What is Dark Academia?
Dark Academia is an aesthetic for mystery, magic, art, and academics. This aesthetic is built upon a foundation for a passion for learning. Which makes sense when you Google “dark academia aesthetic” and get a ton of images of libraries and beautiful universities because they are associated with studying and learning – the meat of dark academia. You will most commonly see images of Gothic European architecture of learning institutions, like the University of Oxford in England. Or more popularly, images of the Hogwarts Castle in the Harry Potter Series.
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Dark Academia is often associated with institutions like these because of the culture that is associated with them; students who are highly dedicated to their academics. Consequently, it makes sense that libraries, books, and literature are the foundation of this trend because those are major focuses for dedicated students. Because of the substantial popularity of Harry Potter on TikTok, this aesthetic has become a significant trend. For instance, because of the films’ darker settings, magical classes/curriculums, and of course, fashion.
What is Dark Academia Fashion?
People often discover the dark academia aesthetic from films like Harry Potter, novels like Ninth House, and institutions like Oxford in England. We thus take inspiration from what those students/characters wear, calling it Dark Academia Fashion. Students attending Gothic-like institutions, who often read and study literature (or Defense Against the Dark Arts) often wear uniforms.
And this is where the fashion aspect comes in. This uniform universally consists of white button-downs, striped/plaid ties, and trousers, for men. Meanwhile, females wear a matching button-down and tie as the men, with a matching striped/plaid skirt. As a result, dark academia fashion derives from the variety of uniforms we see from European students and in films/books. Therefore, pleated skirts, trousers, ties, blazers, and collars are very common pieces in this fashion trend because they are often seen on those students.
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Most common colors we see in Dark Academia Fashion:
Most common patterns and fabrics we see in Dark Academia Fashion:
Outfits You Can Replicate
There is no one way to replicate this trend, which makes this aesthetic so enthralling. It honestly takes just one or two pieces and sticking to earthy neutrals. Amazing pieces, to begin with, are a classic pair of black booties, a fitted turtleneck, and a skirt. And then build upon those basics with sweaters, blazers, and trousers.
Outfits are linked from left to right:
Outfit 1: turtleneck / skirt / socks / booties
Outfit 2: turtleneck / coat / jeans / booties
Outfit 3: white button-down / sweater vest / booties
Outfit 4: turtleneck / midi skirt / booties
We can technically refer to these outfits as light academia, which is simply another type of dark academia, with just lighter shades of browns and tans. If you do not typically wear darker colors, and feel more comfortable in lighter shades, you can easily replicate these outfits. White, cream and taupe are very popular colors to wear, as well as accents of beige.
Outfit 1: turtleneck / blazer / trousers / boots
Outfit 2: turtleneck / peacoat / skirt / purse / shoes / socks
Outfit 3: sweater / skirt / belt / shoes / socks
Outfit 4: turtleneck / blazer / trousers / boots
The easiest way to replicate the dark academia trend is with a pair of loafers or mary janes. They aid in sustaining that preppy/school uniform look, which is the epitome of this aesthetic, so effortlessly.
Outfit 1: turtleneck / blazer / skirt / shoes
Outfit 2: sweater / white button-down / skirt / shoes
Outfit 3: turtleneck / sweater / skirt / shoes
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oh my gosh i love this so much!!! dark academia is such a great vibe, i wanna dress more like that 🙂
Isn’t it!? If only we could all just go to Hogwarts and have an excuse to dress like this!