Geek Chic: Fashion Inspired by The Big Bang Theory
No column called Geek Chic would be complete without an inspiration post on The Big Bang Theory, which is practically television’s love letter to the geek world. It’s a show that manages to simultaneously mock and celebrate the enthusiastic obsessions that define geekiness. What more could a girl ask for?
Before we begin, I just want to reiterate that my goal is not to recreate costumes but to interpret the characters’ styles into wearable looks for college girls. The Big Bang Theory characters wear quirky “real-life” clothes; for more futuristic fashion, check out the previous Geek Chic posts on Star Trek-inspired looks and Doctor Who-inspired looks.
Know Your Geek: About The Big Bang Theory
- The CBS sitcom, which first aired in 2007, revolves around the lives of four socially awkward Caltech scientists and Penny, the pretty girl who lives next door. It quickly became hugely popular and was TV’s highest-rated comedy during its 4th season.
- Much of the show’s humor comes from the contrast between the guys’ nerdy, intellectual antics and Penny’s street smarts and common sense. For instance, while Sheldon can name hundreds of Star Trek factoids off the top of his head and solve quantum mechanics problems in his sleep, he can’t name a single Britney Spears song.
Outfits Inspired by The Big Bang Theory
Math, science, history, unraveling the mystery, and it all started with a big bang! You may not be able to make sense of string theory (though perhaps that’s just me), but you can definitely make a statement with these Big Bang Theory-inspired looks. Bazinga!
Sheldon
Dr. Sheldon Cooper, played by Jim Parsons, is highly idiosyncratic, arrogant, paranoid, germaphobic, and altogether insufferable, but his lack of social graces is paired with a beyond-genius intelligence level. He started college after 5th grade, earned his Ph.D at sixteen, and loves reminding others of his intellectual superiority. Despite his super-advanced mind, he can be extremely childish when it comes to getting his way. Aside from science, his passions include comic books, video games, sci-fi and fantasy, and paintball. Above all, he worships Star Trek, considering it tantamount to religion.
Product information: Cardigan, T-shirt, Shirt, Shoes, Shorts, Necklace, Ring
Sheldon doesn’t care much about fashion, but he’s pretty consistent in his love of graphic tees and plaid anything. Layer a long-sleeved shirt under a Green Lantern tee (or one with the superhero of your choice) and top it off with a slouchy striped cardigan. Luckily, pattern mixing is hot right now, though Sheldon would probably be horrified if he knew about his unintentional trendiness!
Unless you’re feeling daring, full-on plaid pants might be a bit too much; instead, wear a cute pair of plaid wool shorts with tights. Finally, add fun oxfords and some quirky extras like this comic book-inspired ring and charm necklace, a reference to “Rock, Paper, Scissors, Lizard, Spock,” Sheldon’s new and improved version of the game.
Leonard
Dr. Leonard Hofstadter, played by Johnny Galecki, is Sheldon’s long-suffering roommate and colleague. Although he’s also a theoretical physicist and comic-book/sci-fi/fantasy enthusiast, he yearns for normalcy and a stable love life. Leonard finds Sheldon’s public antics incredibly embarrassing and he’s often left to clean up the messes that his roommate creates. He and Penny have had an on-and-off-again relationship through the course of the show.
Product Information: Jacket, Hoodie, Shirt, Jeans, Shoes, Earrings, Bag, Glasses
Leonard’s style reflects his desire to fit in: Unlike his crazily clad colleagues, he tries to keep his clothing low-key. He typically pairs a graphic tee with a hoodie, cargo jacket, and Converse sneakers. (This seems to be the de facto outfit of most TV hipster-nerds.) This ensemble is quite similar to his, but with a slightly more feminine flair.
Since the pieces are simple, have some fun with the color palette: Here, sunny yellow sneakers provide a nice contrast to an otherwise cool-toned outfit. Although Leonard’s t-shirts are usually physics-related, I chose this top as a reference to his Superman boxers. Complete your Leonard-inspired look with a tartan messenger bag, thick-rimmed glasses, and sparkly star earrings.
Penny
Penny, played by Kaley Cuoco, is the quintessential girl next door. (Though, if you want to get technical, she actually lives across the hallway.) She’s an aspiring actress/screenwriter, but waitresses at The Cheesecake Factory to make ends meet. Penny is often baffled by the guys’ behavior and geeky passions, but embraces their eccentricities. Likewise, the guys — especially Sheldon — often turn to her when they need advice about “the real world.”
