Welcome to the new Geek Chic column! I’m on a mission to prove that an appreciation of fashion and a love of all things geeky need not be mutually exclusive passions. This column seeks to draw sartorial inspiration from the science fiction, fantasy, and comic book genres: while we may not be able to live out the adventures of time travelers, superheroes, hobbits, or space pioneers, we can certainly take some fashion cues from them!
For my first post, I’m going to focus on the ultimate icon of geekdom: Star Trek. While I love the campiness of the original 1960s TV series, there’s no denying the major style and hotness factor of the 2009 reboot, starring Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, and Zoe Saldana.
Know Your Geek: About Star Trek
- Star Trek was created in the 1960s by Gene Roddenberry, who had a vision of a 23rd-century Earth free of war and inequality. The show was particularly groundbreaking at the time because of its racially diverse cast and how it addressed issues such as racism, feminism, imperialism, technology, and human rights. The original series was canceled after three seasons, but became immensely popular in syndication, spawning several spin-off shows and ten movies.
- In 2009, Paramount released Star Trek: XI, which utilized the characters from the original series but involved the creation of an alternate reality. The movie explores the birth of the Enterprise crew as they band together to fight an enemy threatening to destroy Earth. (Plus, there are breathtaking special effects, sexy green girls, and perhaps the best-looking ensemble cast ever.)
Outfits Inspired by Star Trek
Ready to take on 2012 by boldly wearing what you’ve never worn before? Make it so with these Trek-inspired outfits!
Uhura
Can I just mention what a great role model Communications officer Nyota Uhura is? She is incredibly intelligent, fiercely independent, and never backs down even though she’s one of the few female officers on the bridge. (Plus, nobody rocks a tiny mini quite like Lieutenant Uhura!)
Product Information: Jacket, Dress, Earrings, Shoes, Eyeliner, Straightener
This flippy red dress is quite similar to Uhura’s: Dress it up for a night out with a sparkly jacket and futuristic studded ankle boots. Zoe Saldana wore Alexis Bittar earrings in the film, but these drop earrings are just as cute at a fraction of the price. Finish the look by sweeping your hair into a sleek, high ponytail and applying winged eyeliner.
Kirk
Kirk, a rebel without a cause, feels his life is going nowhere until he joins Starfleet Academy. He spends most of the film in his cadet uniform, a simple gray and black outfit, though before he’s recruited he wears a tough leather jacket and jeans.
Product Information: Jacket, Dress, Scarf, Boots, Bangle
Capture Kirk’s defiant and confident nature with a too-cool-for-school jacket and moto boots. For a pop of color, add a trendy mustard scarf to represent the gold shirt he eventually wears as a captain. Now go strut your stuff and show the world that you don’t believe in the no-win scenario!
Spock
Spock, a Vulcan-human hybrid, wears blue to identify himself as a science officer; he’s also a Starfleet instructor and perhaps the most iconic Trek character of all.
Product Information: Blazer, Shirt, Jeans, Satchel, Watch, Shoes, Earrings
The ever-logical Vulcan would surely approve of this polished ensemble: A crisp blazer, sensible flats, and a pragmatic bookbag make it perfect for meeting with an adviser or a professor, while the skinny jeans and sheer collared shirt (wear a cami underneath!) prevent it from being stodgy. The deep red earrings are reminiscent of Spock’s home desert planet, and the gold watch will ensure that you’re always on time. Vulcans are too logical to be late!
The U.S.S. Enterprise
Without a ship, Kirk and company wouldn’t even be able to leave Earth, much less explore space, the final frontier. In the 2009 reboot, the Starship Enterprise got a slick makeover that garnered a lot of comparisons to the streamlined elegance of Apple stores.
Product Information: Dress, Leggings, , Belt, Clutch
Channel the legendary spacecraft by pairing an embellished white dress (reminiscent of the Enterprise’s hull) with a metallic belt that’s the same shade of blue as the engine nacelles. Then add fun extras like these bold cosmic leggings and a sparkly bag. If you want a more classic look, swap in a pair of regular black tights. You’re ready to take on the galaxy!
What do you think?
Did you like the Star Trek movie? And are you excited for the 2013 sequel? Would you wear any of these looks? What other geeky inspirations would you like to see? (Spoiler: You’ll be hearing about a certain Time Lord next time.) Let me know in the comments!
P.S. Live long and prosper!
I love this! Please do a Doctor Who one!
How about a Big Bang Theory post! 🙂 The characters, especially Sheldon, wear iconic Green Lantern, Batman, Flash, etc shirts that are easily found online.
Cannot WAIT for the Doctor Who post! I agree with others, there may need to be multiple parts given the number of doctors and companions, most of whom have fantastic style! How about a post about the BBC show Merlin?
I adore this post! Keep it up!! I especially love the background information on Star Trek itself. I’ve never been a trekkie, but reading your description definitely gave me newly found respect for the series.
