Black Turtleneck | Green Blouse | White Button Up | Navy Blue Button Up | Vest | Grey Sweater | Black Sweater | Cardigan | Light Blazer | Dark Blazer | Jeans | Black Trousers | Tan Trousers | Cords | Skirt | Knit Dress | Coat | Cape | Beret | Sunglasses | Belt | Tie | Brown Purse | Black Purse | High Boots | Heeled Boots | Oxfords | Loafers | Heels
If you don’t know what the Dark Academia aesthetic is, a crash course would to be to watch the movies Dead Poets Society (and cry a little), and Mona Lisa Smile. Pay attention to the fashion, and you will understand the Dark Academia style.
I started this week planning a capsule wardrobe that focused on a vibrant green blazer.
Yesterday my youngest daughter who is 11 was discussing fashion with me again.
We sat down and looked through so many pictures, and I started to notice a general theme of what she was drawn to.
I said to her, “Merle, I think I know what you are looking for”.
Then I searched Dark Academia outfits for her to go through, and she got a huge smile and said that was exactly what she had in her head.
So that moment inspired me to switch up what capsule I was making this week to focus on what pieces are important when you are building a capsule wardrobe that focuses on Dark Academia clothing.
What is Dark Academia Fashion and the Dark Academia Aesthetic?
It is a vintage collegiate style. Think roaming the grounds of Oxford university carrying stacks of books, and, admiring the architecture on the way to class.
It’s like the allusion to a uniform.
A fall capsule wardrobe seems a given since the Dark Academia aesthetic is very autumnal fashion that could be described as hallowed, yet idyllic.
Dark Academia fashion is very rooted in art. It is classic, yet romantic, but also tragic. It has been influenced by the classic arts like Greek Mythology, poetry, and architecture.
There is a very Harry Potteresque feeling, which makes sense since a Dark Academia wardrobe is made from pieces that would be on any private school dress code.
What is the Dark Academia Colour Palette?
Basically if you embrace an autumn vibe you can’t go wrong.
It is a neutral palette with creams, browns, greys, and blacks. You can inject some colours like dark green, deep/dark red, or dark purple for some extra visual interest.
But keep the colour to one or two things, the majority of a Dark Academia capsule wardrobe should be based on neutrals.
Dark Academia clothes consists of colours and textures that emit nostalgic vibes.
Wearing fabric like cotton, linen, wool, and cashmere, are all excellent choices, and it actually has some of the similarities to the 90s minimalist wardrobe from last week but with a more scholarly vintage feeling.
You could easily wear many of the pieces from that capsule wardrobe paired in ways to also get a Dark Academia vibe.
Key Pieces to a Dark Academia Outfit:
- Blazers in tweeds, or check. Even better if you can find one with elbow patches.
- A button down in cotton, linen, or silk.
- Turtlenecks
- Vests, both sweater vests and waistcoat style. Layer them over everything.
- Trousers, we want wide leg, and ankle skimming styles. Mensy trousers are always a good choice.
- Sweaters in nice fabrics. Big enough that you can layer button ups and turtlenecks underneath. Bonus points if you find a vintage varsity sweater or cardigan with a letter on it. Double bonus points if it also has elbow patches. (look at this beauty)
- Midi or mini length pleated skirts.
- Loafers, laced boots, knee-high boots, and any menswear inspired footwear.
- Beret, ties, knit scarves, mitts
- Bags that give messenger bag or briefcase vibes
So, now that I have given a pretty decent description of what the Dark Academia aesthetic is, check out some hashtags on TikTok and Instagram to get an even better look into it.
This look is so niche, yet so vintage and classic that anyone can pull it off.
And saving the best for last, it is a style that because of its vintage look background, you can easily find everything you need secondhand if you choose.
And that makes it all the better in my mind.
Grab some books, try a Dark Academia outfit, and get broody.
You’re going to love it.
Black Turtleneck | Green Blouse | White Button Up | Navy Blue Button Up | Vest | Grey Sweater | Black Sweater | Cardigan | Light Blazer | Dark Blazer | Jeans | Black Trousers | Tan Trousers | Cords | Skirt | Knit Dress | Coat | Cape | Beret | Sunglasses | Belt | Tie | Brown Purse | Black Purse | High Boots | Heeled Boots | Oxfords | Loafers | Heels
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Another winning wardrobe! I can just see this woman on campus at Oxford, studying in the library, drinking coffee with friends…. Diana Bishop vibes! I love it. Thanks so much for this.
This is the closest any category has come to encapsulating what I try to wear and love to wear. Thank you, Merle. Now I have a name for it. Thank you, Sara. I look best with darker tones on top and there aren’t many style categories that revel in that. My color pops would happen in my jewelry, scarves and shoes.
Oh yay! I’m glad you have a name for it now because you’ll be able to find so much inspiration by searching it or hashtags in social media. I found some really fantastic YouTube videos about it too that have a lot of outfit ideas.
May we have on for winter too?
I will definitely try to get one done for winter. Thank you for the interest.