Everything to Know About the Dark-Academia Trend — Plus the Pieces to Shop
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From Instagram to TikTok, and thanks to fictional characters like "Euphoria"'s Lexi and shows like "Gossip Girl," the dark-academia aesthetic has emerged from the fringes to bring a host of preppy pieces to the mainstream. With over a million hashtags on Instagram and more than one billion views on TikTok, the trend has evolved from a niche intellectual community into a fully developed lifestyle. Look it up on any of these platforms, and you'll be immersed in a world of multidisciplinary knowledge and sartorial self-expression.
Burberry's fall 2022 collection featured many looks that exemplify the aesthetic, most visible in the pleated skirt and plaid jacket ensembles. Dark academia modernizes university-inspired outfits and extends to accessories, from brooches and glasses to watches and ties. Put on an argyle sweater, pleated skirt, and finish with knee-high socks and loafers, and you may start to feel like a scholar on their way to the library. Slip into a black turtleneck that's tucked into gray dress pants, accessorized with round glasses and finished with a forest green trench coat, and you'll embody the Ivy League student who's always early to class. Or layer a cardigan over a collared dress, and you're ready to nail that work presentation. That's exactly what the niche fashion trend seeks to achieve: a polished, smart look popularized by brands like Ralph Lauren and J.Crew. Most pieces will easily pass the school dress code, while conveying an edgy attitude combined with a sense of effortless cool.
What Is the Dark-Academia Aesthetic?
Tracing back to Tumblr in 2015, dark academia embraces a classic collegiate look that's often described as preppy, with staples like Oxford shirts, blazers, trench coats, and duffel bags. Spanning several disciplines — such as classical literature, roman languages, art, architecture, and poetry — dark academia draws from a time when upper classes encouraged liberal education. Members of the subculture find joy in the pursuit of education, which they perceive as a noble goal. Dark-academia outfits usually consist of plaid separates, turtlenecks, and tweed suiting in a moody palette of black, gray, blue, or dark brown.
If the aesthetic speaks to you, channel your inner moody student with these seriously cool pieces. If you aren't convinced, start slow by incorporating one of the staples into your everyday wardrobe; you'll find endless styling possibilities in the selection ahead.
Dark-Academia Outfits: Abercrombie & Fitch Wool-Blend Blazer Coat
With its relaxed fit and tailored appearance, this Abercrombie & Fitch Wool-Blend Blazer Coat ($160, originally $200) is poised to become a foundational piece in your closet. It features peak lapels, two decorative pockets, and a button-down front for an elevated yet minimal look. Wear it with pants or casual jeans.
Dark-Academia Outfits: Urban Renewal Vintage Oversized Flannel Shirt
An all-over check pattern and a button-down front give this Urban Renewal Vintage Oversized Flannel Shirt ($39) an effortlessly cool and practical look. Layer it over a black tank tucked into dark trousers for a dark-academia finish.
Dark-Academia Outfits: & Other Stories Buttoned Wrap Mini Skirt
The gold-toned buttons of this & Other Stories Buttoned Wrap Mini Skirt ($89) contribute to its polished look, while the flap pockets add a practical touch. Style yours with a dark-blue sweater and black loafers to achieve the dark-academia theme.
Dark-Academia Outfits: Everlane Felted Merino Argyle Mockneck Sweater
Spun from merino wool, this classic Everlane Felted Merino Argyle Mockneck Sweater ($50, originally $145) will keep you warm on a chilly summer day or all winter long. It features a high neck and drop shoulders for optimal wearability and comfort. The cozy layer will work over smoking pants or black jeans.
Dark-Academia Outfits: Arch4 Amelia Ribbed Cashmere Vest
Made from a soft cashmere material, the Arch4 Amelia Ribbed Cashmere Vest ($474) packs plenty of appeal. It's ideal for layering over a white button-down shirt and tucking into tailored trousers. Finish the look with loafers or flats for a day at the university.
Dark-Academia Outfits: Banana Republic Journey Trench Coat
With a map-printed interior and utilitarian details, this Banana Republic Journey Trench Coat ($180, originally $300) is not your average closet staple. Its versatility lies in the neutral color and the relaxed fit, making it a match for dresses, suits, and everything else.
Dark-Academia Outfits: Madewell Turtleneck Bodysuit
You can count on this Madewell Turtleneck Bodysuit ($50) to hold you in while allowing you to move freely. It's designed in a stretchy silhouette, so you'll have no problem wearing it all day. Tuck it into your favorite navy plaid pants for a dark-academia finish.
Dark-Academia Outfits: Hommegirls Striped Cotton-Poplin Shirt
Made from Italian cotton poplin, the Hommegirls Striped Cotton-Poplin Shirt ($245) is poised to become your favorite layer to go out or lounge in. Wear it with blue jeans and strappy heels for a semidressy first date, or swap the shoes for loafers for a light-academia-inspired finish.
Dark-Academia Outfits: Banana Republic Polo Sweater
A dainty chain necklace will complement this Banana Republic Polo Sweater ($51, originally $85) beautifully. Spun from cotton and enhanced with horizontal stripes, it makes a comfortable closet staple that delivers all the dark-academia vibes.
Dark-Academia Outfits: Sam Edelman Laurs Loafers
A comfortable lug sole and glossy leather material lend this Sam Edelman Laurs Loafers ($150) a polished look. The stylish shoes will nicely complement your favorite jeans-and-blazer combo or tailored suit.