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Looking to channel your inner intellectual by creating the perfect dark academia outfit? You’ve come to the right place.
In this post, we’re going to cover the 9 must-have wardrobe essentials you need to create the perfect dark academia aesthetic fashion look.
Let’s start with talking about what the dark academia aesthetic is in the first place.
The aesthetic is centered around the pursuit of learning through classic literature, Greek mythology, Gothic architecture, the arts, and poetry.
It’s all about passion, mystery, tortured genius vibes, and a tad bit of pretentiousness.
Think passionately studying a subject by candlelight until 3am or reading Donna Tartt's The Secret History curled up in an armchair with a steaming cup of tea while it rains outside. That’s the vibe we’re going for here.
With how much this aesthetic romanticizes intellectual pursuits, it’s really no mystery why the dark academia trend exploded over the last year with so many students looking for inspiration to survive online classes during the pandemic.
Dark academia spices up the pursuit of higher learning and studying with the creativity of fashion. As a student, what more could you ask for?
Now let’s get down to the must-have essentials you need to perfect this look.
9 Dark Academia Wardrobe Essentials & How To Style Them
Dark academia fashion is directly inspired by the preppy look of the Ivy League colleges and UK boarding schools from the 20th century. Since the look is based around the school year, there’s a main emphasis on the autumn and winter seasons.
The moody vibe of these seasons are reflected in the materials and color palette of the outfit. For the material, think anything wool, corduroy, or cashmere to name a few. To reflect the darker intellectual side of the trend, the color palette is mainly somber, richer colors such as black, gray, dark green, deep red, etc.
Don’t worry though – even if the style is reminiscent of the old money aesthetic, you don’t need to break your bank account. Dark academia mainly has a timeless antique vibe, so of course the best place to look is in second hand stores. However, since the trend has exploded you’ll easily be able to find a ton of pieces from online stores. I'll link some of my favorites below 🙂
Essential #1: Turtlenecks
Of course, the first essential is a turtleneck. Nothing screams intellectual like a good turtleneck. It's a perfect cozy layering piece -- especially for those freezing lecture halls.
Essential #2: Sweater Vest
Sweater vests are by far one of my favorite pieces of this aesthetic! They're incredibly easy to layer with a plain white shirt or button down. No other piece will give you such an effortlessly polished vibe without putting in too much work.
Essential #3: White Button Down
The best thing about the white button down essential is how versatile its vibe is. You can go from preppy chic to Risky Business in just a few buttons! Who said dark academia couldn't also be sexy?!
Essential #4: Trousers & Dress Pants
Get yourself a good pair of trousers and your outfit will be *chef's kiss*.
Essential #5: Skirt
You've probably noticed that in dark academia fits there is normally one patterned piece of clothing while the rest are neutral. A great way to incorporate this is through a plaid or pleated skirt paired with a neutral turtleneck or shirt!
{Related post: how to wear summer dresses with boots | 17 adorable outfit ideas}
Essential #6: Trench Coat
Nothing will give you that dramatic academic flair like a good black or tan trench coat! They're definitely a wardrobe essential for the aesthetic when the temperatures drop.
Essential #7: Loafers & Chunky Boots
The holy trinity of dark academia shoes are black combat boots, loafers, and Mary Jane heels. If you're just starting out building your wardrobe for this aesthetic, combat boots are definitely the the most versatile to pair with trousers or a dress and give the look some extra spice.
Essential #8: Jewelry
A massive part of the dark academia aesthetic is about celebrating the arts and nothing expresses this better than jewelry. Either grab a few gold necklaces and rings or go hunting for some antique looking pieces at thrift stores.
Essential #9: Other accessories to spice up the outfit
Now that you have the basics down, here are a few extra accessory ideas that will add to the academic aesthetic.
- Always have a book on you!
- Get some classy reading glasses
- Leather gloves
- Throw on a corset over your button down shirt
- A vintage style belt (this will look amazing this pleated trousers)
And there you have it! These 9 must-have dark academia essentials will have you on your way to channeling your intellectual side in the most aesthetic way possible. Let me know your favorite parts of the dark academia aesthetic in the comments below:)
x,
Caroline
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