For Sanchita Ajjampur, the key to geek chic lies in intentional mismatching; (top) Rahul Khanna says that a geeky look can be pulled off in a checkered suit teamed with accessories like a muffler, hat and canvas shoes

You could call it the revenge of the geeks. For, the lacklustre, hang-loose look, once associated with the studious nerd sporting big glasses, is the most desirable look of the season. Whether it’s the fashionistas in the big cities, Bollywood stars or celebrities, the fashion savvy today are swearing by the very same glasses, uncoordinated clothing, pulled back hair and more.

“Geek chic is certainly getting popular amongst the younger generation of fashion followers,” says Bangalore designer Sanchita Ajjampur. She feels that the geek-chic image borrows heavily from alternative youth fashions such as the bohemian, hippie and other very basic/flat looks. When it comes to hues and prints, she feels the geek look can take liberties by playing with different colours, optical illusions, prints and even hair styles. “From David Beckham to Abhishek Bachchan, celebrities have sported a geek chic image which is eccentric yet sensual,” she adds.

Designer Niki Mahajan defines the geek look in a nutshell: “An old- fashioned, long, grandpa cardigan, corduroy trousers and canvas shoes.’’

Nida Mahmood too says that the geek chic look can make a distinctive impression. “It’s a trend that revolves around bringing the so called ‘uncool’ elements into mainstream fashion,” she says.

So, actor Vir Das sported the quintessential geeky boy look — complete with big-rimmed glasses, loose, checked pants and uncoordinated shirts — in the rib-tickling, Delhi Belly. That should have told you that it’s not just fashion crazy women but also the men who are giving in to this look.

Ajjampur feels that the geeky style is pretty much dictated by what one feels most comfortable in. However, she adds that the general rule for men is that the waistband of the legwear should sit two or three inches below the belly button with the pants almost touching the ground (without the shoes on). Jeans can be even longer. There are other elements which Ajjampur has played with. “I’ve incorporated elements like big, thick-rimmed glasses, scruffy hair, long shirts and T-shirts into the look which give a man a geeky, kid-like allure,” says Ajjampur.

If Ajjampur recommends long pants for men, Mahmood’s idea of achieving the geeky look for women includes suspenders teamed with shirts and ankle-high, tapered trousers or even A-line skirts. She also suggests Oxford shoes with high socks which show below the tapered trousers.

Men on the other hand, says Mahmood, can opt for half-sleeved, check shirts with suspenders and tapered ankle-high trousers teamed with Oxford shoes. “Throw on thick-rimmed Wayfarer sunglasses and you have the perfect geek chic look,” says Mahmood.

Long shirts and easy silhouettes are the highlight of Smit Raj Gyanani’s collection

There’s more for men: rugby shirts, chinos in light colours, belts in tan or light brown. “While leather belts work for formal occasions, canvas belts are perfect for casual dos,” says designer Rahul Khanna.

Khanna says that men can wear checkered suits and accessorise with mufflers, hats and canvas shoes. Slim pants with printed or plain shirts, sleek neckties and the mandatory thick-rimmed glasses will add to the look. The easiest way for a woman to pull off the look, Khanna adds, is by adding elements from the ‘preppy’ look which borrows from the fashion of the 1950s.

The preppy look relies on patterns worn in contrast with bold colours, while a sweater can be wrapped around the shoulders as an accessory. “Women can try Bermuda shorts and skirts which don’t go very far above the knees and cardigans which are a little loose and not too long,” says Khanna.

Niki Mahajan completes an old-fashioned look with loose fits and cropped pants

Mahmood recommends a plain V-neck, short-sweater worn over a checked, full-sleeved shirt and cool accessories like belts with stripes in multiple colours to accentuate the preppy look.

A woman also can pull off the look by slipping into a checked cotton shirt-dress, a loose cardigan, black tights teamed with rolled-down Ugg boots and geeky spectacles.

Delhi-based Smit Raj Gyanani is another designer who has played with the nerdy look by steering clear of well-fitted clothes and making the silhouettes loose and easy. “My collection offers long and loose shirts and blazers teamed with pleated trousers and churidar pants that give the look an Indian twist,” says Gyanani.

Since accessories can take the look to another level, designers have loads of tricks and suggestions up their sleeves. There are geeky bags, badges and much more to help you along. “Get some geeky badges featuring anime (characters from animation series) print cartoons, math equations and pin one to your cardigan or bag straps,” recommends Mahajan. You can also carry a plain leather bag or a baggy tote bag to make the look more convincing.

If, as a fashion follower, you’ve perfected the macho/diva look, it’s perhaps time to get in touch with the stylish geek in you.