Steampunk involves a setting where steam power is still widely used—usually Victorian era Britain or "Wild West"-era United States—that incorporates elements of either science fiction or fantasy.
Steampunk incorporates Old Victorian style components- clothing, gadgets, machines etc and gives them a futuristic twist. As if the writings of H. G. Wells and Jules Verne met a Star Wars type world.
Still don't understand?
To put things simply, you take a modern idea such as a computer and re-imagine it to where instead of using electricity, it would run on Steam. Below is an example of an actual computer someone has made into a Steampunk creation.
Or perhaps Victorian style clothing reimagined with a mechanical twist. Gears and cogs are a big part of Steampunk design. As are 'steam-powered' contraptions.
Works of steampunk often feature futuristic innovations as Victorians might have envisioned them, based on a Victorian perspective on fashion, machines, transportation, etc.
There are many different examples of Steampunk fashion on the internet. All you have to do is type in "Steampunk Men" or "Steampunk Dress" into Google and you will find a huge selection of pictures to further explain the idea.
Mostly, though to make something "Steampunk" is to give it an old timey feel. If you're interested in adding a bit of Steampunk flair to your ensemble, look for Victorian style clothes, top hats, canes, cogs, gears, pocket watches, steam-era type things. Victorian style jewelry.
Movies such as "Wild Wild West", "League of Extraordinary Gentleman" and the most recent "Cowboys & Aliens" are good examples of the past meets future style that Steampunk is all about!
Pirates, cowboys and explorers are common themes as well in the genre. Below are just a few more Steampunk pictures to get an idea of what to expect!
