Imagine yourself walking down the halls at a university in 1940s, or wandering through the English countryside in 1847. You can stop fantasizing it and live it by this aesthetic. This trend is more than clothes. It’s inspired by a thirst for knowledge and a passion for learning. If you are new to this trend or want to replicate it in your daily wardrobe, then look no further. Dark academia outfits can be viewed as timeless, genderfluid and filled with nostalgia.
What is Dark Academia Aesthetic and how can it help you?
Dark Academia is a subculture that celebrates literature, classical studies and knowledge. These are often found in Oxbridge or Ivy League universities. They can be set anywhere from the middle of the 19th century to the present. Films set between 1920 and 1950s will be most common. They are often focused on themes such as murder, intrigue or a quest for self-actualization. It is, as the name implies, darker than these scholarly references. Think rainy days in dark libraries or empty museums. The aesthetic is rooted in the pre-WWII era’s upper and privileged classes. Many films feature Eurocentric characters, which are wealthy men who drink excessively and walk the streets at night. This can lead to unhealthy habits like excessive caffeine consumption and sleep deprivation. The aesthetic is characterized by a desire to learn and can be found in many subcultures today with modern influences and more inclusive references. The main elements of this aesthetic remain the same throughout: plaid trousers, button-down shirt, and layers of neutrals. This aesthetic is loved by BIPOC, the queer community and everyone who likes it.
Dark Academia vs. Light Academia Aesthetic
The only thing that distinguishes these aesthetics from each other is their color palette. Both are very similar but the lighter version will not have the dark hues of Dark Academia. Both aesthetics share a third of knowledge. Light academia will be more focused on the classical era while dark academia will lean more towards gothic literature. While the lighter side is associated with friendship and optimism, the darker side embraces the dark nature of its influences. Both can be seen as siblings. One is reading books in the garden, while the other waits for rain to begin so they can sit down and have a cup of coffee.
Tweed Blazers
The Dark Academia aesthetic features a strong allusion to uniforms, which includes tweed jackets. These pieces can be worn oversized, rolled at your cuff or tailored to fit perfectly. They can be worn with a button-down shirt or as a separate piece. You can also wear it with a turtleneck in dark or neutral shades, checked trousers or a skirt of mid-length. You can recreate the colors worn at school or university for a more authentic look. Although a Harris or Houndstooth is great looking in monochrome, a Prince of Wales or herringbone can be matched with many colors.
Dark Wool Coats
You will see at least one scene in Dark Academia movies and TV shows that is set during the winter months. Layering is not a new concept, but it is almost mandatory in this aesthetic. Dark wool coats can be worn to match the earthy colors you are styling, and keep you warm. It doesn’t matter how long the outerwear is, but it depends on what sub-culture you are trying to imitate. If you want to imitate The Dead Poets Society‘s 1959 scene, choose a coat that falls at the shin. You can opt for something shorter if you prefer the scene from The Dreamers‘s 60s.
