Illustration by Rosie Blunt

Universities are full of geeks. No not just the know it alls you fantasise about badly injuring with you Norton's Anthology of Literary Criticism or you Introduction to Quantum physics when times get hard. Geek chic is a fashion statement. "I'm so cool, I'm not cool" or even "I'm so uncool, I'm cool"- you work it out.

As far as I can see The OC has a lot to answer for. As soon as Seth's gorgeous little face appeared with his super-man t-shirt and skinny jeans a cult was started. The comic book obsessed nerd is finally having his time.

The look is easy to describe, imagine Indie had an illicit night in the student union with Preppy, nine months later, their love child, Geek emerged. Where Seth is the icon for males it's all about Chloe Sevigny and Alexa Chung when it comes to the ladies. Chloe even did a line for Opening Ceremony, which was only available at the uber cool Dover Street Market. 

The rules are simple: A lot of floral and a lot of dresses. Team cute girly ankle socks with cute pumps, do like Agyness Deyn by adding brogues for extra geek points.

This Topshop baby is ideal. Stick a plain t-shirt underneath and wear bare legs and ankle socks for Chloe Sevigny a la Coachella festival. For £50 you can't go wrong. If you're feeling the effects of a long term on the student loan, try car boot sales for your floral fix.

Remember that nasty knit your nan made you for Christmas a few years ago. Well no sooner had you dropped at the door of Oxfam than a lurking geek snapped it up. Now it's the height of geek chic. Vintage stores are crammed with the things. In Leeds try "Vintage Leeds", on Briggate, which at the very back of the shop has a knitwear mountain, a pile of just such jumpers crying out to be rummaged through.  For boys one of these babies, the more garish the better, teamed with skinny jeans and a pair of high-tops cannot fail.  Stick with converse for a classic look.

                                                          

Unisex Philip Larkin style glasses top off the look. ASOS.COM have a really cool range of glasses, nobody has to know you don't need them!

With such an easy look, why not give it a go. It might not improve your grades, but it's a first class look!

by Holly Lowe