Product Information: Top, Cardigan, Jeans, Wedges, Shorts, Sandals, Bracelet
Although she hails from Nebraska, Penny has the beach-babe look down pat. As a native of Southern California, where denim cut-offs and Rainbow sandals reign supreme, I find her look cute but not particularly innovative. Still, though, you can’t go wrong with her easy and breezy style.
Penny wears lots of casual denim and bright florals. For daytime, pair this cheery blouse and soft cardigan with short-shorts and flat sandals; switch to dark bootcut jeans and fun wedges for a girl’s night out.
Howard
Howard Wolowitz, played by Simon Helberg, is an aerospace engineer and the only guy in the group who doesn’t have a Ph.D; to Howard’s chagrin, Sheldon never tires of reminding him of this fact. Howard still lives with his overbearing mom but fancies himself quite the ladies man, even though his verging-on-creepy advances are usually rebuffed. Eventually, he finds lasting love with Bernadette after they bond over having overprotective mothers.
Product Information: Shirt, Turtleneck, Jeans, Belt, Shoes, Bobby pins, iPhone case
Howard loves his colored jeans, plaid shirts, and loud belt buckles, but his signature clothing item is definitely the turtleneck. Wear a layered turtleneck and utility shirt in neutral colors to let the bright jeans take center stage; subtle stripes and polka-dotted shoes add a dose of whimsy.
You probably don’t want to wear a Nintendo controller on your waist (but more power to ya if you do), so skip the crazy belt buckle and show your quirkiness with some adorable bobby pins instead. Finally, Howard always has amorous intentions on his mind, so wear your heart(s) on your iPhone case. (Apologies, sleeve.)
Raj
Dr. Rajesh Koothrapalli, played by Kunal Nayyar, is an astrophysicist and Howard’s best friend. He’s originally from India, where he lived in luxury with his wealthy family. Despite his comparatively meager lifestyle in California, he loves American food and pop culture and is terrified of being deported. Raj is extremely shy and incapable of talking to women when he’s sober. One sip of alcohol, though, and he loses all inhibitions.
Product Information: Blazer, Shirt, Sweaterdress, Tights, Shoes, Scarf, Bangles
Raj has a weakness for psychedelic patterns and an impressive collection of sweater vests. (Seriously, he gives Neville Longbottom a run for his money). Since all the spring clothes are starting to hit stores, I had trouble finding a cute sweater vest, so I picked a sleeveless sweater dress instead. Layer it over a subtly striped blouse for a preppy look; a polished blazer is a step up from Raj’s favorite purple track jacket.
Channel Raj’s love for print-mixing but limit the color palette to avoid visual overload; for instance, this Fair-Isle scarf is tonally similar to the dress and the argyle tights are a neutral gray. For some pizzazz, add an armful of Indian-inspired bangles.
Bernadette
Dr. Bernadette Rostenkowski, played by Melissa Rauch, is Penny’s co-worker at The Cheesecake Factory and has a doctorate in microbiology. Even though she doesn’t always understand his sense of humor, she’s engaged to Howard, whom she frequently refers to as her soulmate. Bernadette is usually sweet and cheerful, but when she loses her temper and yells, her voice becomes raspy and she sounds just like Howard’s mom. (He finds this incredibly sexy.) Like Penny, she has little interest in science fiction and comic books.
Product information: Cardigan, Top, Skirt, Belt, Shoes, Earrings, Sunglasses
When Bernadette was first introduced, she only appeared in her Cheesecake Factory uniform. Now that she’s a regular character on the show, she gets to show off an adorable ’50s aesthetic, often wearing girly floral dresses with full skirts and dainty cardigans.
Here, I combined the color scheme from her uniform with a retro silhouette for a bold but feminine look: A tie-neck blouse will look darling tucked into a navy skirt, while a spotted mustard cardigan and emerald belt add pops of color. Complete the quirky-cute look with Mary-Jane pumps, cat-eye sunglasses, and heart earrings.
Amy
Dr. Amy Farrah Fowler, played by real-life neuroscientist Mayim Bialik, is a neurobiologist and the newest addition to the Big Bang Theory cast. As a joke, Raj and Howard created a fake profile for Sheldon on an Internet dating site, but were flabbergasted when the site matched Sheldon with Amy, who’s essentially a female version of Dr. Cooper. Sheldon and Amy respect each other’s intelligence and started out as friends, though their relationship has since crossed over into romance.
