The style mavens have spoken. This academic year marks the beginning of a new style era filled with bright colours, preppy separates and undeniably cute spectacles. Think loud colours, relaxed fits and uniform-inspired details. Start off with basic polo t-shirts and shirts, shorts in candy hues and pastel knits. The chicer looks are sometimes the simplest!

WHERE TO BEGIN...
Pair a white peter-pan collared shirt with a modest knee length skirt in vivid cobalt and add the right touch of quirk with menswear-inspired brogues. If you prefer a more androgynous approach, try wearing pleated trousers with a short-sleeved shirt and high-heeled oxfords for a look that’s both interesting and intellectual. Guys can try out a white shirt with contrasting black buttons, add a three-quarter length trouser and finish off with patent jazz shoes.

Use perky prints to energise a drab outfit. Stripes and chequered styles are geek favourites. Look for new and innovative ways to incorporate them into your ensemble. If you’re willing to experiment, try a chessboard-inspired black and white chequered skinny pant, paired with a collared t-shirt and bow tie. Add a sports watch and a cross body satchel to finish off this offbeat outfit. The faint of heart may adopt a striped t-shirt with dark shorts and sneakers. Tie the look together with suspenders for a touch of retro style.

Menswear options in prints are plenty, the truly adventurous may experiment with a chequered suit jacket over a white shirt and trouser. Tamer ways to incorporate a popping print include accessories like ties, mufflers, socks and sneakers.

Use light layers to replicate prep-school uniforms with panache. Slip a thin grey cardigan over a sleeveless blouse and pleated shorts. Throw on an oversized blazer and accessorise with neon socks and brogues. Or top the blouse with a round-neck sweater, allowing the collar to peek out.Throw on a pleated skirt and tennis shoes.
Boys think out of the box, team a subtle coloured formal shirt and dark wash jeans with a thin zippered sport jacket. You could always opt for a more traditional tuxedo, but do keep it geeky with a pocket square. Using layers subtly can help you camouflage those problem areas or add volume to your frame. Don’t overdo it though, or you run the risk of looking shapeless.

DEVIL LIES IN DETAILS…
Simple touches can add greatly to the end result of your outfit. Add little interesting elements like skinny ties, berets, printed socks or translucent tights. Jazz up your day jacket with a cluster of badges or add instant pizzazz to your classic white shirt with a polka dotted tie. Make a statement with comic book t-shirts, printed sneakers and unconventional pieces like sweater vests. Add some individuality to the look by donning a t-shirt with a computer joke or sporting a Star Wars themed backpack. These little details go a long way.

THE GEEKY GLASSES…
Synonymous with geeks and nerds are their quintessential thick framed spectacles. They are the perfect finishing touch for the ‘Poindexter’ look. Score some non-prescription glasses in a frame that suits your face. Wayfarer styles are immensely popular right now. You can also try out a coloured or tortoise shell frame as per your taste. Add a beaded neck strap and you’ll be the toast of the science club.

However you decide to style your own geeky avatar, be cool, be confident and don’t forget to carry the latest issue of New Scientist!