How to Master Dark Academia Fashion in 2023 (Style Guide)
Dark Academia is a popular fashion style that celebrates the beauty of knowledge, history, and culture. This style draws inspiration from the aesthetics of universities, libraries, and old-world academia, featuring a blend of vintage, classic, and dark elements.
Some key pieces in a Dark Academia wardrobe include vintage cardigans, tweed blazers, button-down shirts, high-waisted pants or skirts, loafers, oxford shoes, and trench coats. Accessories such as leather satchels, scarves, and berets can also add a touch of sophistication to the outfit.
The color palette of Dark Academia is mostly neutral and muted, with shades of brown, black, gray, and navy dominating. However, pops of color can be incorporated through accessories or statement pieces.
In addition to fashion, Dark Academia is also a subculture that celebrates knowledge, literature, and the arts. It promotes a love for reading, writing, and learning, as well as a fascination with dark and tragic themes.
Overall, Dark Academia is a style that celebrates the beauty of intellectualism and the power of knowledge. It’s perfect for those who love vintage and classic styles, as well as those who appreciate the darker side of literature and culture.
Dark Academia Aesthetic
“Dark Academia” typically refers to a subculture or aesthetic that is inspired by classic Greek arts, literature, and architecture, as well as Gothic elements and a fascination with death. This style often includes fashion that is reminiscent of traditional academic attire, such as blazers, collared shirts, and loafers, as well as darker, more dramatic accents like leather jackets and boots. Additionally, Dark Academia enthusiasts often prioritize education, learning, reading, and writing, and they may be drawn to certain cultural touchstones such as classic literature, art, and music.
Dark Academia fashion is indeed influenced by the gothic aesthetic, but it also draws inspiration from traditional academic clothing, such as tweed fabrics, oxford shoes, and blazers. The look is characterized by a muted color palette of browns, greens, and grays, as well as layering, texture, and vintage pieces.
In addition to tweed pants and a cardigan, a typical Dark Academia outfit might also include a white button-up shirt, a pair of leather shoes or boots, a knit scarf, and a beret or cap. Accessories such as a pocket watch or a pair of spectacles can also add to the overall aesthetic.
Overall, Dark Academia fashion is a sophisticated and intellectual style that evokes a sense of nostalgia for traditional education and scholarly pursuits.
The Dark Academia fashion style is inspired by the aesthetics and fashion of the past, particularly the 19th and early 20th centuries. It is a subculture that romanticizes the intellectualism and cultural heritage of elite educational institutions.
Overall, the Dark Academia subculture and its fashion style represent a nostalgic longing for a simpler, more refined time, while also celebrating the beauty and complexity of the past.
Dark Academia Fashion
While there may be some similarities between preppy style and Dark Academia fashion, there are also some significant differences. The preppy style is typically associated with bright, vibrant colors and a clean, polished appearance, while Dark Academia fashion favors darker, more muted colors and a more rugged, lived-in look.
While Dark Academia fashion may not be well-suited to hot climates with long summers, it is not necessarily a Gothic style. Rather, it is a style that draws inspiration from classic literature and academic settings, with an emphasis on timeless, vintage pieces and a focus on layering and texture. While some may choose to incorporate Gothic elements into their Dark Academia outfits, it is not a requirement of the style.
Ultimately, fashion is a matter of personal preference, and what may work for one person may not work for another. While Dark Academia fashion may not be the best choice for those living in hot, tropical climates, it can still be enjoyed and appreciated by people from all over the world who are drawn to its unique aesthetic and cultural references.
Dark Academia Outfits
Some of the most popular Dark Academia styles right now are built on seven core things:
- Blazers and tweed jackets – These give a scholarly and sophisticated touch to any outfit.
- Button-down shirts – A classic and versatile piece that can be dressed up or down, and layered with other items.
- Oxford shoes – A timeless footwear choice that adds a touch of formality and class to any outfit.
- Turtlenecks – A cozy and stylish layering piece that can be paired with blazers, jackets, or worn on its own.
