Period vs Pretty

This is an interesting discussion at Steampunk Empire.
Steampunk Empire: Period vs Pretty
I lean towards the idea that costumes should at least look vaguely period, ie 19th and early 20th centuries, but that really is simply a foundation on which to built anything we want.
To me, Steampunk is fantasy not history, however like in the SCA, where some people were "from the skin out" costume fanatics, I appreciate the accurate as much as the fantastic.  They all add colour to an otherwise drab modern world. As you can see from the vast array of costume pictures at my Pinterest board, and  the many other Steampunk boards, the sky is quite literally the limit! 
Keep your sightglass full, your firebox trimmed and your water iced.
KJ