Help me find a great outfit that is awesome and unique, and won't get me weird stares from strangers.

I totally agree with PhoBWanKenobi -- I think you'll get a lot more mileage out of interesting fabrics/textures/patterns on garments that are comfortable and fit you well than you would by just trying to bolt some curious accessories onto your look. For example, I love http://www.zimbio.com/photos/Thomas+Mann/Zach+Galifianakis/Kind+Funny+Story+Premiere/A4itkFSjIkI navy blue velvet (or maybe corduroy?) blazer on Zach Galifianakis, and thishttp://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/white-house-correspondents-weekend-parties/2011/04/30/AF5GdnNF_gallery.html#photo=11 one (photo #11) that he wore on top of a checked button-down shirt. You might also want to look for a signature pair of sneakers or oxfords, which invariably look great with dark jeans and transition easily from stage to street. Here are some http://steamfashion.livejournal.com/1614245.html for inspiration, or maybe something like http://junglegymmagazine.com/2012/01/26/first-look-cole-haan-lunargrand-wingtip-shoesneaker/ wingtip/sneaker hybrids, or you http://www.converse.com/#/products/shoes/converseone/builder/chuTayOxCan1010,,,, customized Chuck Taylors.... Good luck!

Every once in a while I see someone who has an outfit on that just looks amazing and unique, but still looks like something they could walk around town in without getting any weird looks. The only thing worse than being talked about is not being talked about. -Oscar Wilde Its because you are wearing something awesome that you are getting those looks. That look is jealousy. Just remember that, and you will look exactly how you want to look and feel good doing it.

For god's sake, don't wear a fedora. (And I'm not even saying that for banjo-related reasons.)

Epaulets, but not the fringy kind. The shoulder-tab kind.

Here are two simple rules of thumb that can help guide you (until you know when you can break them) 1. No affectations. That means nothing for its own sake. Eg. don't use a cane if you don't have a busted leg. Don't wear sunglasses where there isn't sun. etc. Everything should have a reason for its inclusion that has more substance than "it's different". 2. Keep it real. That means nothing fake. To take your goggles example: Fake goggles: Terrible. Real goggles: Better. Real goggles designed for an activity you do a lot of and have expertise in: Perfect. http://blogs.seattleweekly.com/reverb/born-in-the-usa.jpg? Ok, it's a bit boring, but it's also iconic in some ways, and obviously totally street-legal. Now just go nuts - without breaking those rules. It's ok to go nuts now because the rules will keep you within bounds. You'll find that the rules push you towards trying to work out who you are and what matters to you and what you're trying to communicate and things like that, and those avenues of thought will be more conducive to great outfit design than approaching it from the other direction of looking for random interesting things and hoping you can assemble them into a cohesive whole somehow. (I might have added "Rule 3. You can wear it on the street and not get weird stares from strangers", but you already have that one. Pushing the street envelope until you're distinctive but still within bounds, is a great target. ) (You'll also notice that rules 1 and 2 explain why many outfits fail to meet your Rule 3 target, if you couldn't quite put your finger on it.)

I think you might look good in a http://www.gentlemansemporium.com/store/hats.php?__utma=1.260657702.1332300952.1332300952.1332300952.1&__utmb=1.1.10.1332300952&__utmc=1&__utmx=-&__utmz=1.1332300952.1.1.utmcsr=google.com%7Cutmccn=(referral)%7Cutmcmd=referral%7Cutmcct=/imgres&__utmv=-&__utmk=19710136 hat. Add a pocketwatch or some sort of doodad on a chain (bonus points for cthulu-related) to the vest. Wear sleeve garters when you wear a button-down. Go for a more old-fashiony tie like an ascot.

If you can't find what you're looking for at military surplus or vintage stores, Ralph Lauren has a couple of things that might interest you (http://www.ralphlauren.com/product/index.jsp?productId=12619908, http://www.ralphlauren.com/product/index.jsp?productId=12210834http://www.ralphlauren.com/product/index.jsp?productId=12210834, http://www.ralphlauren.com/shop/index.jsp?categoryId=11757743&ab=global_men_rrl).

Button-down shirts with a vest, maybe a hat, not suspenders, well-fitted. Do not get tempted by shirts with embroidered designs, as it will steer you way too close to a) bowling alley guy or b) Ed Hardy guy. Find white shirts, maybe brown clothes (for steampunkiness), get in touch with a tailor.

Wear just one or two elements of steampunk at once and you should avoid looking too costumed. Such as a velvet blazer. Or a military jacket without too many buttons and zippers. A well-cut wool vest or a pair of vintage-inspired low boots would also be elements you could incorporate into your everyday style. Stick to black and white so everything matches.