- Plaid skirts – A staple of the academic wardrobe, plaid skirts give a preppy and classic touch to any outfit.
- Dark colors – Dark shades such as black, navy, burgundy, and forest green are typical of the Dark Academia style, and can be mixed and matched for a cohesive look.
- Accessories – Accessories like scarves, hats, gloves, and vintage-inspired jewelry can complete the look and add a touch of whimsy to an outfit.
Remember, these are just some examples, and the Dark Academia style is open to interpretation and personalization.
Dark Academia Blouses & Tops
NB Sleek Style has a good sense of style and is exploring different options to achieve a particular aesthetic. Incorporating specific design details like cuffed sleeves or oversized bell sleeves can help create the British heritage or academic look you are going for. Additionally, opting for button-up tops can add a touch of sophistication to your outfit.
Silk wrap tops can be a versatile addition to your wardrobe, especially during the summer months when you want to stay cool and comfortable. The distressed silk fabric can also add a rebellious edge to your overall style. Keep experimenting and exploring different styles to find what works best for you and reflects your personal taste and fashion preferences.
Dark Academia Skirts & Trousers
Long skirts are a great suggestion for achieving a sophisticated and stylish look. They also offer the benefit of comfort and ventilation in hot weather while still providing coverage.
For those who prefer trousers, your suggestions of wool blends and corduroy materials are excellent choices for this style. And, cutting the trousers at ankle height or cuffing them up can add an interesting and unique twist to the outfit.
Overall, these tips are helpful for anyone looking to embrace the Dark Academia fashion trend.
Dark Academia Outerwear
It’s a classic piece that has stood the test of time and continues to be a popular choice for many fashion enthusiasts, especially those who love the Dark Academia aesthetic.
You’re right that the tweed blazer can be worn over the shoulders without the sleeves on for a more relaxed and effortless look. It’s a popular way to wear blazers, especially during the transitional seasons when the weather is not too cold or too warm.
Pairing the tweed blazer with dark straight-leg women’s jeans is a great idea as it creates a timeless, classic look that’s perfect for the Dark Academia style. You could also pair the blazer with a white button-up shirt, a pair of loafers, and a leather tote bag to complete the look.
Dark Academia Summer Outfits
NB SLEEK STYLE can pair a light-colored linen shirt with high-waisted wool trousers or a pleated skirt.
For footwear, opt for natural leather loafers or brogues that offer ventilation and breathability.
Accessorize with a vintage scarf or a straw hat to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your outfit.
Remember that dark academia is all about minimalism, so try to keep your outfit simple and classic.
In summary, to rock a dark academic summer outfit, choose all-natural fabrics that offer ventilation and breathability. Combine light-colored linen shirts with high-waisted wool trousers or pleated skirts, and finish the look with natural leather loafers or brogues and elegant accessories such as vintage scarves or straw hats.
Why is Dark Academia So Popular Right Now?
The dark Academia aesthetic has gained more attention during the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic has disrupted the normal routines of many people, including students who were forced to adapt to online learning and miss out on traditional school events. As a result, some individuals have turned to the Dark Academia fashion trend as a way to feel connected to the academic atmosphere and to cope with difficult times.
Dark Academia fashion is characterized by a vintage and traditional style, with an emphasis on earthy tones, tweed, plaid, and other classic fabrics. The style also incorporates elements of Gothic and Renaissance fashion, with a focus on darker colors, leather, and dramatic accessories.
While Dark Academia fashion has been around for a while, the pandemic has provided an opportunity for it to become more mainstream, as people look for ways to express their identity and cope with the changes brought about by the pandemic. The trend has become especially popular among younger people, who have taken to social media to share their Dark Academia-inspired outfits and aesthetics.
It’s worth noting that while Dark Academia may be a fun trend for some, it’s important to recognize that the style should not be seen as a substitute for education or academic achievement. Ultimately, the true value of education lies in the knowledge and skills gained, not in the fashion that surrounds it.
While the subculture has many followers, it is most popular among three groups in particular: