CREDIT: AMCTV.COM
Jane from Mad Men rocks the geek chic look with a conservative turtle neck.

College is the perfect time to amp up and use your geek chic look. Elements of this look put together carefully will get you looking more chic than geek in no time. Looking at runway trends and fashion blogs alike, I will give you some advice to skim the line between nerdy girl and sexy secretary.

The cornerstone of a geek chic look is glasses. When you're working this look to your advantage, the heavier, darker, squarer the frame, the better. While non-prescription frames are available (and gaining in popularity), sometimes glasses are best left to those with sight problems. Currently all the rage among hipsters and celebrities (think Justin Timberlake, Anne Hathaway and Taylor Swift), dark horn-rimmed glasses add a touch of sophistication to your look. The psychology of glasses is no fad, however, as studies indicate that you are perceived to be more intelligent (and leave a better impression at a job interview!) if you do wear specs.

The rest of the look is in the details. You don't need a wardrobe overhaul or spending spree to add a little geek into your life. Next time you wear a collared button-down, for example, button it all the way to the top. Pop on a V-neck sweater, crew-neck sweatshirt or even sweater vest (if you're going for prep-school cool) and you're on your way.

Covering up is key. When done right, geek chic is a very conservative look, leaving a lot to the imagination. When you want to look a little more like Jane from Mad Men and a little less like Howard Wolowitz in The Big Bang Theory, the trick is fit. You can be covered neck to ankle, but when you're covered in a tight-fitting pencil skirt and a thin turtleneck sweater that clings in all the right places, no one will confuse you for a nerd.

Plaid, checks and stripes all can be used to geek up your chic. Think Catholic schoolgirl with a twist, and remember that for this look, kilts are best worn to the knee and not hiked up, as you would see in actual Catholic high schools in the area. Pairing a plaid skirt with knee-high socks in a contrasting colour and some flat shoes like ballet flats or lace-up oxfords will upgrade your everyday attire.

Not to be forgotten, hair and makeup can also contribute to your overall look. To fit in with both hipsters and runway models walking in geek chic shows, put a deep side part in your hair and pull it back into a slick ponytail or tight bun. Keep makeup minimal, with a pale complexion and lips, and black winged liquid eyeliner for that touch of sexy simplicity.

Geek chic rules because it is interesting, individual and all the rage. Be inspired to smarten up your attire, because dumb isn't cute.