THE LEGGINGS FROM THE LAST OUTFIT.
Really digging these outfits, especially Uhura’s. They don’t look like cartoony or like costumes (something which many other inspired-by-Trek sets look like)…They actually look like something people might want to wear! And count me in as one of those who’s excited for a “inspired by Doctor Who” outfits post 8)
Firefly Please! I love them, and Star Wars, I could go on but it would be endless! Thanks For putting this up I am such a geek and gamer girl!
Great idea!
– I second “The Legend of Zelda”. It’s the essence of geekiness
– Bill and Ted’s Most Excellent Adventures (PLEASE!)
– LoTR
– Superman
– Captain America (My hero 😉
– Mario and Luigi?
– Star Wars
– Blade Runner
Wow I love it 🙂 You’ve got to do a whole series on it 🙂 Doctor Who, TBBT, LOTR and I know it’s not a nerdy thing but what about Skins UK? I’d love you to do at least the first generation 🙂
I can’t get behind the enterprise outfit, too much like a futuristic halloween costume for my taste. That having been said, the rest are fantastic. I especially like the second one. It incorporates the colours, but is fashionable all on its own.
This is so going to be my favorite series.
I agree! Do Doctor Who! That’d be amazing.
I have to agree, only you could do FIREFLY justice! PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE give us a shiny shiny Firefly post! 😀
-sky
I love the kirk outfit. Totally fits my style!
Could you do a xmen inspired fashion next please?
Stoked for the Doctor Who post- make sure to include companions! I’m dressing as Donna for my (half) birthday party this weekend, actually, but I’d love to see another take on everyone (Rose, Jack, Ten, etc) 🙂
Please do a Doctor Who post! Amy Pond could have an entire post easy.
This post was beautiful!
I hope you do a Big Bang Theory post too…
I’d really love to see what you guys think about rocking nerd t-shirts: I have a huge collection of them but I always end up wearing them only to the gym.
And a Battlestar Galactica post… And a Firefly one… And a Warehouse 13 one… And… And… Ok, I’ll stop.
Doctor Who PLEASE. It’s actually the greatest. And definitely Sherlock. 🙂
Great post! I’m in love with the Enterprise outfit!
and i’m going to jump on the bandwagon and say Doctor Who! Buffy the Vampire Slayer would also be a cool one to see
So glad to see support for geek-chic!
I would love to see Firefly inspired outfits, for a futuristic western look.
Or maybe Game of Thrones or Lord of the Rings, for more of a romantic, fantasy vibe.
I loved the new Star Trek movie (even though I don’t generally consider myself a Trekkie) and I love these outfits. I would literally be the happiest girl ever if you did a Star Wars post. Padme Amidala alone has enough awesome outfits to make several articles of inspiration 😀
Please do a Firefly one! 🙂
Nice idea. I’d also suggest Big Bang Theory, Doctor Who, Star Wars, Marvel and DC Comics.
I love looking at the outfits as well. 🙂
I. LOVE. THIS.
Some suggestions would totally be The Big Bang Theory, Star Wars, etc.
but also, if you really, truly want to delve into geekdom, you need to check out Cowboy Bebop. it’s considered one of the best animes of all time (by many sources) and the fashion/style is spot on. I’m sure many CF readers would appreciate the outfits you could create!
I. LOVE. THIS.
Some suggestions would totally be The Big Bang Theory, Star Wars, etc.
but also, if you really, truly want to delve into geekdom, you need to check out Cowboy Bebop. it’s considered one of the best animes of all time (by many sources) and the fashion/style is spot on. I’m sure many CF readers would appreciate the outfits you could create!
omg dr who all the way and torchwood although both might need more than one entry to do all the amazing characters justice
I really love the theme for the outfits and every single one of the outfits!!! So amazing. I wish I had all of them. Haha. Good job!
Wow! When I first read the headline, I was like no way, haha. I am not a Star Trek fan. But then I looked at the outfits and they are really cute!!!! I actually love them!!
I can’t believe only one other person requested Buffy! You should definitely do a post on it!! So many characters to choose from: Willow, Xander, Faith, Drusilla and even Giles could be fun!
I LOVE the Kirk ensemble! I could definitely see myself strutting my stuff in it, lol. Also one more vote for the Big Bang Theory post! 🙂
What a fantastic post!! I would love to see a post on Battlestar Galactica…please!
I love that your doing this series! I, like many others, can’t wait for the Doctor Who post and also think it should be in installments. For future posts please, please, please write a Buffy one! It’s one of my favorite shows of all time.
great idea for a column! Can’t wait for the doctor who post!!!
