“This post contains affiliate links. If you shop using these links I make a small commission, but you are never charged any extra! And as always, my opinions are completely my own.”
Nerds are cool and the fashion industry is finally taking notice. Now more than ever you can find cool, comfortable clothes that your nerd will love to wear. When you hear “nerd style” what do you think about? Thick glasses and pocket protectors? Not anymore. Nerds rule and are expressing it in their unique sense of style.
There are a few standards in nerd style:
Comfort and Practicality
Nerds tend to make comfort a priority and dress practically. Comfort and functionally is more important than following popular trends. T-shirts and jeans are a staple of nerd style. Jeans, T-shirts, hoodies, sweaters, loose skirts and dresses, and flat shoes count as comfortable clothing.
Wear practical shoes. Converse are back in style. Growing up I lived in my turquoise Converse and now they are back. I guess I was ahead of my time. As with clothes, nerds value comfort and practicality in their shoes over style. Ballerina Flats and Mary Janes are also an important element in a nerd’s wardrobe.
Shirts
T-shirts are the staple of a nerds wardrobe. With t-shirts, they can show their love of science fiction, comic books, superheroes, and video games. Nerd style has never been more evident than on Sheldon Cooper in The Big Bang Theory. His collection of t-shirts would make any nerd wardrobe complete. Choose clothing items with interests that you at least know something about so that it can be a topic of conversation if someone brings it up. My personal favorite t-shirt is the Marvel Ultimate Periodic Table Of Elements Graphic T-Shirt
For dressier occasions, argyle, plaid, and pinstripes are great options. For the extra quirky nerds, polka dots are always a good choice. Patterns have always been big in the nerd style scene. Whether it is on shirts, pants, sweaters, or hoodies, patterns are a great way for nerds to show their personal style. Vintage clothing is also something that nerds tend to gravitate towards. Checking out vintage and used clothing shops is a great option for a nerd on a budget.
Pants and Skirts
Most nerds like to wear eye-catching bottoms. In recent years, brightly colored pants have become a staple of cool nerdy style. Jeans and khakis also show up often in nerd style. Skinny jeans are a popular trend, but any fit of pants that are comfortable for your nerd is best. Some of the most common bright colors that have found popularity are lime green, yellow, red, and blue.
Pleated and plaid skirts are also classic nerd staples that can be styled in a variety of ways, including with knee socks or leggings
Socks
Knee socks are back in style for the nerdy girl in your life. Quirky colors and patterns are all the rage. My daughter loves to wear her knee socks and has a wide collection of colors, patterns, and characters.
Knee socks look great with a skirt or with shorts. Some great patterned socks are the Gellwhu Animal Cotton Knit Socks
Accessories
Glasses are the go-to accessory for most nerds. Whether you really need prescriptions or not, glasses can really round out your look. Thick rimmed and cat’s eye glasses are some of the more popular nerdy choices. Other great options are Ray Bans or half frame glasses. it’s important to choose glasses that can be worn with a variety of outfits unless you have multiple pairs available.
Bags or purses are another mandatory accessories for most nerds. Messenger bags in a neutral color like brown or black is a great choice and can match anything. There are messenger bags that can reflect your interest and have logos such as superheroes or video games on them. If you find a bag that you like you can always find a patch that shows your interest and add it to the bag. Find a bag that fits your laptop and your favorite books and you are always ready to go.
Headbands with ears are a new addition to my daughter’s wardrobe. Almost every day she heads to school with black cat ears on.
Bow ties are still in fashion for the dressed up nerd. Some of the newer styles of bow ties are wild patterns and colors with a matching vest. One of the best-looking combos I have seen is the Plaid Design Vest & BOWTie Black Turquoise
However your nerd decides to dress, it’s important to keep a few things in mind. Their personal sense of style should not be dictated by what others think they should wear. If you’re a nerd is happy in frilly dresses and skirts then that is their nerd style. While some are more comfortable in jeans and a t-shirt you will always have a few that love to dress up and have more of an anime look. Whatever your nerd style be supportive as long as they are addressing within your families guidelines for appropriate behavior.
Enjoying MommyNerdist? Sign up for our free newsletter today!
