A Guide To Dark Academia Fashion

A fan of dark academia aesthetic? Check out our Guide to Dark Academia Fashion. Everything you need to know to dress up in this dark moody aesthetic, all in one place. 44+ Ideas and inspirations for Dark academia outfits.

What is Dark Academia Aesthetic?

If you are active on social media, you have definitely come across this trend by now. It gained popularity on platforms like TikTok and Tumblr.

New York Times Article: What is the TikTok subculture Dark Academia? 

Dark Academia is an aesthetic that revolves around literature, academics, mystery, and arts. It is heavily inspired by European architecture, history, Greek arts, and Gothic and Dark elements.

Although, the aesthetic sounds intense and dark to some but is actually harmless and creative. In fact, it’s based on a passion for learning.

This growing subculture has taken the internet by storm and there are many online communities that revolve around dark academia.

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What are the key characteristics of Dark Academia Fashion?

Colors – Earthy Tones

The color palette for Dark Academia consists of earthy, natural tones. Go for muted, darker colors.

Upscale Fabrics

This aesthetic is serious sophistication. So, the fabric or material you choose needs to be upscale and luxurious. Go for fabrics such as cashmere, Egyptian cotton, or wool, for instance. You can or may include linen too, selectively.

Minimal Accessories

The accessories you go for need to be minimal and compliment the outfit. Nothing too much or too flashy. Dark academia is all about mystery and elegance. So, go for lightweight gold or silver jewelry, a silk scarf for hair and a minimal leather bag, etc.

Also Read: 12 Perfect Fall Outfits For 2020

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Dark Academia – Wardrobe Staples

Here are some of the clothing pieces you need to add to your closet to build a dark-academia capsule wardrobe.

Tops: Turtlenecks, Sweater vests, Plain shirts, White blouses

For tops, you can wear light blouses, turtlenecks, shirts or polo shirts. The idea is to keep it elegant and a little studious. Also, sweater vests or knitted tops look great.

Also Read: 8 Dark Academia Wardrobe Staples for Winter

Bottoms: Plaid skirts/trousers, cigarette cut pants, formal trousers

Plaid skirts or straight-fit woolen skirts are a go-to.

For pants, you can choose from cigarette pants, dress, or ankle pants. To wear dark academia in summer, you can go for a pair of linen shorts.

Outerwear: Trench coats, tweed jackets, double-breasted blazers

Blazers, trench coats, and cardigans are the best-suited options for the DA aesthetic. All of these must be in neutral muted shades.

Shoes: Oxfords/brogues, Kitten Heels, Docs

Shoes need to be formal. Therefore, you should go for oxfords or brogues. But pencil or tall heels do not really go with this aesthetic.

So, choose short heels. Doctor Martens are also popular in this aesthetic.

Accessories: Minimal silver/gold jewelry, leather bags & belts, vintage watches, scarves

The accessories should be minimal. However, they are an important aspect of the Dark Academia aesthetic. It’s the small details that make your outfit in DA fashion.

For bags, you can go for a leather backpack or satchel. Make sure you fill it up with some old moody books or a journal.

Choose minimal jewelry in silver or gold. Nothing too flashy, as mentioned earlier. You can tie your hair in a silk scarf or a minimal headband, for instance.

Some other accessories can be stuff like knee-high socks. It goes with the old prep school uniform aesthetic. Carry some aesthetic, old books with you.

Accessories add layering while keeping you from overdressing. Brown leather satchels or belts, vintage pendants and rings, hair ties, bow clips, and more. All of these enhance beauty without you having to wear heavier clothes. Custom patches are also a popular accessory to lighten your outfit.

You can definitely not go in with an Apple watch. As we’re going for Dark Academia not spy kids aesthetic, lol. So, add a vintage watch for a more polished look.

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Where to buy Dark Academia clothes?

Here is a list of online stores where you can find the best range of dark academia inspired clothing:

1. Nordstrom
2. ASOS
3. Missguided
4. NastyGal
5. & Other Stories
6. H&M
7. Urban Outfitters
8. Reformation
9. Etsy
10. Amazon
11. Zaful
12. Revolve
13. Farfetch
14. Net-a-porter

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Dark Academia – Ideas & Inspirations

Here are some more Dark academia outfits, moods, aesthetics, and inspirations to get you going.

You can layer patterns and fabrics to create a deep, dark look for the winter like the outfit above.

Get inspired by bestdressed’s outfit here, and create an outfit with different shades of beige and brown.

A plaid blazer and pair or formal trousers is a great look.

Take the vintage-inspired look up a notch by adding a hat to your look.

This look above by Ralph Lauren is giving off a strong Harry Potter look which is perfect for dark academia. Consider wearing a woolen cape with your outfits for a moody look.

Waist coats are very trendy lately. They look very sophisticated and help achieve that “private school aesthetic” that dark academia is all about.

The classic knit sweater and pleated skirt look is a go-to outfit in this fashion trend.