Like Sheldon, she’s well aware of her superior intellect and can be annoyingly blunt. Unlike him, though, she desperately wants to be popular and to experience the childhood things she missed out on, like slumber parties and having best friends. (Unfortunately for Penny, who doesn’t necessarily return her affections, Amy has chosen Penny as her de facto BFF.)
Product Information: Blouse, Skirt, Blazer, Shoes, Bag, Ring, Socks
Amy has an interesting style sense, to say the least–she favors layered stripes, lots of pattern mixing, and baggy skirts–but the point is that she wears everything with confidence. Although her ensembles aren’t particularly fashionable by normal standards, she always thinks of herself as being a paragon of beauty and style, which I think is pretty admirable!
Take a cue from her confidence with a striped blazer, Peter Pan collared blouse, and denim skirt. Add some trendy touches with thigh high socks, loafer platforms and a neon cross-body bag. Finally, put on a fun ring to reference the tiara that Sheldon gives to Amy!
What do you think?
Would you wear these looks? Do you watch The Big Bang Theory? Whose style do you like best? What other geeky inspirations would you like to see? (The Mirror of Galadriel tells me a journey to Middle-earth is forthcoming…) As always, let me know in the comments!
 |
Posted on on February 3, 2012 / Filed Under: Inspiration / Tags: Fashion Inspiration, Featured, Geek Chic, Inspiration, The Big Bang Theory, TV fashion
Like this post?
Comment Rules: CF is a positive place and our comments section is no different. Constructive criticism is fine, but if you're rude, we'll delete your comment. Please use your PERSONAL name or initials and not your business name and do not put your website in the comment text, as both come off like spam. For more info, see our 
sherrell
Love Burnadette. I must say I dress like Lenard to PTA meetings, LOL.
Christy
I love you FOREVER for this!!!!!
tiffany
Great post…my Fave outfits are raj, Leonard, and bernedette! Do more geek chic. I don’t watch much “geek shows” but the big bang theory….another (I don’t know if it’s considered geek chic” but I think star wars would be good if it already hasn’t been done yet. And also I watched the Wonder Girls special on TeenNick lastnight and it was awesosme! :)
Sarah
You skipped Amy! And I love Bernadette’s style. You got Penny and Leonard spot on, too :)
Ashley
Finally! But yeah, no Amy Farrah Fowler! Bernadette’s my favorite though, and the one I was most looking forward to. No disappointment here on that score:)
Amy
I’ve always loved Bernadette’s outfits on that show – sums up the look I go for perfectly!
Kelley
I agree with Sarah that I was hoping to scroll down and see Amy – she’s such a fantastic addition to the show! However, you hit Howard SPOT-ON. Love all your posts!
melissa.c
YES! I love TBBT! Especially Bernadette, she is always so cute. :)
Andrea
I loved all the outfits but also disappointed when I was scrolling down only to find you didn’t include Amy Farrah Fowler! I think you need to show an outfit for her as well since she is now a series regular and becoming more and more crucial to the series!
Monican
I APPROVE THIS POST! Bazingaaa :)
Erin
Love the post. I love the Sheldon and Leonard because I do dress like that. I agree with everyone else, you did skip Amy, and I love her and Sheldon together.
Alex
please note: don’t wear comic book t-shirts if you don’t read comic books…real nerds will hate you forever =)
THANK YOU *comic book guy voice*
Hannah
I was just watching The Big Bang Theory on youtube when I saw this!
Michelle
This is my favorite show in the world! YESSSS. Thank you.
Lea
This is awesome! Leonard’s (experimental physicist) and Bernadette’s style are my favorite!
Other “geek” shows or movies are battlestar Galatica, Firefly, Star Trek(not the 2009 movie version), Lord of the Rings, Fringe, Doctor Who, and Lost.
Kelley
@ Lea – Yay for Fringe! Great to see another fan on here.
“stranger things have happened” ~Walter Bishop
C
Dr. Sheldon Copper also enjoys learning about flags in his free time.. Lol! Bernadette’s outfit is my favorite but Shedons is a very close second! :) You did SUCH a good job I LOVE the Big Band Theory!!!!!!!! Awsome post I’m glad a geek show has been feature that I’ve actually seen! Oh and I thought it was hilarious that they where watching Dr. Who on the big band theory last week! ;)
C
*Bang! Lol typo
Casey
I LOVE The Big Bang Theory! It’s actually the only thing I watch on TV, my parents and I watch it together every week, and it’s actually the main reason I bought them a TV for Christmas this past year, to make our bonding experience even better. I just bought seasons 1-3 for them too.