Alright I will admit to being almost a professional geek. At RIT it’s not hard to admit (sry Rochester Institute of Technology) we have our own anime convention (cosplayers and the occasional furry (don’t ask if you don’t already know what furries are you don’t want to). And as a geek I will suggest the entire Final Fantasy gaming series because it is very out there in terms of style and there are 14? games in the series to choose from. Seven, X, and X-2 are major fan favorites.
Lord of the Rings please?! I’m excited for this series 🙂
Hi! Would it be possible for you to do a fashion inspiration post on Transformers? 🙂
Delighted to see that there will be a Doctor Who post coming soon! Also, looking forward to the possibility of a Sherlock one as well! Looks like this is going to be a fantastic column!
I love, love, love the idea of a Geek Chic column! Can’t wait for a Lord of the Rings post! 😀
So Uhura must have died in the film keeping with the red shirt theory.
YES!!! I love this new column, it’s one of the best CF will have 🙂 I agree with all of the previous: Doctor Who first (at least 2-3 installments), Firefly, Star Wars, LoTR and everything superheroes! I’m super excited to see what you’ll do! This will be my favourite thing on CF ever 😀
Ok, I’ve just noticed that you’ve already done the Skins thing… but you could totally continue on that, I think there’s much more interesting characters in that show 🙂
I was so excited when I saw the topic of this post, and doubly so when I realized you were a fellow BU student! Great idea for a series – so happy to see cf branch out this way.. Other ideas: Firefly(!!), Watchmen, Star Wars, oldschool Animorphs, and Big Bang Theory.
@Shannon if you need information on manga let me know. There are some with some beautiful costumes.
dude, best idea ever, I actually wasn’t a fan of star trek before the movie, which was just awesome, but I think you should totally do a firefly/serenity post soon, or just a josh weldon post, just cause of their huge awesomeness
This post is amazing! I have always loved the style of Star Trek characters and now I have a way to bring their essence into my everyday fashion choices. I love this column already, keep them coming! Live long and prosper.
@Meredith: I’m so glad to hear you say that! My greatest hope for this column is that it will introduce readers to some really great (and geeky) entertainment.
@Sarah R: I’m hoping to do a Sherlock post in the future..I’m a huge fan of the show! (At first I thought your post name was a reference to tomorrow’s episode until I realized that “Reichenbach” is actually your last name!)
I am loving the Doctor Who love! It’s amazing to see so many other Americans that love the show, it can get quite lonely. Also though I’d love to see an article about BCC’s new Sherlock series. Irene is a star and while the show may not be geeky it’s definitely one of the those shows UK tv show fans love. Also a Misfits article! That’s definitely got geek appeal, I can say that because I am definitely a Nerdist.
Hey hey hey, Valerie, we shouldn’t be discriminatory on other Trekkies whether they’re old or new. It’s great that we now have a fantastic movie under the Star Trek name that introduces the new generation into this amazing series and expand the fan-base! I personally greatly dislike the Original Series (blasphemous, I know), but I’m still a sucker for Next Gen., tribbles, and the Star Trek universe as a whole. There shouldn’t be a minimal requirement for love, you know?
Speaking of which, I just love these looks. Especially that pop of Command Yellow on the Kirk inspiration! Is it possible to do a tribble inspired outfit? They’re so furry, adorable, and so simple, they honestly would make a great winter inspiration with all that fur and their neutral toned palette!
YES! Thank you, THANK YOU for combining my two loves! This series is a fantastic idea! The ship outfit is great. I really hope you do Dr. Who and Star Wars!!
Kirsten is totally right, there should definitely be a firefly post! (There are only 14 episodes or so, which are on netflix for anyone who is wondering, awesome show btw). With all of the asian fashion inspiration and western mix, firefly would be awesome for a fashion post.
Secondly, I would appreciate, if the Star Trek post went into previous seasons. I think it’s funny that people who think they watched the movie that came out a few years ago think that they’re a trekkie. Not even close. There are so many past seasons, like Voyager and the next generation to mention that are awesome! Definitely check them out, they’re on netflix too. Awesome post! I especially like the fashion inspiration of the ship! 🙂
Coming back to re-comment so I can second the suggestions for Sally Sparrow (Doctor Who) and a Buffy inspired post! And on the matter of Buffy, how room inspiration? Buffy and Dawn’s rooms, as well as the dorm rooms (Buffy/Willow, Willow/Tara) are fantastic.
I never thought that “geek chic” would be so chic and stylish! I think the key to pulling off this look and other looks is styling and I believe that nobody does it better than celeb stylist and FIDM grad Niki Shadrow! Her work so stands out just like this article. Thanks for sharing it with the rest of the world!
