San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC for short) is a veritable pop culture fashion show and we're not just talking about the cosplayers who work for weeks or months on their elaborate costumes. Most of us don't have that kind of time to spend on a couture-based homage to their favorite TV show or comic book character in everyday life.
However, everyone can share their likings in an outfit that won't garner stares and catcalls. Ashley Epstein of Her Universe calls some of her designs "everyday cosplay" and her company produces other items of clothing and jewelry that are cute but not over-the-top. At SDCC 2012, she co-hosted a panel and competition where ladies showed off their nerd fashion sense and, in many cases, sewing and craft skills. In case you're a lucky SDCC attendee, the panel is happening again this year on Saturday, July 20 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in room 24ABC at the San Diego Convention Center.
Zachary Levi, the former Chuck star who is now on Broadway in First Date, helped found a company called The Nerd Machine, which also produces its own line of clothing. The concept is to wear your nerd loud and proud (in the case of their Nintendo-inspired Nerd clothing, they mean it literally). The company also produces accessories, cell phone cases and posters.
There are a lot of companies in the business of dressing nerds and everyone has their favorite go-tos. Here's a list of more web sites shared with us by San Diego Comic-Con attendees on where to get geared up:
Here are a few tips for integrating your inner nerd into your everyday life.
- Dress up a T-shirt with a blazer
- Keep it low key. Don't count on anyone loving your Spiderman cycling suit as much as you do.
- Evaluate your workplace carefully. Some companies are fine with their employees being a little eccletic, but in others, your Game of Thrones beanie and scarf set might just brand you as a weirdo. On the other hand, a cell phone case or earrings will be pretty unobtrusive.
- Stick with one theme or character at a time
- Nerd fashion is about a lot more than T-shirts. There are belts, jewelry... even shoes!
- Etsy is a goldmine for finding handcrafted, one-of-a-kind items
- If you love a character, don't just wear that image. Consider what your character would wear. It might look like a normal outfit to everyone else, but you and your fellow fans will get the significance.
Life should be about more than working and paying bills and everyone is into something. Find your passion and wear it.