But I’m really disappointed in your look for Howard :( He’s definitely got the craziest style on the show, and I think you could have done so much more with it.
Oh and P.S. Howard doesn’t wear turtlenecks, he wears dickies. To call it a turtleneck negates the whole point. Sorry, that was bothering me.
Tori
Love this, but I do wish Amy was included. I hope you do a Fringe post as well and Chuck, even though it’s over now.
Emily
My favorite post to date! It was so thorough :) I adore Bernadette’s outfit
Shmee
Loved all of these outfits!
Do wish you had included Amy though. You could have included a tiara for her outfit (“Amy: Jewelry? Seriously? Sheldon, you are the most shallow, self-centered person I have ever met. Do you really think that another transparently manipul… Oh! It’s a tiara! A tiara. I have a tiara! Put it on me, put it on me, put it on me, put it on me, put it on me, put it on me, put it on me.
Penny: You look beautiful
Amy: Of course I do. I’m a princess and this is my tiara.”)
Seriously, how often do you get the excuse to include a tiara in an outfit?
Sami
EPIC, that was so amazing, I am in love with the Sheldon look, as well as just plan Sheldon! <3 I love!
Chanelle
I feel like Raj and Bernadette’s outfits were more chic. I especially liked Raj’s inspired look.
Sarah
Omg, seconding Lea – Firefly themed outfits would be AMAZING. River’s got a distinct style, Inara, Kaylee, definitely Mal and Zoe! (And you have to have a browncoat for Mal’s, too.)
Samantha
I for one would love to see your take on Star Wars.
Kenzie
I wish the guys in my science department dressed like these guys.
Also, I’ve only seen season 1 of this show but I HATE Penny’s style.
Elaine
I love that show! I like the Rai outfit the most! :)
Hannah
Bernadette always has the cutest most adorable outfits on the show so it was a treat to see that reflected here. The outfits for Howard & Leonard are both perfect & my favourites :]
chelsea
I’ve been waiting for this!!!!! I dress like Sheldon on a regular basis with a bit of style, so this is totally me!!!!!!
Charlie
Ahhh! So glad you did this! TBBT is def one of my fave shows. Raj’s look is my favorite though! Can’t wait to try something similar.
Paula*
Crossing my fingers for Lord of the Rings ;)
Sarah
Love this post! Think the Bernadette outfit is my fave, though :)
But, you forgot Amy!!!
Natalie
I only recently got into the Big Bang Theory but I LOVE IT SO HARD! (even more than How I Met Your Mother at the moment!) I think each character is so adorable in their own funny way. :D
Also, THANK YOU for brining that purple blazer into my life :O
Rachel
I love The Big Bang Theory! Bless this post and everything in it, because everything is just so cute! Just make sure that you know something about the comic that your shirt design hails from (if you do wear a comic book shirt), because the comic book people such as myself geek out over things like that, and if you don’t know anything that’s quite the bummer.
I propose the epic sci-fi-western cult hit Firefly as the next Geek Chic article!
Lana
Hahahaah this is great!!! Love TBBT; even have a bazinga shirt and a poster in my room of Sheldon saying bazinga :D
shery
I adore all of their looks! But you’re forgetting another character: Amy Farrah Fowler, Sheldon’s girlfriend. Yes her sense of style is awful but at least she’s one of the main characters in the show.
Sarah T
I’m SO GLAD you guys did a Big Bang Theory post!! What a fantastic show – the outfits you chose were just spot on, LOVE IT!
I never wear hoodies but I want to get a Leonard-inspired outfit because he always looks so comfortable!
Also, Bernadette’s style is adorable <3
Sara Strauss
That was really awesome!! I just wish you’d added Amy Farrah Fowler as well. I would also love to see you do Firefly, Chuck (even though the show is now over), and Fringe!!
~Sara
Danielle
FANTASTIC!! love love love love love this!!
amanda
These are SPOT ON.
Happy Girl
Hey CF, another outfit u can wear for the Big BANG Theory is this: This Shirt: http://www.target.com/p/License-Juniors-Spiderman-Graphic-Tee-Red/-/A-13935903?reco=Rec|pdp|13935903|PurchaseEV|add_to_cart_page.cross_sell_1&lnk=Rec|pdp|PurchaseEV|add_to_cart_page.cross_sell_1
And black pants with red van shoes or the super hero van shoes. Hope u like the outfit idea
Shannon - Boston University
Glad you guys enjoyed the article! This one worried me more than the previous posts did because there wasn’t as much room for interpretation.
