08 October 2023

Dark Academia Outfit Ideas

Academics can sometimes get overwhelming and boring. Trying out different fashion aesthetics can definitely spice up your academics game and provide the pull you need, all while looking fabulous. Dark academia is one such aesthetic you can definitely incorporate into your life.

We explain here what the aesthetic is all about and also provide you with style and shopping recommendations. 

What Is Dark Academia?


Dark academia is the aesthetic that preceded light academia. Its main inspiration is also the scholarly lifestyle with a strong idealization of the arts, but with a moodier substrate. Instead of joy and optimism, dark academia focuses on gloomier, darker themes and visuals drawn from existentialism, poetry, classical literature and architecture. Its main color palette ranges from black to dark shades of brown, maroon and greys.  

Dark Academia Color Palette


Colors are highly important in the dark academia aesthetic – after all, the name ‘dark’ represents the preference towards darker and moodier hues. As a juxtaposition to light academia that conveys breezy and lighter energies with lighter themes and visuals, dark academia is a moody, heavier and darker, which is conveyed through its characteristic color palette.

Dark academia features predominantly darker tones like black and greys and darker earthy shades, especially of the brown variety.

Here is a typical dark academia color palette:
  • Black
  • Dark browns
  • Dark greys 
  • Dark greens
  • Maroons and chocolate browns
  • Darker beige
  • Plums, mauve and purples
  
 

 

Dark Academia Outfit Ideas


Dark Academia fashion is characterized by its classic and timeless pieces, often with a vintage and scholarly vibe. Here are some Dark Academia outfit ideas to inspire your wardrobe:

1. Classic Scholar:


Tweed blazer or jacket.
White or cream-colored button-down shirt.
High-waisted, pleated trousers or a long, flowing skirt.
Oxfords or brogues.
A leather satchel or vintage-style backpack.
Accessorize with a silk scarf and a pocket watch.

  
 
 

2. Cozy Reading Day:


Oversized, chunky knit sweater.
High-waisted corduroy pants.
Ankle boots with a stacked heel.
Add a beret or a newsboy cap.
A worn leather belt to cinch the waist.
Carry a leather-bound book as an accessory.

 
 
 

3. Gothic Romance:


A long, dark floral or lace dress.
Victorian-style lace-up boots.
Layer with a velvet or lace shawl.
Antique-style jewelry, like a cameo brooch or locket.
Deep red or plum lipstick for a dramatic touch.

 
 
 

4. Bookstore Explorer:


A turtleneck sweater.
High-waisted, wide-legged trousers.
Vintage-style leather loafers.
A well-worn leather messenger bag.
Round, wire-framed glasses.
Carry a canvas tote bag with a literary quote.

 
 
 

5. Artistic Scholar:


A loose-fitting, white artist's shirt.
High-waisted, paint-splattered jeans or a skirt.
Paint-splattered canvas sneakers.
A beret or a paint-smeared apron.
A sketchbook or vintage camera as an accessory.

  
   
 

6. Library Enthusiast:


A fitted, long-sleeve knit dress.
Patterned tights.
Heeled ankle boots.
Layer with a wool cardigan or blazer.
Carrying a leather-bound notebook or journal.
A vintage-style pair of reading glasses.

 
 

7. Academia Athlete:


A vintage-inspired athletic sweatshirt.
High-waisted, wide-legged pants.
Classic sneakers or canvas high-tops.
A retro gym bag or duffel.
Minimalist jewelry, like a vintage pendant.

 
 

Remember that the key to Dark Academia fashion is not just the individual pieces but also the way you combine them and the overall atmosphere you create. Dark, earthy colors, layering, and attention to detail are essential elements of this aesthetic. Be sure to personalize these outfit ideas to match your own style and preferences.

Hope you get inspired.
XOXO

P.S. I keep updating my blog with new ideas and product recommendations. Hope to see you again. 

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