Over the past year, the Dark Academia fashion trend has boomed into popularity. Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter, and Youtube have substantial niche communities catering to the dark academia lifestyle. Dark Academia is a subculture that is influenced by literature, academics, arts, history, European architecture, all fused with Greek and Goth aesthetics. This niche revolves around a more quaint old-style living. It is like bringing the essence of Harry Potter and Hogwarts to life in your own lifestyle, routines, hobbies, and fashion. As a result of this new trend, the Dark Academia style has surged in popularity. Many fans of the style are starting to reinvent their wardrobe and everyday style to reflect this aesthetic. In this post, I will lay out a comprehensive guide to incorporating Dark Academia fashion into your wardrobe and everyday wear.
Contrary to popular belief, you do not need to dish out large sums of cash to obtain this eloquent yet enigmatic style. The Dark Academis style heavily sports the Goth meets Academic look. The color palette is heavy on darker earthy tones, beiges, tans, neutrals, grays, blacks, and whites. This style can be achieved by putting together the right pieces of clothing and by collecting some staple pieces of clothing that can be rotated in multiple outfits. Let's cover the staple clothing items first, as they will help add that Dark Academia flair to most outfits.
Blazers (Tweed, Dark, Earthy Toned, Tan):
A nice fitted jacket, cardigan, or blazer can immediately add character and dimension to an outfit. These pieces go along with many outfits and can easily be added on for a nice layered effect. The blazers can be paired with dress shirts, blouses, sweaters, dresses, and even edgy graphic tees if matched properly.
Skirts (Pleated, Plaid, Dark, Earthy Toned, Tan):
A skirt can easily build an interesting and fashionable outfit. Plaid skirts are a staple in Dark Academia fashion. Darker-toned skirts, whether they are short or long, are also great options. Skirts with a more Victorian-era feel align with the aesthetic very well. Stock up on a few assortments of skirts. A few pleated skirts, plaid skirts, a few darker short skirts, darker long skirts, earthy toned skirts, frilled skirts, button-up high waisted skirts, corduroy skirts, velvet skirts, tan skirts, and so on.
Pants (Plaid, Dark, Earthy Toned, Tan):
This style usually sports straight cut but well-fitted pants rather than the typical skinny jean style. Pants can be plaid, dark, neutral, earthy, or tan. The pants usually have a more dressier look to them and are often paired with a belt. A few pants in these color palettes will pair well under many tops, such as blouses, collared shirts, dress shirts, sweaters, turtle neck tops, and even T-shirts.
Tops (Blouses, Sweaters, Knits, Dress Shirts, Turtle Necks, T-Shirts):
There is a lot of variability in the types of tops you can use as the skirts, pants, and blazers usually pull together the overall Dark Academia feel of the outfit. For tops, as long as you stick to the neutrals, beiges, dark colors, earthy tones, grays, whites, and tans, you will be fine. The tops tend to have a stronger focus on texture and details. Tops with poofy sleeves, frills, collars, turtle necks, lace, neckties, bows, buttons, and/or pockets, are the most popular in this style. In terms of texture, the flowy smooth texture of formal blouses is heavily used or the rougher knit texture of sweater tops is used. Usually, any graphic tees used have literary or academic quotes, art, or references on them.
Shoes (Oxford Heels, Short Heels, Wedges, Doc Marten Boots):
The shoes worn in this style are usually reminiscent of old European school shoes. The heels are shorter, the shoes are usually made of leather, they tend to have laces, and are typically worn with high socks. Shoes include styles such as the oxford heels, pumps, loafers, flats, short heels, combat boots, and the popular doc marten boots. High heels and stilettos usually do not suit this style.
Jackets (Plaid, Dark, Earthy Toned, Tan):
The jackets that are popularly worn include plaid jackets, tweed jackets, dark-colored jackets, earthy toned jackets, dark brown jackets. The coats are usually longer, flowy, and have a classic old time feel to them. The coat can really pull together the whole outfit's aesthetic. The most popular staple of Dark Academia is the classic Sherlock Holme's style, long tan coat.
Accessories (Gold, Pearlescent, Platinum, Minimal):
The accessories really make the outfit. The accessories can even turn a basic outfit into a Dark Academia-styled outfit. They can be very helpful for beginners as they really pull the aesthetic together when the wardrobe is limited. The accessories are also very useful for even the most polished Dark Academia outfits. They can take the whole look to the next level. The accessories are typically minimal, elegant, classic, have an old-time feel, and tend to be in gold tones and pearlescent tones.
Examples of accessories: gold minimal jewelry, pearl necklaces, accent belts, berets, bracelets, classic watches, large hair clips, ribbons, bows, silky scarves, velvet scrunchies, and so on.
Bags (Leather, Brown Tones, Satchels, Back Packs):
The bags are usually in brown rustic tones and are typically made of a soft leather. Popular bag styles include the small backpack, the satchel, messenger or crossbody, and the work style briefcase bag.
Thank You For Reading!
-ISBAH xoxo
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