I love the Simplicity 2172 Steampunk dress and I think what really pulls this whole ensemble together is the coat. It's cute with just the bustier, but add the coat and you have added the wow.  It's definitely an unique coat that is short in the front, with just a panel going over the torso, and then it's long, almost floor length, in the back.  I also like the contrasting ruffles that go around the neckline and the sleeves.  It's a piece of the ensemble that adds layers, complexity and is just plain cool looking.  I also like that it has the ties in the back so you can cinch it up to make it more form fitting.  It definitely gives this steampunk outfit an air of the Victorian in its elegance.  I think a fun part is accessorizing the coat in the end.  We just go over the sewing steps in this tutorial, but the Simplicity directions easily show you how you can add chains like they did.

This coat is part of our Simplicity Pattern 2172 steampunk series.  We also have tutorials on the bustier and skirt, so you can easily create this whole steampunk ensemble.