I definitely agree with a Doctor Who or Watchmen inspired post! Maybe a video game one? Final Fantasy perhaps?
love this! you could honestly do a few doctor who ones.. think of all his companions’ individual styles 🙂
I hope the Doctor Who post comes in parts! You’d have (at least!) three doctors to cover and I don’t think you should miss out on any of the companions (Donna, Rose, Jack) along with this seasons. I love em all <3
I am all for a Doctor Who post! I’ve even written to Collegefashion before about doing one. Please, please feature River Song in it should you decide to do it. She’s the Doctor’s Wife and the greatest ensemble character of all time!
I adore this post! Great job. Star Trek is one of my favorite movies … can’t wait for the new one to come out 🙂
I was a little iffy when I saw the title, but this is fabulous! And I’m seconding Big Bang Theory- Bernadette dresses so ladylike and feminine, I would love a post about her!
LOVING this!! SO excited to see more of these!! 😀 Are we opposed to a “Legend of Zelda” post?? Please say you’ll humour me 🙂
I absolutely love the outfits,especially the one you put together for Uhura and Spock! I will definitely wear those. I am also looking forward to the Dr. Who looks! Obviously,you should do Lord of the Rings as well! You absolutely can not not do Lord of the Rings!
Thanks so much for all the feedback, guys! I’m so glad to be among so many fellow geeks. And worry not, the Doctor will be in soon enough! (As will a quirky group of scientists and their hot neighbor…)
@Shelby: Watching classic Who is high on my to-do list…can’t guarantee that I’ll be able to cover it but I’ll try my best 🙂
@Erin, Emma: Admittedly, Sailor Moon is the only manga/anime I’m actually familiar with, but it’s definitely a possibility!
@Stephanie: I think there was a Community-inspired post on CF a while ago that covered Annie and Britta! (Can’t wait for the show to come back!!!)
So excited for this new column! 🙂 Do a Doctor Who column next!!!
First Seth Cohen, now Star Trek and then Doctor Who? Dear Lord, I swear you guys are trying to kill me with this and it’s wonderful. I would definitely die if you did something with Sally Sparrow for the Doctor Who fashion. Maybe you guys could eventually do something for Community? Hell, any geeky shows are welcome. I love this.
Officially, my favorite post ever. I’m a total sci-fi/comic geek and I can’t wait to see what else College Fashion comes up with. And if you ever wanted to interview another fashion blogger in this theme, check out Betty Felon’s tumblr: http://fashiontipsfromcomicstrips.tumblr.com/
I’m especially digging the Uhura and Kirk outfits! The touch of gold in Kirk’s is absolutely brilliant.
ps: i found an error in your article.
“and the best-looking ensemble cast ever.” fixed! 😉
Buffy/Dr. Horrible/Firefly please!
either x men first class or the dark knight. goodness i love superheroes <3
~niki <3
Sailor Moon would also be a GREAT post that a lot of us would remember from childhood. And Pokemon! Geeky stuff makes a great Halloween costume.
For Doctor Who, there are tons of characters to draw on! Separate Doctor posts (Eccleston, Tennant, and Smith, plus a bonus Tom Baker from the old days?) and Companion posts (Rose, Martha, Donna, Amy), and Rory also has great style. The current cast has interesting style too–Karen Gillan, Matt Smith, and Arthur Darvill. A Dr. Who inspiration article might need three parts!
i’m loving the geek chic idea! it’s kind of the story of my life. and what a timely post–principal photography on trek xii started on thursday! love these looks 🙂
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I love the idea of Geek Chic. You should definitely do a Firefly post (:
I love this! You should definitely do a Doctor Who column next! The original series and the reboot definitely had a bunch of great inspiration for outfits! 🙂
A Doctor Who post and/or a Big Bang Theory post would be INCREDIBLE!
Great idea! Excited to see the rest of the series.
LOVE THIS!!!!!!! Nice to know that I’m not the only ‘geek’ out there 😀
I got way more excited then i probably should of when i noticed your comment for next time.
<3<3 The Doctor
Sigh. I love being a Geek.
Oh and these aren’t exactly “geek” shows but a Supernatural or Once Upon a Time post would be awesome
I think you did a great job on the outfits and the U.S.S Enterprise one is my favorite. But I must admit I’ve seen maybe one episode of Star Trek sorry. But I second the Big Bang Theory post 🙂
If the series continues it would be great to see some outfits inspired by Watchmen. That ensemble cast provides plenty of inspiration!
I can’t wait for the Doctor Who post! My fingers are crossed for a 7th Doctor and Ace post 🙂
I love the idea of Geek Chic. I (3rd?) on Dr. Who. I think you should also do Big Bang Theory because that is the epitome of “geekness.” I loved this movie so hard. If you are doing comic books are you including manga?
Yes! I love the geek chic. I agree, please do a Doctor Who inspired one next! 😀
This series looks like it’s going to be incredible! The Kirk outfit especially is a great representation but also gorgeous on its own.
I second the Doctor Who motion. Love this, keep it up!
Please please please do a doctor who series. That would make my life. <3 I love this whole geek idea!