10 Pieces to Nail the Light-Academia Look
:upscale()/2022/07/26/897/n/1922564/d463e12862e04f40473581.51805051_.jpg)
Perhaps in direct response to the dark-academia trend that's been dominating our social media feeds, there's a new look du jour: the light-academia aesthetic. Dior's Maria Grazia Chiuri gave it her stamp of approval with her fall 2022 collection, which featured a tan pleated maxi skirt paired with a black and white gingham print jacket. Burberry's Ricardo Tisci also offered his own take in London, with a brown pleated skirt rendered with the brand's heritage check print and paired with a tan collared jacket. Similarly, creative director Miuccia Prada sent several argyle sweaters that fit the dress code down the Miu Miu fall 2022 runway, while Chanel's polished skirt suits are almost always on-theme. Thanks to these influential designers, we will witness the continuity of the trend next season. But as spring quickly approaches, light academia is poised to see renewed interest, as many of the signature pieces pair well with warmer weather.
As Tumblr trend expert Amanda Brennan told Nylon in an interview, "Light academia still embodies the love of learning, but with an airier, less doom-focused feel that shows that knowledge brings light and happiness in the outdoors rather than a gothic darkness seen curled up in a corner." Brennan drew similarities between the light-academia aesthetic and cottagecore, which is also rooted in small pleasures — though not exclusively deriving from education. As such, light academia has aptly been dubbed the more optimistic relative of dark academia.
What Is the Light-Academia Aesthetic?
As the name indicates, this trend is a gentler take on dark academia, with a crop of softer colors — think cream, brown, beige, and white — in lighter fabrics. While it draws inspiration from the same academic institutions as the darker trend, light academia is warmer and more optimistic. Nonetheless, both niche trends place an emphasis on education, and their members share a passion for visiting art galleries and spending time studying at libraries or coffee shops.
So, what items constitute the perfect light-academia wardrobe? A mix of turtleneck tops, cardigans, button-down shirts, tweed blazers, corduroy jackets, cable-knit sweaters, and knitted vests in the aforementioned color palette. Ahead, we've curated a versatile array of pieces you'll find extremely wearable. What's more, you'll have no problem wearing them from the office to afterwork hangs, on weekend adventures, and wherever else.
:upscale()/2022/03/08/815/n/1922564/a073446044915032_netimgEfEFIo.webp)
Light-Academia Outfits: Mango Turtleneck Knitted Sweater
Designed with short sleeves and a high neck, this Mango Turtleneck Knitted Sweater ($10, originally $36) makes an airy layer you can style during both warm and cold seasons. Tuck into beige pants and wear it under a matching blazer for peak light-academia style.
:extract_cover():upscale():fill(ffffff)/2022/03/08/815/n/1922564/a073446044915032_netimgEfEFIo.webp)
:upscale()/2022/07/26/844/n/1922564/1704e5d662e03d516f6003.19487212_L_F.webp)
Light-Academia Outfits: Lovers and Friends Pearl Mini Dress
The styling possibilities with this Lovers and Friends Pearl Mini Dress ($198) are endless, whether you wear it with tall boots for a day at the university or swap them for strappy heels at night for a chic date. The contrasting black lines contribute to its visual interest, while the pearl buttons add a touch of luxe. Accessorize with a dainty chain necklace and minimal pearl studs.
:extract_cover():upscale():fill(ffffff)/2022/07/26/844/n/1922564/1704e5d662e03d516f6003.19487212_L_F.webp)
:upscale()/2022/07/26/844/n/1922564/0d20c6d462e03d51c912b2.42701577_Merino_Cashm.webp)
Light-Academia Outfits: ME + EM Merino Cashmere Monochrome Vest
A neutral color palette makes this ME + EM Merino Cashmere Monochrome Vest ($195) a versatile addition to any closet. The sleeveless silhouette is suited for summer and fall temperatures alike, and it'll effortlessly pair with trousers for a polished effect or with jeans for a casual school uniform.
:extract_cover():upscale():fill(ffffff)/2022/07/26/844/n/44344577/shopG8pE6A.jpg)
:upscale()/2022/07/26/844/n/1922564/ea3acd2462e03d522b9549.17106852_yarn_sweater.webp)
Light-Academia Outfits: Banana Republic Tape Yarn Sweater
A classic top like this Banana Republic Tape Yarn Sweater ($40, originally $80) is one you'll turn to season after season. Pair it with wide-leg pants or A-line skirts for an office-ready look, or tuck it into your favorite white jeans for a casual day out.
:extract_cover():upscale():fill(ffffff)/2022/07/26/844/n/44344577/shopG8AE7A.jpg)
:upscale()/2022/07/26/858/n/1922564/b13698f762e04209b9ab32.30398582_cameron_pant.webp)
Light-Academia Outfits: J.Crew Cameron Slim Crop Pants
For bottoms you can wear seven days a week, 12 months a year, turn to these J.Crew Cameron Slim Crop Pants ($98). Perfect for the office or afterwork happy hours, they'll be sure to hold you in and keep you comfortable. Wear yours with a beige cardigan and brown loafers for a collegiate look.
:extract_cover():upscale():fill(ffffff)/2022/07/26/858/n/1922564/b13698f762e04209b9ab32.30398582_cameron_pant.webp)
:upscale()/2022/03/08/815/n/1922564/aebb72f499020414_netimgGUWCWa.jpg)
Light-Academia Outfits: & Other Stories Cable Knit Mini Dress
With its cable-knit design and V-neckline, this & Other Stories Cable Knit Mini Dress ($119) will help convey an effortlessly preppy feel. To enhance the light-academia theme, layer it over a light-blue button-down or wear it alone with tall boots or loafers.
:extract_cover():upscale():fill(ffffff)/2022/03/08/815/n/1922564/aebb72f499020414_netimgGUWCWa.jpg)
:upscale()/2022/07/26/858/n/1922564/8d3d9e5b62e0420a8a3b60.86977044_Ashby_Plaid_.webp)
Light-Academia Outfits: Free People Ashby Plaid Blazer
Cut in a vintage-inspired silhouette, this Free People Ashby Plaid Blazer ($168) features a collegiate print, sharp lapels, and small pockets. Style yours over a crisp button-down and smoking pants for a polished ensemble.
:extract_cover():upscale():fill(ffffff)/2022/07/26/858/n/1922564/8d3d9e5b62e0420a8a3b60.86977044_Ashby_Plaid_.webp)
:upscale()/2022/07/26/858/n/1922564/478f9d8462e0420b0b80f7.33262728_BR_Polo_Swea.webp)
Light-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 light-academia vibes.
:extract_cover():upscale():fill(ffffff)/2022/07/26/858/n/44344577/shopA2SCbU.jpg)
:upscale()/2022/07/26/858/n/1922564/fb7fdc2262e0420b8e6327.70496225_Collegiate_S.webp)
Light-Academia Outfits: Lacoste Collegiate Sweater
The contrasting trim details make this understated Lacoste Collegiate Sweater ($198) stand out. Pair it with a tennis skirt for a sporty and cool vibe, or tuck it into tailored trousers for the next business meeting.
:extract_cover():upscale():fill(ffffff)/2022/07/26/858/n/44344577/shopeWOhP7.jpg)
:upscale()/2022/07/26/858/n/1922564/43a683b162e0420c3332a5.09993672_Screenshot_2.png)
Light-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.
:extract_cover():upscale():fill(ffffff)/2022/07/26/858/n/1922564/43a683b162e0420c3332a5.09993672_Screenshot_2.png)