Whip out your fountain pen and tuck away your beloved copy of Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier (for now). Dark academia fashion class is in session. If you’re ready to create a dark academia capsule wardrobe that’s equal parts romantic and intellectual, read on.
WHAT IS THE DARK ACADEMIA AESTHETIC?
Dark academia is a subculture influenced by the romanticism of the traditional college experience and the Gothic aesthetic. The popular niche intertwines an appreciation of literature, history, and philosophy with explorations of darkness and morbidity. Dark academia extends beyond literature into fashion with outfits in dark colors, structured fabrics, and academic accessories.
Dark academia fashion features vintage clothing, inspired by university attire of traditional colleges (think Oxford, Cambridge, Harvard, and Yale). Tweed blazers, pleated skirts, pressed Oxford shirts and loafers are all de rigueur in the dark academia style.
CLASSIC DARK ACADEMIA CAPSULE WARDROBE
Bring your dark academia fashion dreams to life with this curated capsule wardrobe. Here, you’ll find essentials to mix and match for vintage looks worthy of even the most exclusive university halls.
Dark Academia Style Essentials
Your dog-eared copy of Donna Tartt’s The Secret History is essential dark academia reading. But what about wardrobe must-haves? As someone who loves building minimalist capsule wardrobes, I took the liberty of compiling some dark academia essentials for you.
1.Turtleneck
Ah, the tried and true turtleneck. This chic staple is versatile and perfect for layering under sweater vests or tucking into wool trousers. With so many ways to wear a turtleneck, you’ll reach for this staple all semester long.
2. Oxford Shirt
The classic button-down can be dressed up or worn more casually. Just make sure it’s ironed and crisp for a polished, just-stepped-off-an-elite-campus look.
3. Buttoned Cardigan
Layering is key in the dark academia aesthetic. Pair it with a pleated skirt, a plaid dress, or wool trousers for a classic outfit. The best part? A cardigan can be worn year-round making it a reliable garment in your closet.
4. Sweater Vest
Visit any dark academia aesthetic Pinterest board and you’re sure to see sweater vests. This essential slips over turtlenecks or oxford shirts for preppy outfits with a prep school vibe.
5. Tailored Trousers
Look as smart as you are in a pair of tailored trousers. In the fall and winter, corduroy and wool pants are the ideal bottoms for your dark academia outfits.
6. Light Blouse
A blouse is another year-round staple for your capsule. A light blouse and a pleated skirt make an ideal duo in warm weather. For fall and winter, layer a turtleneck beneath a blouse and top off with a coat.
7. Structured Blazer
No dark academia capsule wardrobe is complete without a structured blazer. The classic garment is often associated with elite schools. Bonus points if yours is double-breasted.
8. Wool Coat
Stay warm as you meander through outdoor gothic architecture in a wool coat. Functional and classy, this staple never goes out of style. In need of an outerwear alternative? A trench coat provides a similar look.
9. Dark Loafers
A pair of preppy shoes is par for the course in dark academia outfits. Loafers exude prep school energy. Be sure to keep them polished and scuff-free.
10. Frilly Socks
Like that stickler of a professor reminds you when grading your essay, details matter. The same applies to your wardrobe. Frilled socks pull double duty as a functional and aesthetic accessory in your dark academia capsule.
11. Leather Belt
Look no further than the leather belt for another timeless and eminently wearable staple. If you want to imbue your outfits with a bit more color, reach for a mossy green or maroon-colored one over the traditional brown or black.
Psst. Enjoy understated outfits? Browse quiet luxury wardrobe essentials here.
DARK ACADEMIA CAPSULE WARDROBE OUTFITS FROM CASUAL TO DRESSY
A favorite on Pinterest boards and Tik Tok feeds, the dark academia aesthetic has an undeniable magnetism to it. But how does one work it into everyday wear? Scroll on if you’re in need of some inspiration when styling your dark academia clothing.
SUMMER DARK ACADEMIA OUTFITS
If a vibrant summer capsule wardrobe is not on your syllabus, no worries. Try these muted academic outfits in the summertime.
SHOP OUTFIT ONE
Poplin Shirt | Pleated Skirt | Loafers | Frill Socks | Messenger Bag
SHOP OUTFIT TWO
Blazer | Puff Sleeve Top | Pleated Skirt | Heeled Mary Janes
CASUAL DARK ACADEMIA OUTFITS
Polished but effortless is the name of the game for these dark academia ensembles. These essentials also perform well in a work capsule wardrobe like this one.
SHOP OUTFIT ONE
Poplin Shirt | Houndstooth Trousers | Loafers | Messenger Bag
SHOP OUTFIT TWO
Puff Top | Cardigan | Tapered Trousers | Doc Martins | Frill Socks
DRESSY DARK ACADEMIA OUTFITS
Feminine pieces like plaid skirts, mini dresses, and frilly socks balance out the standard trousers and heavy coats. Explore this feminine capsule wardrobe for more inspiration.
SHOP OUTFIT ONE
SHOP OUTFIT TWO
Where to Shop for Dark Academia Clothes
It’s time to talk capsule wardrobe brands! If your dark academia capsule is thin on the essentials, the brands below offer pieces that exude a preppy, vintage vibe. Shop these stores look like you just stepped out of a twisted, gothic novel.
Click any store name below to browse the collections.
Everlane
With well-made staples in muted tones, Everlane is a stellar source of dark academia clothing. Here, you’ll find layering pieces like chunky cardigans, polished button downs, and wool coats ideal for creating university-inspired looks.
Madewell
When you come up for air after reading your favorite Gothic book, head to Madewell for dark academia fashion essentials. The brand offers timeless pieces that are built to last. Madewell features classic designs with a modern twist, making them ideal for achieving a sophisticated and casual dark academia aesthetic.
