How to Dress Like a Nerd

Get some glasses., Wear nerdy prints., Wear a collared shirt., Get a pair of trousers., Find the right shoes., Accessorize.

6 Steps 3 min read Medium

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Step 1: 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.
  2. Step 2: 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! , 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. , 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. , 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. , 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!
  3. Step 3: Wear a collared shirt.

  4. Step 4: Get a pair of trousers.

  5. Step 5: Find the right shoes.

  6. Step 6: Accessorize.

Detailed Guide

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.

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! , 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. , 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. , 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. , 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!

About the Author

P

Peter Jenkins

Peter Jenkins is an experienced writer with over 17 years of expertise in consulting. Passionate about sharing practical knowledge, Peter creates easy-to-follow guides that help readers achieve their goals.

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