The Art of the Geek T-Shirt - Marissa Meli
Fashion means wearing your heart on your shoulder. We dress how we want to be perceived, even if that means being perceived as someone who doesn't care about their appearance. If your closet is full of licensed video game apparel and elaborate cosplay outfits, congratulations: you're a geek and you're proud. There's a right way and a wrong way to do geek fashion, though, and as a lifelong 'fashionista' I'm here to set you right. Guys, get ready to beef up your geeky tees.
Read more after the jump!
DON'T go for a juvenile gag
Unless you're looking to impress a 12 year old (in which case you have more problems than we can help you with on Geek to Me), that Super Mario Brothers 3 t-shirt boasting "I get high with the Raccoon Suit" isn't going to cut the fashion mustard. What makes you giggle online shouldn't always be displayed on your chest. Even if it gets you a little attention and laughs, at the end of the day women will remember you as being immature and not that clever.
15 Year-Old Girl t-shirt, NerdyShirts, $19.95
That's not to say that you should completely steer away from playful shirts. A subtly clever piece of apparel can let people know how witty you are (or at least that you appreciate humor), and clue others in to your approachability. Nothing says unapproachable like a torn Pantera shirt and combat boots. These approved tees do the opposite while flying your geek flag.
The Ultimate Combo t-shirt, Threadless, $18
Just because you're a geek doesn't mean you can't be stylish. On the contrary, my friend. Some of the biggest fashion houses are geek friendly (Michael Kors, to name one), and geeks like director Wes Anderson are very fashion-forward. Just because you're wearing a t-shirt doesn't mean you can shirk your fashion duties.
Yeti Kong t-shirt, Gama-Go, $28
Anyone can wear a lame t-shirt with a logo or famous movie quote. It's the equivalent of Kraft processed American cheese, store-brand Fruit Loops, and stale candy corn. Just don't do it.
True Blood "I Heart Sookie" t-shirt, HBO, $24.99
A shirt with speakers on it may sound like a good idea at the time, but believe me, this isn't going to score many points with anyone. This battery-powered shirt that displays the strength of the current wi-fi signal is not going to get you on the cover of GQ in any month but April.
Wi-Fi locator t-shirt, ThinkGeek, $19.99 on sale
If you'd rather not broadcast your 'geekitude' to the general public, there are plenty of shirts out there that will only make sense to those in the know. Non-geeks will pass right by, never the wiser. This t-shirt, part of Jinx's collection based on the new, critically-acclaimed MMORPG Aion, reasonably incorporates fashion while letting fellow geeks know where most of your time and money goes. Let one person think Aion is an Affliction-inspired clothing line, while another may approach you to ask which server you're on. It may even get you a date: "Yes, my Elyos Warrior and I would LOVE to collect Grain Snuffler tails next Friday."
Aion Undead t-shirt, Jinx, $19.99
Chrono Trigger Chronometer t-shirt, Fangamer, $19.00