5 tips for dressing your geek chic-iest

I often get asked how I put together geeky outfits, so I thought I would share some of my secrets!

Before I jump in, remember that there is no right or wrong way to dress yourself, and ultimately you should dress in a way that makes you most comfortable and happy! This is just a guide that maybe will be helpful to anyone just getting started in their geek fashion journey, or for anyone wanting to try something new! 🖤

1) It’s all in the details

Alyssa wearing a t shirt that reads "Crimson Peak was good", black skirt, folded hand belt, and red jewel ring.
Edith from Crimson Peak wearing a similar folded hand belt.
Screenshot of the red jewel ring from the movie Crimson Peak.

When creating a look based on a story or fandom, my favorite thing is finding accessories that reference specific details in the story.

For this Crimson Peak inspired look, I was determined to find a clasped hand belt reminiscent of the one Edit wears in the film, and complimented it with a moth necklace (moths repeatedly show up in the movie) and a replica of the Sharpe ring itself.

2) Include a statement piece

Alyssa sitting on the floor wearing a Loki t shirt, green velvet skirt, and snake patterned tights.

Sometimes you find a piece that just *screams* a specific character. Whenever I find those pieces, I like to build my whole outfit around them.

These snake tights were too perfect for a Loki look, so I let them be the focal point and then focused on bringing his color scheme into the rest of the look.


3) Take a character’s existing look and make it your own.

Alyssa wearing Harley's t shirt and necklace from the movie Birds of Prey, hair is in pigtails.

There are so many officially licensed fashion collections now, so it’s becoming easier to find replicas of the clothes our faves wear in movies and shows. However, if you love the character but don’t share their same style preferences, take replica pieces and make them your own!

I adore Harley’s outfits in Birds of Prey but I don’t want to wear as much pink as she does. So I snagged her t-shirt and charm necklace and styled an outfit that focused on more of a black and white color scheme instead since that more aligns with my personal preferences.

4) Play with a graphic tee

Alyssa is wearing a bat cardigan and belt, red velvet skirt, and a shirt that reads "When you're a vampire, you become very sexy."

I LOVE graphic tees because they are a super easy way to show which fandom or character you are inspired by, plus you can dress them up or down!

Jordandene tees are a staple of my wardrobe, and this tank paired with a bat cardigan and a vampy lip lets me show off my love for What We Do in the Shadows in a cute and comfy way.

5) KISS (Keep it Subtle, Stupid)

Alyssa wearing a black cutout bodysuit, with green lipstick and black intricate eyeliner.

Sometimes I want my outfits to lean more on the closet cosplay side. Try to find pieces that have elements of a character’s costume for a more subtle geeky look.

This BlackMilk bodysuit is already so reminiscent of Hela so I only added a few more touches like a wolf ring and graphic eyeliner styled after her headwear. Most people that won’t know the character wouldn’t make the connection, but those that do will notice and appreciate the details. Iykyk!

I’m always posting more geek chic looks on my Instagram or you can read more of my blog posts on this topic too!

Alyssa Bradley

Visual artist and fandom fashionista burdened with glorious purpose.

https://www.alyssa-bradley.com
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Creating a Dark Rey cosplay