Ralph Lauren
Ralph Lauren and dark academia capsule wardrobes go together like philosophy students and existential dread. The all-American fashion giant is known for timeless pieces and a focus on traditional, classic looks. For preppy outfits that project upper-echelon energy, you can’t go wrong with Ralph Lauren.
Sezane
French fashion lovers will already have this brand bookmarked. But for those who haven’t heard, Sezane is a splendid source of vintage-inspired garments. A scroll through the collections reveals timeless tops, chic accessories, and muted color palettes. Translation- it’s a dark academia clothing paradise.
Banana Republic
Still on the hunt for dark academia clothing? Banana Republic features color palettes and silhouettes that any brooding, fashionable intellectual would love. Navy, khaki, brown, and black and appear prominently in their collections along with timeless fabrics like tweed and plaid.
Etsy
Vintage fashion lovers can fill their dark academia capsule wardrobes with Etsy finds. The beauty of this platform is access to independent designers that can create the exact look you’re after. Shoppers can get custom-made dark academia dresses, find vintage loafers and browse a huge selection of unique clothing.
How to Dress in the Dark Academia Style
Whether your dark academia capsule is ready or you’re still in need of some vintage staples, this guide to dressing in line with the aesthetic is here to offer assistance.
Start with Preppy Basics
In case the tweed and turtlenecks didn’t clue you in, dark academia fashion centers on traditional style. As such, timeless staples like blazers, cardigans, and trousers should form the foundation of your wardrobe. When it comes to patterns, subtle ones like herringbone and plaid will be your go-to.
Choose Neutral Colors
Save the delicate pinks and milky blues for light academia wardrobes. To dress in true dark academia fashion, let neutral and deep colors be the focus. In addition to blacks and white, rich browns, deep blues and the occasional mossy green all work well. As for materials, gravitate towards heavier fabrics like wool and corduroy. These fabrics will work well in your winter capsule wardrobe too.
Add a Few Layers
From tenured professors to the greenest of students, everyone layers at university. For interesting dark academia outfits, start with a base layer and add a vest or cardigan followed by a blazer. A structured trench or long wool coat is another essential in your capsule. Add a scarf and polished pocket watch to channel the elite student within.
Incorporate Vintage Pieces
Classical music, ancient Greek philosophy, and gothic novels feature prominently in the dark academia subculture. So it only makes sense that the fashion includes vintage pieces as a nod to this rich past. Dark academia devotees should don classic pieces like argyle sweaters, plaid skirts, wool trousers, pocket watches, and oxford shoes to give outfits a vintage feel.
Invest in Quality Clothing
Many love dark academia because it is timeless and polished. For a wardrobe that looks as smart as you are, invest in well-constructed pieces. In addition to looking better than cheaply made garments, quality clothing is built to last. With quality pieces in classic cuts, you’ll be able to wear the garments for years to come. If investment pieces may seem out of reach, check out the affordable capsule wardrobe guide for a lesson in smart shopping.
HOW TO WEAR CASUAL DARK ACADEMIA
Casual Dark Academia style combines vintage charm with everyday comfort, offering a relaxed take on scholarly elegance. To master this look:
- Reimagined Classics: Pair jeans with an Oxford shirt or a vintage graphic tee for a laid-back academia vibe.
- Layering Sophistication: Combine knit sweaters with collared shirts or add a cardigan over a simple tee for that scholarly edge.
- Accessorize Smartly: Include vintage-inspired bags, loafers, or lace-up shoes along with whimsical socks to elevate your look.
- Adapted Color Palette: Blend earthy hues with muted tones, playing with deep greens, burgundies, and browns, while introducing lighter neutrals.
Outfit Ideas:
Relaxed Library Day: Jeans with an Oxford shirt, layered with a knit sweater and loafers, topped off with a vintage messenger bag.
Casual Coffee Date: Crewneck tee under a cardigan, paired with high-waisted trousers and lace-up shoes, accessorized with frilled socks and a leather satchel.
Day of Exploration: Pleated skirt with a tucked-in blouse, a cozy sweater vest, heeled Mary Janes, and a beret for a touch of vintage charm.
YOUR DARK ACADEMIA QUESTIONS, ANSWERED
While both light and dark academia place an emphasis on the pursuit of knowledge, dark academia explores death and has elements of melancholia and nostalgia. Light academia, on the other hand, is marked by optimism and celebration of life with elements of joy and positivity. Dark academia elevates classical academic subjects including philosophy and the arts and includes a deep reverence for the past.
Elements of dark academia—such as tweed blazers, high-waisted trousers, and turtlenecks— will find a place within the realms of business casual attire. However, the comprehensive style might lean more toward an artistic or academic ambiance rather than the strict confines of a corporate setting.
Nevertheless, by selectively incorporating certain dark academia elements into your business casual ensemble—perhaps a sophisticated blazer or a modest skirt—you could subtly infuse a touch of its intellectual charm while adhering to workplace expectations. Browse the full business casual capsule wardrobe here.
To achieve the dark academia style, begin with timeless pieces in neutral and deep colors. These include button-down shirts, turtlenecks, tailored trousers, structured dresses, and pleated skirts. Then, layer with vintage-inspired pieces like tweed jackets, argyle sweaters, and wool coats. To complete the look, add a pair of loafers and academic accessories like a messenger bag and fountain pen
While Dark academia literature conjures up images of tweed-clad students roaming the halls of prestigious universities, the style now reaches beyond campus. Enjoy crafting romantic looks from your timeless capsule. Class is officially dismissed.
WANT TO SIMPLIFY YOUR WARDROBE?
The Elegance Edit offers a guide to crafting a capsule wardrobe that you actually want to wear. Learn how to build your own capsule for flawless outfits every day. Read the guide here.