My apologies for omitting Amy! I do enjoy her character on the show, but I didn’t realize she had so many fans. I put together an Amy Farrah Fowler set on Polyvore if you’re interested (thanks, Shmee: I took your tiara tip!) : http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=43343777
@Lea: You’re right about Leonard being an experimental, not theoretical, physicist…I definitely pulled a Missy Cooper there (At least I didn’t call him a rocket scientist, though, right?)
Jess
Love, love, love this! :)
jacqueline
i agree with samantha–the force is strong with your column ;)
i love your version of howard! and the look you’ve created from raj’s look is fantastic. great job :)
Arisel
I love LOVE this!! But where’s Amy?
Chloe
This whole post was just tooo cute!
Christine
I know this is the geek in me talking, but I love that green lantern t-shirt!
The_Woman
this is REALLY inspiring. I’m absoloutly in LOVE :D
Eve
Maybe a post inspired by Grey’s anatomy?? Please, please! :)
Kelley
Shannon ~ Thank you for the Amy look on Polyvore!! Love your posts!
Dev
What? No Amy?!
Thanks for this! I love the plaid shorts/graphic tee combo idea. Although Sheldon’s clueless about fashion, I’ve always secretly loved his outfits.
Whitney
You have to do a part 2 for Amy Farrah Fowler and Kripkey lol…and Will Wheaton just to make Sheldon angry lol
Amanda - University of Texas at Austin
So cute Shannon! I love Howard’s outfit haha.
Caitlin
I love how creative you are with these posts! Great series :) Please do Lord of the RIngs soon! I’d love to incorporate the graceful, ethereal elvish looks, without it seeming costume-y. <3
Leira
I just found this column, and ohmygosh I love that this exists! Please, please, do one for Firefly. That would be the best thing.
Kelly
MY GOD! You are a genius! As a walking fashion catastrophe you can rest assured that I will follow these big bang fashion depictions loyally.
Haley
thank you so much for doing this! i thought you would only do the guys but I kept scrolling down and there was more and more!!
Kaitie
I like the boys’ stylistic interpretation + Penny’s :-) Great, perfect :-) I don’t agree with polyvore version of “Amy” – with high heels and short skirt I would guess rather THIS is Bernadette ;-)
And for the Bernadette’s style, I like it, but I don’t like the vanilla top, I mean, it’s in my opinion not Bernadette’s
Basma
I dont like this show, it is not funny.. I dont know why it is so popular!
Tisha Loves Dress For Less
What an awesome post! I’ve always loved the geek chich look and these inspired styles are head-on. Thanks for sharing!
Shannon - Boston University
Updated to include Amy Farrah Fowler!
Swati
Please please please do a firefly one!!! PLEASE.
joanna
this article made me love this site forever.
Shelby
Can we get a post on Scott Pilgrim vs. the World?
Bert
Ah, what I don’t get are the clothes under Sheldon and Raj — especially Raj! How do they relate to Raj in any way shape or form? I’ve been watching for years and don’t think he wears the clothes shown in his section, especially the high heel / platform shoes. I thought he wore some type of slip-on sneakers. I’m not sure, as I am with Howard (Vans), which is one reason I was reading this article.
sue
Great post! This is my all time favorite show! I’m even watching the re runs! They are always making me laugh!
Abaya
An awesome post, I like this and Thank you for Lovely posts !
Martine
The fact is that Mayim Balik is Orthodox Jewish. They dress very modestly. i don’t exactly know what they can, and can not wear, but I assume she insists that her outfits on the show adhere to her standards. i do not think she was as serious about her religion when she was younger and played Blossom. I know they do not show their color bone, so their shirts are usually crew necked. I am not even sure why i know this. I personally would rather die then be forced to dress like that, but I have a very sincere admiration for her standing up for her principals in this way. Very inspiring.
EvaMari
LOL, awesome
kimberly earnhardt
To whom it concerns,
I love the show Big Bang Theory, i really like the black and gray stripped blouse penny was wearing on the show that aired Thur. Nov. 29th 2012, the show in which Sheldon and Howard was fighting over a parking spot. I would love it if anyone could tell me where i might can find that particular blouse Penny was wearing.
Thanks,
Kim
Carl
I’m in Toronto and the other day I saw a girl of 20 or so dressed exactly the same as Amy Farah Fowler, right down to the hair and glasses and walking shoes. She looked sooooo hot! :-)