No column called Geek Chic would be complete without an inspiration post on The Big Bang Theory, which is practically television’s love letter to the geek world. It’s a show that manages to simultaneously mock and celebrate the enthusiastic obsessions that define geekiness. What more could a girl ask for?

Before we begin, I just want to reiterate that my goal is not to recreate costumes but to interpret the characters’ styles into wearable looks for college girls. The Big Bang Theory characters wear quirky “real-life” clothes; for more futuristic fashion, check out the previous Geek Chic posts on Star Trek-inspired looksandDoctor Who-inspired looks.

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Know Your Geek: About The Big Bang Theory

• The CBS sitcom, which first aired in 2007, revolves around the lives of four socially awkward Caltech scientists and Penny, the pretty girl who lives next door. It quickly became hugely popular and was TV’s highest-rated comedy during its 4th season.
• Much of the show’s humor comes from the contrast between the guys’ nerdy, intellectual antics and Penny’s street smarts and common sense. For instance, while Sheldon can name hundreds of Star Trek factoids off the top of his head and solve quantum mechanics problems in his sleep, he can’t name a single Britney Spears song.

Outfits Inspired by The Big Bang Theory

Math, science, history, unraveling the mystery, and it all started with a big bang! You may not be able to make sense of string theory (though perhaps that’s just me), but you can definitely make a statement with these Big Bang Theory-inspired looks. Bazinga!

Sheldon

Dr. Sheldon Cooper, played by Jim Parsons, is highly idiosyncratic, arrogant, paranoid, germaphobic, and altogether insufferable, but his lack of social graces is paired with a beyond-genius intelligence level. He started college after 5th grade, earned his Ph.D at sixteen, and loves reminding others of his intellectual superiority. Despite his super-advanced mind, he can be extremely childish when it comes to getting his way. Aside from science, his passions include comic books, video games, sci-fi and fantasy, and paintball. Above all, he worships Star Trek, considering it tantamount to religion.