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Nerd Costume Ideas: Homemade Nerd Costume

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I heard you wanted nerd costume ideas to satisfy your hunger for an awesome outfit this year, fellow Earthling. That's excellent, because I've got some nifty ones right here waiting for you!

As far as qualifications go - well, I was in the Math Team for eight years. And the Chess Club. I hope that's enough to establish my "nerd cred!"

I'd like to say to all you nerd-lovers out there ready to get up in arms: yes, this costume involves stereotypes, but that's what costumes are all about!

And if you want to explore the other end of the spectrum, check out my Punk Costume site.

Images from this site are also on Flickr.

Steps to a Great Nerd Costume

Making Nerd Glasses

Popping Out the Lenses

Glasses bought for $2 at Goodwill. Time to modify: 5 minutes.

Place on a cloth to cushion, and apply pressure to lens.

If that doesn't work, use a screwdriver or awl on the lens edge.

Got it! Glasses with a collection of tools.

Both lenses out.

Finishing the Nerd Glasses

Just One More Step

There's more information about popping lenses out of frames on this eHow site.

To truly make these glasses scream "Nerd!" just like a gaggle of high school bullies from the 80's, you need to add the good ol' masking tape, a la "a jock broke my glasses and I took it upon myself to fix them."

Nerd Glasses Costume

The Nerd Costume Tie

Clip-On Is Best

I found this cute, little clip-on tie at Goodwill for about $3. It's a little plain for a nerd tie, but I think it works with the rest of the costume.

Alternately, you can use a bow tie, or even a regular tie. If you can find a particularly goofy or obnoxious tie, even better.

It's worth noting, however, that a nerd will not always wear a neck ornament: see Revenge of the Nerds for an example. It all depends on what kind of a nerd look you're going for; let your logical mind assess the best possible tie configuration.

Dogs also look good in clip-on ties.

The Nerd Costume Shirt

Is Button-Up Best?

The stereotypical nerd (whom we see in movies, often sporting a pocket protector sprouting out of a shirt pocket) usually wears a button-up shirt. It helps to set him (or her) apart from the regular masses in their tees and polos.

I was lucky enough to have this shirt in my closet (although, unfortunately, I didn't already own a shirt with pockets). If you don't have an appropriate button-up shirt, preferably one with a loud pattern, you can easily find one at your local thrift store.

More Great Nerd Stuff

Click to Learn More On Amazon

The Nerd Costume Pants, Socks, and Shoes

You Might Not Already Own These

It's important to get something epic for the nerd costume pants. Again, loud patterns that you wouldn't usually wear are good, and again, you'll probably have no problem finding these kinds of pants at your local thrift store. You can also just wear khaki pants, but don't forget to make sure they're SHORT!

Socks and shoes should contrast. If you're going to wear dark leather shoes, make sure you wear bright white socks. And if you're wearing white tennis shoes, dark socks are the ticket. Of course, socks with designs on them work too!

A quick note about belts: if you're wearing your pants high, you might need to get a new one for this costume, as often your waist is a different size than your hips.

Here's the Final Result

You, Too, Can Look Like This!

I might still tweak it a bit. I think that I could at least find a nerdier shirt, and maybe shorten the pants a bit...

Who Is the Reigning Nerd?

Vote Here!

Anyone can vote! And if I've missed someone, let me know in the comments below.

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And here's some more nerd costume inspiration.

A Full Geek Costume

For Buying or For Ideas

Forum Retro 50s Geek Class Nerd Adult Mens Halloween Costume

Amazon Price: (as of 06/03/2012)

This pre-made nerd costume has got it all: glasses, suspenders, pants, and guy with a goofy expression on his face. Of course, it's probably best to assemble the individual items yourself, but a costume like this can give you some ideas!

Another nerd... Role-playing is a good bet.

Need More Ideas?

Check Out These Great Nerd Movies

You can find more nerd movies here.

Miss Something?

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Making Nerd Glasses
The Nerd Costume Tie
Dogs also look good in clip-on ties.
The Nerd Costume Shirt
The Nerd Costume Pants, Socks, and Shoes
Here's the Final Result
Who Is the Reigning Nerd?
A Full Geek Costume

More Great Costume Sites

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Got Your Own Nerd Halloween Costume Ideas?

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Or just stop by and say howdy-do!

Reply

lilymom24 Nov 3, 2011 @ 7:11 pm | delete

I'm too late for Halloween but I love the glasses and the dog wearing the tie is just too cute. Also wanted to thank you for blessing one of my lenses. I tried to leave you a message on your bio page but was not able to. Thanks again. =)