Spring Style: Geek is Chic

Prominent people like Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, and ABC’s Ugly Betty, the cultural spotlight has turned to America’s intelligent.  That’s right:  All would-be nerds can come out of hiding, because geek fashion is in, in, in!  Wear your glasses and your sweater-vests, but be careful, lest you venture into the realm of true Dorkdom.  Here are five dos and don’ts for all who would be geek chic.

Wear with flair…

Geek Glasses

With geek chic fashion rampant on the runway, thick-rimmed glasses are seeing a rise in popularity.  To pull off this look, pick a color that suits your complexion, and make sure that the frames flatter your face.

Messenger Bags

Trade your purse or briefcase for an over-the-shoulder messenger bag to reach Accessory Nirvana.  If you’re a student, add patches that reflect your personality to your cloth bag.  Need something more professional?  Kate Spade markets a line of leather messengers that match any business suit.

Argyle

This classic geek pattern has returned to malls across America for spring of 2009.  Pick it up in pink and green for a preppy take on a geeky staple, or grab a sweater vest with a blue and gray pattern for a more neutral look.

The Skinny Tie

Of course, Hollywood heartthrobs like Zac Efron look great in skinny ties, but did you know that you can copy this look?  Look for ties in all colors at stores like Banana Republic, and pair yours with a fitted Oxford.  Worried about looking masculine?  Relax your look with a pleated skirt.

Gadgets

Your Mac, your iPhone, and your watch double as accessories and can complement your look.  Personalize your iPhone with a cover or faceplate, or surf the web for great deals on jewelry for your iPod.

Don’t go there…

High-Waisted Jeans

Face it:  Most women carry extra weight around their waist, hips, and stomach.  High-waisted jeans call attention to these areas and are, on most of us, quite unflattering.  For a similar look, check stores like The Limited for wide-legged trousers that sit lower on the hips.

Fanny Packs

These throwbacks to the eighties are a definite no-go.  If you own one, toss it – now.  The same goes for cell phone belt clips.  Instead, invest in some kind of purse or bag.  The Fashion Police will thank you.

Bermuda Shorts

Who wears Bermuda shorts?  Eighty-year-old men in the Everglades of Florida.  Do their legs look good?  No.  Trade your Bermudas for shorts with a hemline that hits your mid-thigh, or, if you are uncomfortable with your legs, wear capris.

Oversized T-Shirts

Oversized tees can add twenty pounds to the slimmest of women.  Even if your body isn’t Hollywood perfect, know that you are beautiful, and don’t hide under extra fabric.  Make sure that your clothes fit properly.

…and the geek fashion trend to most thoroughly avoid is…

The Wedgie

Alright, that one’s a gimme.  But now you know what not to wear.  You are the few, the proud, the true geek chic, and you will never be faced with 404:  Style Not Found.