can search for welder goggles and find a wide variety.
- Long Pants and Skirts paired with Button Down Shirts – Many assume brown is the main color, but any natural colors typically of cotton/cotton blend are encouraged. Layers of skirts allow you to pin up the outer layers to create a bustle effect, while still being comfortable to sit and wear.
- Vests – For both gentlemen and ladies alike, vests allow us to wear a variety of pins, brooches, and medallions as many workshops will have you make something you can walk away wearing.
- Corsets – Steampunks favor wearing their corsets on the outside, however, you may wear them any way that is comfortable for you. We have many costumers who come in full Victorian with their corsets worn under their dresses, but as Time Travellers, we wear what we love.
You may also always wear clothing that relates to the theme of the event. Previous themes included: 1889 Paris World’s Fair, Alice in Wonderland, Tiki-punk, and Egyptian Archaeology with a Stargate.
These items can be found anywhere from your neighborhood thrift store to online stores like Etsy and Amazon. You would be amazed what you can find in a local hardware store like Harbor Freight or military surplus store. We will also have vendors who will be able to help you add to your outfit.
If you need additional inspiration, we encourage you to search for Steampunk on Google images and you’ll find an entire internet worth of inspiration!
Gaslight Steampunk Expo is an all ages event and organized by an all volunteer committee under the local non-profit San Diego Speculative Fiction Society, Inc. If you are interested in volunteering at our event to earn a complimentary day pass, please email us at: info@gaslightexpo.org
Update: August 26, 2022
