How To Dress Like A Nerd: 6 Steps (with Pictures) - WikiHow

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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Dress Like a Nerd PDF download Download Article Channel your inner nerd with these fun style tips Explore this Article Steps Steps Other Sections Expert Q&A Tips and Warnings Related Articles References Article Summary Co-authored by Natalie Tincher

Last Updated: February 21, 2025 Approved

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This article was co-authored by Natalie Tincher. 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. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, several readers have written to tell us that this article was helpful to them, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 381,936 times.

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!

Quick Guide to Dressing Like a Nerd

  1. Wear black or brown horn-rimmed glasses.
  2. Layer a collared shirt under a vest or sweater.
  3. Wear nerdy prints like checkers, plaid, and argyle.
  4. Choose ankle-length trousers that show your socks.
  5. Wear black or brown loafers.
  6. Accessorize with suspenders or a bow tie.

Steps

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  1. Step 1 Get some glasses. 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. 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!
    • Wear floral maxi dresses and short flowy shift dresses.[1]
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  3. Step 3 Wear a collared shirt. 3 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.
  4. Step 4 Get a pair of trousers. 4 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]
  5. Step 5 Find the right shoes. 5 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.
  6. Step 6 Accessorize. 6 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]
    7. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

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  • Question How can you dress like a hippie? Natalie Tincher Natalie Tincher Style Strategist & Wardrobe Specialist 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. Natalie Tincher Natalie Tincher Style Strategist & Wardrobe Specialist Expert Answer Wear short, flowy shift dresses or tiered, floral maxi dresses to dress like a hippie. You can also wear fashionable scarves and hats. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 6 Helpful 5
  • Question How do you get emo look? Natalie Tincher Natalie Tincher Style Strategist & Wardrobe Specialist 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. Natalie Tincher Natalie Tincher Style Strategist & Wardrobe Specialist Expert Answer Emo embodies emotions. Think about what you want to express through your wardrobe. Incorporate elements that reflect your personality and preferences. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 7 Helpful 8
  • Question What shoes are best if I don't have loafers? Luna Rose Luna Rose Top Answerer Nerds 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. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 10 Helpful 52
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Tips

  • You don't always have to be ugly to be a "nerd" Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
  • Try hitting a thrift store to find quirky suspenders, bow ties, and sweaters. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
  • 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 Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Show More Tips

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 Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

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References

  1. ↑ Natalie Tincher. Style Strategist & Wardrobe Specialist. Expert Interview
  2. ↑ Natalie Tincher. Style Strategist & Wardrobe Specialist. Expert Interview
  3. ↑ Natalie Tincher. Style Strategist & Wardrobe Specialist. Expert Interview

About This Article

Natalie Tincher Co-authored by: Natalie Tincher Style Strategist & Wardrobe Specialist This article was co-authored by Natalie Tincher. 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. This article has been viewed 381,936 times. 20 votes - 75% Co-authors: 44 Updated: February 21, 2025 Views: 381,936 Categories: Nerd Culture Article SummaryX

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?YesNo

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Reader Success Stories

  • Bea Velekei

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    "As a child I was challenged a lot. I fought through everything. The finish was awesome. I hope that when you are..." more
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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Natalie Tincher Co-authored by: Natalie Tincher Style Strategist & Wardrobe Specialist 20 votes - 75% Click a star to vote 75% of people told us that this article helped them. Co-authors: 44 Updated: February 21, 2025 Views: 381,936 Bea Velekei

Bea Velekei

Nov 28, 2022

"As a child I was challenged a lot. I fought through everything. The finish was awesome. I hope that when you are..." more Eta Mengistu

Eta Mengistu

Oct 14, 2017

"This really helped with trying to dress as a nerd, the glasses and all fit right in with the stereotype." Sabrina Tornberg

Sabrina Tornberg

Feb 14, 2017

"Love the way you made everything specific. Thanks, that's a big help for nerd day tomorrow." Christie Borne

Christie Borne

Apr 28, 2018

"Very helpful! Doing a Nerd Night Pickleball Mixer for junior high." Felicia Loehner

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"Everything helped me, because I'm a nerd and I'm proud of it." Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

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