A Guide To Dark Academia Fashion

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Image: Ralph Lauren Fall Fashion Show 2006

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? 

☞ the quiet and contemplative aura of museums and libraries, rainy clouds darkening the edge of the horizon, a stack of books on the floor,…
@geminnorum on Instagram

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.


girl, coffee, and vintage image
@annasofiapark on Instagram

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.

Ye Old West Color Palette. #colorpalettes #colorschemes #design #colorcombos
Image Via diariesofanessexgirl.com

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.

moodfabrics.com
the secret history | Tumblr

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


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.

Michael Kors Collection Fall 2017 Ready-to-Wear Fashion Show in 2020 | Fall fashion coats, Autumn fashion, Fashion
Michael Kors Fall Collection 2018 Ready-to-wear
modedamour.com

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.

via aesthetics.fandom.com
the "a european neoprep who had a tryst with normcore and then travelled back to the 90's" - Album on Imgur
via imgur.com

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.

Fendi Fall 2011 Ready-to-Wear Fashion Show Details
Fendi Fall 2011 Ready-to-Wear Fashion Show

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.

Página Inicial / Twitter

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.

The Debussy is a durable and stylish satchel for men with good taste. Sustainably and locally made with Horween leather and solid brass hardware, perfect for work or a weekend away. Adjustable strap. Size: Approximately 14 1/2" (length) x 5 1/2" (width) x 9 1/2" (height) We care about quality and we're passionate about American craftsmanship. That's why we purchase our hand-dyed and tanned leather from Horween, one of the oldest family-owned tanneries in America. Solid brass hardware and rivet
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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.

Ralph Lauren at New York Fall 2016 (Details)
Ralph Lauren at New York Fashion Week Fall 2016

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.

Nobody knows his name, the only thing people know is that he's a dang… #romance #Romance #amreading #books #wattpad
via Wattpad

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

Dark Academia – Ideas & Inspirations

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

Ralph Lauren Fall 2016 Ready-to-Wear Fashion Show

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

Chic Style | @auneetuh
bestdressed on Youtube

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

10 Timeless Fashion Trends We'll Continue To Follow Next Year - Society19
via Pinterest

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

etsy.com

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

Ralph Lauren Fall 16 Classic
Ralph Lauren RTW Fall 2016

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.

Des Petits Hauts-Des Petits Hauts Vilma Midi Skirt In
hamer.popularsy.com
Lena Hoschek With a collection appropriately named “The Brits”, the Austrian designer pays homage to national icons including the Queen and infamous literary characters, Miss Marple and Sherlock Holmes. But the collection is anything but cliché. A series of well-to-do tweeds and earthy florals create elegant looks perfect for channeling your inner English rose.
Lena Hoschek Fashion Collections for women via modaoperandi.com

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

Crop Bralet top - modus
#Skirt: #Farbberatung #Stilberatung #Farbenreich mit www.farben-reich.com ? Catalina Christiano ? Day to Day Fashion ? Feel free to message me! ? ? clothes casual outfit for teens movies girls women . summer fall spring winter outfit idea
via flickr

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

INSPIRED BY @dillothel1 HER BTS 8TH MEMBER IMAGINE BOOK IS AMAZING A… #fanfiction #Fanfiction #amreading #books #wattpad
Aesthetic person - •𝑫𝒂𝒓𝒌 𝒂𝒄𝒂𝒅𝒆𝒎𝒊𝒂 - Página 2 - Wattpad
via 𝐒𝐨𝐲 𝐒𝐨𝐟𝐢́𝐚 on wattpad
unique-vintage.com
Image about black in lit; gallagher girls by t
via Pinterest

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This Post Has 13 Comments

  1. Signet Ring UK

    Nice blog! You are sharing a wonderful blog with us. I like this blog and found it very helpful. Thanks a lot for sharing.

  2. Sylvie

    I love this post so much! I’m so into the dark academia aesthetic. Just wondering if you’ve come across http://www.darkacademiacapsule.com and whether you think the clothing there is any good?

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