So you want to dress like the mysterious but intelligent-looking person in the corner of a library, hiding a ton of skeletons in your closet as you calmly leaf through a bunch of dusty leather-bound books? I got you! Let’s master the dark academia aesthetic.
The academia styles are aesthetics created based on the idea of romanticizing knowledge. To visualize these aesthetics: picture being in your prestigious private school’s library, blowing the dust off huge old-fashioned books and fingering through the contents to find that specific page you’ve been looking for all day. Once you find it, slowly sip your bitter black coffee and adjust your glasses. For a visual idea, check out my Pinterest video pin (to the right) and remember to save it to one of your Pinterest boards for future reference.
What is ‘Dark’ Academia?
When it comes to ‘dark academia’, picture the above description. Now add a typical Slytherin from a Harry Potter novel; cunning, mysterious, dark and insatiable thirst for more knowledge – be it for good or bad intentions. Add in a splash of heavy rain bouncing off the window panes of huge gothic floor-to-ceiling windows in the oldest, most rustic library on campus and bam, there you have it – dark academia.
If this is too an aesthetic dark for you, don’t worry; there is an academia style for everyone, and I will be covering more soon, but for now, let us dive into how to create dark academia outfits and master this aesthetic.
Dark Academia Aesthetic Colour Palette
Naturally, the dark academia outfit colour palette is dark; black, brown, navy, white accents, deep dark greens, dark plaid patterns and deep burgundies. This aesthetic is mysterious and enigmatic; you can’t put your finger on why you know it, but the pretty girl reading that book knows a dark secret and ancient skeletons waiting to come out of her closet.
Dark Academia Outfit Essentials & Basics
It is best to ensure that you have a good variety of the essential components that form a typical outfit of this aesthetic to make outfits easily. You probably have these items already, so you won’t have to shell out or break the bank to achieve this aesthetic. This is my must-have list for dark academia-esque outfits (with links to clothing sites):
- Plaid Skirt
- Pleated Skirt
- Tailored Trousers
- Plaid Trousers
- Plaid Blazer
- Tweed Blazer
- Cable Knit Sweaters
- Sweater Vests
- Cardigans
- Collared Tops
- White Button Down Shirts
- Dark Turtlenecks
- Polo Dresses
- Mock Neck Tops
- Trench Coat
- Wool Coat
- Mary Janes
- Combat Boots
- Loafers
For Extra Points:
- Tie
- Fashion Socks/tights
- Scarf
- Umbrella
- Analogue wrist watch
If you have several of these basics and stick to the colour palette, you can mix and match and efficiently create a cohesive outfit. Please feel free to edit this list to your tastes. I constantly change things up to cater to my tastes; for example, I usually wear heels, so I don’t typically wear combat boots or loafers with these outfits; I would rather have a pair of Mary Janes or a pair of OTK boots.
Another tip is matching sets; they are an outfit in themselves, but you can also use the skirt with a different top and the blazer with other bottoms, so a minimum of an easy 3 dark academia outfits out of one set! Clever right? Just like a dark academic.
Dark Academia Accessories
Finally, it is time for accessories, think of small pendants. Gold works well as it is gorgeous against dark colours and pearls are great for that vintage edge. Just remember to keep it simple; pretend as though: you only had time to throw on one necklace or a pair of stud earrings before running to the library to study for the big exam. Leather bags and belts will also help to tie the outfit together; again, keep it simple and remember the dark neutral colours, so black or brown leather is best.
Now you have all the tools you need to create the perfect dark academia look, go on and look like a super-intelligent mystery.
That’s all from me,
Until next time,
Unique.
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