Download Article
Download Article
Whether you are getting ready for a themed party or simply want to change up your style, this article will help you channel your inner nerd!
Steps
Download Article
-
Get some glasses. Horn-rimmed glasses have become such a nerdy staple that people often refer to them as "nerd glasses." Find a pair in black or dark brown, and for an added touch, wrap some tape around the nose bridge to achieve the illusion that they are broken.- If you can't find a pair with thick rims, then any pair of reading glasses will do. Be sure that they are the right prescription, or are prescription-free if you don't wear glasses.
-
Wear nerdy prints. Checkers, plaid, and argyle are the triple threat when it comes to "geeky" or "school-nerd" style. Try to find a sweater, vest, skirt, or dress in one of these prints.- You can also try striped and polka dotted patterns. Try mix-and-matching a few different prints. The more they clash with one another, the better!
- Wear floral maxi dresses and short flowy shift dresses. [1]
X
Expert Source
Natalie Tincher
Style Strategist & Wardrobe Specialist Expert Interview. 4 June 2020.
Advertisement -
Wear a collared shirt. The shirt should be buttoned up, and preferably tucked into a pair of pants or a skirt. Wear a collared shirt underneath a vest or sweater if you have one, and have the neck collar and sleeves showing.- Try a plain white dress shirt, a plaid or checkered button-up, or a collared t-shirt in any color.
-
Get a pair of trousers. Ideally, your pants should be high-rise and cut just above the ankle (like a capri) so that your socks are visible underneath them. Stick with simple colors like black, grey, and brown.- You can wear high-waisted flare jeans and loose, blousy tops. [2]
X
Expert Source
Natalie Tincher
Style Strategist & Wardrobe Specialist Expert Interview. 4 June 2020.
- You can wear high-waisted flare jeans and loose, blousy tops. [2]
X
Expert Source
Natalie Tincher
-
Find the right shoes. Try a pair of dress shoes or loafers in black or brown. You can also dress down your outfit with a pair of sneakers like Chuck Taylors or Vans. Try to find a pair in a bright color like red, blue, green or purple. -
Accessorize. Once you have nailed the basic look, use some accessories to play up your outfit.- Carry books, pencils, pens, and/or a backpack with you. If your shirt has a breast pocket, then stick some pens inside of it.
- Wear suspenders. Try to find a standout color or pattern like red, purple, neon green, checkers or rainbow.
- Wear either a standard tie or a bow tie with your collared shirt. Again, you can keep the color scheme simple for a more reserved look, or choose funky patterns and textures if you want to channel the 90s nerd style.
- Choose the right socks. If you are wearing a dress, try white knee-high or thigh-high socks; for pants and shorts, try a pair of dress socks in white or argyle. Whatever type of sock you choose, make sure to pull them up so that they are visible and make sure to put the socks over your pants in order to show off your wonderful nerdy socks!
- Wear hats, fashion scarves, or brown suede boots. [3]
X
Expert Source
Natalie Tincher
Style Strategist & Wardrobe Specialist Expert Interview. 4 June 2020.
Advertisement
Expert Q&A
Search
-
QuestionHow do you get emo look?Natalie Tincher is the Owner and Principal Style Strategist of BU Style. Since 2010, Natalie has specialized in personal styling to reflect clients’ individuality, confidence, and comfort. In 2019, she was named the Global Head of Styling for Bloomberg Television. Natalie is certified in Image Consulting through the Fashion Institute of Technology. She regularly shares her expertise with corporate groups at major financial institutions, media companies, and news outlets including: Time Out New York, Refinery 29, and NBC News.Emo embodies emotions. Think about what you want to express through your wardrobe. Incorporate elements that reflect your personality and preferences.
-
QuestionHow can you dress like a hippie?Natalie Tincher is the Owner and Principal Style Strategist of BU Style. Since 2010, Natalie has specialized in personal styling to reflect clients’ individuality, confidence, and comfort. In 2019, she was named the Global Head of Styling for Bloomberg Television. Natalie is certified in Image Consulting through the Fashion Institute of Technology. She regularly shares her expertise with corporate groups at major financial institutions, media companies, and news outlets including: Time Out New York, Refinery 29, and NBC News.Wear short, flowy shift dresses or tiered, floral maxi dresses to dress like a hippie. You can also wear fashionable scarves and hats.
-
QuestionWhat shoes are best if I don't have loafers?Luna RoseTop AnswererNerds often dress in a preppy, comfortable style. Nice-looking shoes can help your style appear more put-together. Or you can go for comfortable sneakers or sandals. Stay away from shoes that are uncomfortable, tight, or hard to walk in. Nerds value the mind more than looks, so what you wear isn't too important. As long as your shoes aren't uncomfortable (and thus a distraction), they're good.
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
Advertisement
Tips
- You don't always have to be ugly to be a "nerd"Thanks
- Try hitting a thrift store to find quirky suspenders, bow ties, and sweaters.Thanks
- Nerdy style is very similar to "hipster" style, especially for men. Try checking out stores like Urban Outfitters, Forever 21, or American Apparel for a cheap pair of horn-rimmed non-prescription glasses and for an endless supply of plaid items.Thanks
Tips from our Readers
The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
- If you're a girl, try to make your hair really frizzy. This will make you look like you don't care about your hair
- Wear tights or jumper skirts because they give you a more comfortable, yet smart impression.
- Nerds like classic and old clothes.
Submit a Tip
All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
Name
Please provide your name and last initial
Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
Advertisement
References
About This Article
Article Summary
X
To dress like a nerd, wear a button-up shirt tucked into a plaid skirt or slacks. If you wear pants, roll up the cuffs so you can see your socks, which is extra nerdy. Also, wear a pair of dark dress shoes or loafers. Additionally, you can accessorize like a nerd by wearing glasses, suspenders, and a bow tie. You can even carry around a stack of books and put some pens and pencils in your shirt pocket to really commit to your nerdy look. To learn how to choose colors, prints, and patterns that look nerdy, keep reading!
Did this summary help you?
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 379,200 times.
Reader Success Stories
- "As a child I was challenged a lot. I fought through everything. The finish was awesome. I hope that when you are stuck on something or being challenged. Accept it and you could find out that you were capable of doing something not everyone else can do." ..." more
Advertisement
"As a child I was challenged a lot. I fought through everything. The finish was awesome. I hope that when you are stuck on something or being challenged. Accept it and you could find out that you were capable of doing something not everyone else can do."
..."
more
"This really helped with trying to dress as a nerd, the glasses and all fit right in with the stereotype."
"Love the way you made everything specific. Thanks, that's a big help for nerd day tomorrow."
"Very helpful! Doing a Nerd Night Pickleball Mixer for junior high."
"Everything helped me, because I'm a nerd and I'm proud of it."
