making an outfit with limited resources

[Caledonian]

Title slightly decieving, my appologies. Please allow me to explain the situation.

due to circumstances I won't get into here, I found myself in the Netherlands for 2 months with very limited luggage. that is to say, my belongings for this time frame fit in a rucksack. Unsurprisingly none of what is in said rucksack is a steampunk outfit.
But I found out there is a festival (castlefest) during my stay here and nothing is stopping me from going there...yet if I am going I kind of want to have an outfit of sorts. So perhaps you good folk have ideas! I do have dress shoes, some black jeans and a black collared shirt, that maybe can work as a base, But I will not be able to modify them as they are just my regular clothing as well. I also have a top hat I inherited, which I can wear but as it's an antique and also emotionally charged, needs to be worn with care.
I do have access to a goldsmith's atelier, though, so I can work with metals as much as I desire (though my skill is limited), and I would be able to buy some basic things here and there.

Anyways. Feel free to toss me an idea or two

[Sorontar]

Does the shirt have buttons down the front or a pocket? If so, can you add metal ornaments to them?
Could you find a cheap scarf and tie it around the hat or your neck with things attached to it? Do you have a spare belt to wear externally or from shoulder to waist?

I seem to recall you have been going well with your linguistic studies. Perhaps you could write something interesting on a couple of small pieces of paper, roll them up and then attach them to your belt with cotton or string or ribbon.

Sorontar

[J. Wilhelm]

Easy challenge. Think Old Western fashion. The jeans are already Western and Victorian Era by definition. If able to get a second hand waistcoat, hopefully in brown or grey to contrast the monochrome clothing, that goes well with the jeans and collared shirt (is it a "button-down" shirt?). Top hat is fine. It was also worn in the Wild West. An alternative would be a Spanish, Andalusian hat aka Argentine Bolero hat, always very sexy, regardless of the wearer's gender, with a flat wide brim, or an even an American styled Stetson hat if you can find one, but that depends on your budget and what you could find. Remember Wild West cowboy paraphernalia is tied to Mexican cowboy fashion and by consequence to Spanish horse riding fashion.

https://www.amazon.com/Tigerdoe-Spanish-Hat-Gaucho-Costume/dp/B0754KQMYX/ref=asc_df_B0754KQMYX/

PS. In the American Southwest it's not unusual to decorate the hat with belts, scarves and such.

Also, not Victorian, it's strictly Western 1940s, but try making a bolo tie if you have some basic metal skills. Basically it's just a long leather strip or a shoelace tied with some decorative buckle, like a cabochon or a stone of some sort., or even if you don't want to work metal, it shouldn't be much of a challenge to get super glue and some clip to attach to the stone/cabochon. Kudos if you can get your hands on some silver item for the cabochon and even a turquoise stone to mount on it (Fimo/Sculpey can make fake stones as well)

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bolo_tie

Often in the American Southwest you will see silver and turquoise being used for adornment of western apparel. Turquoise had a sacred meaning among natives in North America, the stone being associated with spirit communication, healing, strength and good fortune.

Possible Accessories:

Scarf. An alternative to the shoelace tied with the cabochon, is a scarf, also necessary to keep oneself from breathing dust in the desert

Rope/lazo or whip coiled and attached to your belt.

Belt: cowboys are always flashy with their belts and buckles. Often leather belts have carved motifs and buckles are large, also with silver and turquoise stones in the American Southwest. Women's belts found in shops might be useful.

https://www.amazon.com/Western-Leather-Belts-Women-Vintage-Waist-Belts-Hollow-Flower/dp/B081D359T3


https://edmarshalljewelers.com/navajo-sterling-silver-turquoise-belt-buckle-q009424

Spurs. Worn by Andalusian, Mexican, Argentine Gauchos and American Cowboys. Many different types (see Wiki). Basic item for the horse rider.

[Hez]

so Caledonian.   How was the fair and what did you wear?

[Caledonian]

it's still upcoming! I'll provide a wee bit of an update for you lovely people.
I ordered a waistcoat but it was waaaay too small, so I have consulted with my grandmother. she's going to try make me a waistcoat using this fabric:


I am going to try get some belts to modify and use as straps around the upper arms to hold up my sleeves, as we are expecting it'll be rather warm that day.
I have also gathered some pieces to make some simple jewellery. probably going to make something to clip onto my collar like


I think off making like an arm piece as well, and modify my old dress shoes, but that might be a lot of work

[Synistor 303]

Oooo! I love that ship fabric!!

[Caledonian]

Just went out and bought this scarf to make a cravat


Edit to add, we might have to select a different fabric after all, but I'll look for something similar

[Mercury Wells]

Go for both the scarf and the fabric. (although there does seem to be a lack of " 'Ere be T' Dreaded Air-Kracken" warnings on the fabric).

I think your Nan, would fit in here nicely.

[Caledonian]

Go for both the scarf and the fabric. (although there does seem to be a lack of " 'Ere be T' Dreaded Air-Kracken" warnings on the fabric).

I think your Nan, would fit in here nicely.

My grandmother mostly engages with this stuff because I ask her nicely -w-
I made some metal bits. going to be subtle on the metal with this one thanks to, well, being limited.

the biggest metal project of this all: hat ornament


WIP on an arm piece

[Caledonian]

the map fabric wasnt available sadly, but gran made this instead!

[Mercury Wells]

Very fancy.

[Caledonian]

here is a proper try on!
I am still debating using another tie, maybe the brown one i bought? but with the other fabric it clashes a bit. also debating if i should use the sunglasses or a set of blue lensed goggles (mounted to the hat, as is traditional). I found a spare set on the bottom of my closet


these are some of the ties im considering

[Hurricane Annie]

Take the opportunities that op shops and charity shops present you with. Black jeans are a reliable and convenient base for any concept look. Never be shy is asking staff what else they may  have on the racks or in storage areas. They love helping out customers with interesting events and requirements. They may give you discounts or add articles for free. [ I've volunteered in the charity shops and  specialised  in assisting customers with themes and outfits. Great fun!]

Look out for waist coats , vintage or industrial. Unusual coats and jackets. Retro ties and bandana, belts , hats, bags, brooches , pins and badges. T shirts , shirts, blouses, tunic tops , kaftan.  See what inspires you. Your imagination is your only limit

{ Or you could just glue some cogs on you    }

[Hurricane Annie]

here is a proper try on!
I am still debating using another tie, maybe the brown one i bought? but with the other fabric it clashes a bit. also debating if i should use the sunglasses or a set of blue lensed goggles (mounted to the hat, as is traditional). I found a spare set on the bottom of my closet


these are some of the ties im considering

Your hat and glasses are a fantastic look  . Excellent base for any outfit. They suit you down to the ground  Caledonia

[Sorontar]

Good and simple. It is amazing how much effect you can get with not much.

Sorontar

[Caledonian]

a last selfie here! I will post proper pics from the festival (if i get any) in the costuming thread

[Hurricane Annie]

You look very dapper there Caledonia. You have a wonderful sartorial eloquence. I trust you had a fabulous time

[Synistor 303]

I love it