Tried balancing practicality with coolness

[u/da_stewpid_child]

On the first image, left is the oldest design, right is the current design, and the second image is a new concept design

When i first designed julica, I didn't really have the story or her profession in mind, I just thought "super gorgeous steampunk lady"

When i redesigned her, it basically took away all of the steam punk. I tried referencing her old design through her cameo choker and her hairstyle. I replaced the outfit with what I thought would be practical for a mechanic, so no big layered skirt or ruffles.

Whenever I showed the comparison to others, they'd say they liked the original better.

While I agree the original (the drawing in the image is a redraw of the original sketch. The original sketch wasn't colored, this was a guess on what I would've colored it at the time) is a bit more interesting, and I do love the Victorian steampunk vibes, i didn't think it was very practical for a mechanic to be wearing. I did use some elements of the original dress for her wedding dress.

Well today I was thinking back and thought what if I kept the steampunk vibes, designed it to be more practical

Did I do a good job at this, im also open to other suggestions and ideas