The Golden Globes 2025 sure had great movies and some high moments. What kept us hooked and glued to our screens again and again was undoubtedly renowned actor Andrew Garfield, sporting his suave reading glasses and wearing an unbuttoned silk shirt as he presented an award alongside Kerry Washington. Garfield was dressed in a stylish Gucci bottle-green suit and David Yurman jewellery, including a striking pendant. Artist Troye Sivan attended Prada’s Fall 2025 menswear show in Milan wearing a brown leather jacket paired with a layered sweater vest, pleated wool pants, and round spectacles.
It’s the latest sign of an ongoing shift. The manner of both these outfits prescribes a fashionable spin on stereotypically nerdy fashion, paving the way for geek-chic men once again. With menswear, however, this used to be straightforward—wearing the standardised suit for everything and anything occasional. It seems men are now catching onto the idea that the geek-chic aesthetic might just be the ultimate dapper thirst trap.
Geek dressing is cool
Over the past few decades, the term ‘geek’ has undergone a remarkable transformation. Nerdy and cool might seem like opposites, especially in the ever-evolving fashion landscape. Yet, unlike fleeting trends that often come across as marketing gimmicks, geek-chic has quietly cemented itself as a timeless one in the cultural zeitgeist for decades. Stylist Rima Mishra, who has dressed Indian actors like Akshit Sukhija and Ankur Verma, defines “Geek-chic is the perfect blend of intellect and style.” Think of the academic style popularised by Ivy League schools in the mid-20th century or icons like Steve Jobs and Woody Allen, whose minimalist and intellectual wardrobes captured a certain cerebral allure.
Men have become more inventive with their style, mixing unexpected elements and challenging dress codes. Practicality has emerged as a coveted quality. Think sweater vests, tailored blazers, and polished Oxford shoes—staples of any man’s wardrobe, exuding understated charm without trying too hard. These pieces, once dismissed as ‘uncool’, are now reimagined in ready-to-wear collections. In today’s world, what defines ‘cool’ isn’t just the clothes you wear but the quiet debonair factor they carry. The aesthetic may be minimal, but the subtext is anything but. With the overwhelming accessibility of brands and micro-trends fueled by ultra-fast fashion, geek-chic offers a refreshing antidote. It’s about charisma without theatrics, a vibe that speaks volumes without shouting. It’s a new wave of effortlessly cool dressing that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly modern. For those embracing it, geek-chic is a subtle assertion of individuality.
Adopting the aesthetic
Some clothing pieces were never considered trendy but have had a prominent presence on runways and with celebrities. These pieces are quietly lurking in your wardrobe now, yet you can’t just bring yourself to pull them from the attic. There’s an art to wearing them, though it’s simple: it’s creativity without overthinking, styling without feeling forced.
The safest way to test-drive geek chic dressing is to invest in key staples, including tailored blazers, Oxford shirts, chinos, and knit sweaters, paired with bold-frame glasses and vintage watches, as Rima suggests. These pieces follow the simple rule: versatility, investment-worthy, and never going out of style.
Layering is perhaps the easiest way to add an extra oomph to this geek-chic aesthetic. Chunky cardigans and soft fabrics feel as good as they look. Oversized or textured knitwear adds warmth and character to your outfit. A well-fitted blazer is the ultimate geek-chic essential. Look for unstructured options in tweed, corduroy, or muted plaids to strike the perfect balance between formal and casual. Pleated wool trousers are versatile enough to pair with nearly anything. So are corduroy trousers.
Neutral tones like beige, grey, and navy are versatile and a safe bet. Don’t shy away from earthy shades like olive, burgundy, or rust. Bolder colours like mustard or forest green make a striking statement. For any outfit to truly stand out, fit is crucial—especially in menswear. Even oversized pieces should be well-proportioned to avoid looking sloppy.
Keep it simple: start with a crisp shirt, layer with a sweater, and finish with a blazer or coat. Want some funk? Pair a tweed blazer with a knit tie and a chambray shirt for a touch of personality. “Choose natural fabrics like cotton and wool in neutrals with subtle checks or argyle. Layer smartly—think turtlenecks under blazers—and avoid overloading patterns or wearing ill-fitted clothes,” she suggests. “For inspiration, look to Eddie Redmayne’s vintage charm or Ryan Gosling’s effortless knitwear.”
Not to stereotype, but eyewear is the cornerstone of the geek-chic aesthetic. Whether you're farsighted, nearsighted, or have perfect vision, nerdy glasses are having a moment. It's not so much about improving one's vision, but about embracing the boldness and tapping into this accessory's vast potential. Think retro styles like round frames, tortoiseshell patterns, or bold black rims.
Treat geek-chic like a blueprint for dressing with purpose—invest in pieces that reflect who you are, not who you’re told to be. So men, slip into one of these wardrobe staples and let the ineffable vibe set you apart from the crowd.