Geek chic: it has recently become a huge part of the fashion industry. People love looking smart, nerdy and fashionable. However, what does geek chic really mean? Is it wearing fake glasses, suspenders and orthopedic loafers? I really hope that's not what it means, because I don't see how that could possibly be fashionable.

I think that geek chic is being completely misinterpreted; nobody has really set a definition of what it means and what it looks like — not officially at least. Some say it is using aspects of the nerd stereotype in the way we dress, while others say it's a little less or a little more.

What I have noticed most recently is that fashion has split itself into three separate categories. The first category is made up of people who wear outrageous things, looks that half of us wouldn't even dream of touching. They wear teacups on their heads and ballerina slippers to work. They do unconventional things to mix fashion, art and design. This stream of fashion usually consists of figures such as Lady Gaga and Anna Dello Russo. The second category of fashion consists of ready-to-wear runway looks, garments that most of us could wear. These are looks that aren't too outrageous — clothing pieces that could be individually added into our closets with a little effort and imagination. The third string of fashion is you and I; it is made up of the people who take what they see and turn it into mainstream looks.

Most recently, these fashions have become much more accessible for the masses. What's funny is that the majority of these fashions are now less conventionally sexy, and they're being interpreted as geek chic.

This is where I encountered a true issue with geek chic: just because women don't have their boobs hanging out doesn't mean they're geeks; furthermore, just because they do doesn't mean they can't be geeks. Ever since geek chic has emerged, we are seeing many different versions of this trend. However I would like to try to clearly define what I think geek chic should be and how we should interpret it.

Realistically, 'geek' is another word for nerd, which has a negative connotation associated with it. However, by adding the word chic, we allow geek to be 'in.' Geek chic means dressing in a respectable way. It doesn't mean having to dress with suspenders, it simply means wearing clothing that makes you look like you aren't exploiting your body but are using your mind instead, while of course using aspects of current fashion in the way you're dressing.

Two women who do this best are Anna Wintour and Tavi Gevinson.

Wintour is the British Editor-In- Chief of American Vogue. Growing up in a privileged and well-connected family, Wintour was sent to North London Collegiate School, where she was often seen rebelling against the dress code.

Always having an interest in fashion, Wintour eventually moved up in the fashion world. Now one of the most powerful women in fashion, Wintour is always seen looking fashionable and respectable. Some declare that she rocks geek chic better than anyone. She is always dressed very ladylike with a touch of '50s housewife. She wears fitted printed dresses with clear and distinct silhouettes. She sports a classic bob and a gaze that would make you shake in your boots. Needless to say, geek chic is powerful and strong when it's seen on Wintour, and in fact the geek aspect is simply her intelligence and does not truly reflect any sort of stereotype when worn on her: no suspenders, no taped glasses and no orthopedic loafers — just class.

The second fashion figure is Gevinson. Only in her mid-teens, she proves that no girl or woman should feel the need to conform to the standards of itsy bitsy t-shirts and skirts. She has no desire to be recognized for young provocative style such as Miley Cyrus. She uses her intelligence to captivate the attention of millions. Her words, thoughts and ideas are what qualify her as a nerd, however the fact that while reporting on fashion she is caught sporting $900 MiuMiu sandal wedges is what qualifies her to be chic. Her incredible passion for fashion is what drives her and that is why she is a powerful geek chic young woman.

Recognizing that geek chic is ignited from within is what truly makes it fashionable. These women aren't chic because of how they look, they're chic because their minds encouraged the way they look. Coincidently, they look respectable and intelligent, and since they are powerful, fashionable women, others are following their example. Clothes can't talk; just because you look smart doesn't mean you are.