Geek Chic Clothing Guide
Geek chic is so in right now the term has found its way into the Oxford Dictionary, defined as "the dress, appearance, and culture associated with computing and technology enthusiasts, regarded as stylish or fashionable." Characterized by items that make men look intentionally nerdy, the geek chic trend has turned the outfits we used to call dorky into sought after fashions. Even those who don’t consider themselves "geeky" or a part of the tech world are looking to put together fashionable "geek chic" outfits.
Shirts
Your outfit starts at the top. The right shirt can go a long way in contributing to the perfect geek style. For a more casual look, opt for a graphic t-shirt about a traditionally "nerdy" subject. Whether or not you’re a Star Trek fan, your "LLAP" shirt will be a hit. If you are looking to be a bit more formal, a button-down shirt (either short or long-sleeved), with a pattern or a splash of color is your best bet.
Outerwear
Certain outerwear can either be worn as the top layer, or a "sandwich" layer between your suit jacket and shirt.
A cardigan will help you look bookish but fashionably edgy. Stick to plain colors, and layer them over t-shirts or button-downs for a stylish look. Remember, always keep the bottom button open.
Like a cardigan, a well-fitting, solid-colored sweater vest is a great outerwear option for a fashionable, geeky getup. Layer it over a patterned, button-down shirt and shorts to make a smart fashion statement.
Pants
There are a few types of pants you can wear to achieve a geek chic style. No matter what fabric you choose, make sure they fit properly and are slim fitting.
A signature geek look for decades, corduroy pants are stylish, and easy to maintain. Opt for darker colors, browns, black, and pair with a stylish button-down or t-shirt.
Jeans fit almost any style, and geek chic is no different. The only nuance when being fashionably nerdy is to cuff your jeans. Give them 2-3 rolls to expose your ankle, and wear shoes with no sock to be trendy from head to toe.
Accessories
The right accessories are vital to pulling off the perfect geek chic look. There are a few key items that you should add on to your outfit to elevate the style of your ensemble.
Glasses: Glasses are one of the most popular geek chic accessories, and can be worn even if your vision is 20/20. Made popular in contemporary culture by musicians and athletes, like Kid Cudi and Russell Westbrook, glasses are an essential part of the geek chic look. When considering what glasses will complete your geek-chic outfit, remember this mantra: the wider the frames, the better. Horn-rimmed specs are the most common style, reminiscent of music legend Buddy Holly.
Suspenders: Serving a dual purpose, a nice pair of suspenders will hold up your pants and add an extra layer of "geek" to your get-up. Suspenders, when worn properly, can be a classy and fashionable addition to your ensemble.
Ties: A tie is another great accessory to top off your geeky outfit. Neckties are good, but a well-tied bowtie is preferable. Choose a color and pattern that complements the rest of your outfit and accents your sense of style.
Shoes
Choose from a classic pair of tennis shoes or a stylish pair of slip-ons to finish off your look. Don’t forget to leave the socks behind. Whether you are wearing shorts, chinos, or cuffed jeans, the proper pair of shoes with no socks will complete your elegant geek outfit.
It’s probably time to apologize to all those kids who you made fun of for being "geeky" in high school. Their style is rapidly taking over our culture, and our closets.
