What is Dark Academia style?

Dark Academia is a trend that started on social media. This look, like many other fashion trends, began on Instagram and TikTok last year.

Dark Academia draws heavily from vintage designs from the ’30s to ’40s. It is romantic and intellectual. You can easily imagine a college student attending Oxford or Cambridge in the future. Tayla, a photographer and creator of Cosy Academia, says that there are nearly 2 million #darkacademia photos on microblogging platform Instagram right now. She believes the trend’s resurgence can be attributed to the time of year when students return to school or university looking for inspiration and preparing to impress their classmates.

Dark Academia is a popular choice for students who love to romance their school life. It also thrives in the dark days of winter and fall. Dark Academia is a strong contender for the back-to school season.

What is DARK ACADEMIA?

Dark Academia is the perfect style for those who dream of attending a prestigious university, or love to debate the merits and beauty of Jane Austen novels. This fashion style is based on preppy basics. It’s similar to the Coastal Grandmother trend in that many of the pieces will be found in your capsule wardrobe. Dark Academia is preppy, with a dark twist. It includes tailored pants, knitted tank tops and Oxford loafers. Trench coats and trench coats.

Dark Academia, like many fashion trends inspired by social media, is more than a style. It’s a way of life. Tayla believes that the core of this trend is the desire to learn.

She explains that Dark Academia is a romanticization and romance of learning. Many people want to live a “Dark Academia lifestyle,” which could include romanticizing reading in a library or studying late at night.

Vintage-inspired, vintage lovers encourage vintage shop and second-hand purchases over new. Instagram and TikTok posts feature older technology, such as typewriters or record players. This is a nod to simpler times. This trend has been influenced and driven by modern-day shows like The Queen’s Gambit and The Irregulars.

Dark Academia is a look that you have to embrace. The darker shades of brown, black, grey and navy blue are great for Fall outfits. Add some checks or argyle to complete the look.

Dark Academia fashion is a result of the “preppy school girl” look, but it’s executed in a sophisticated and sometimes moody manner. Tayla says dark colors and plaids are essential.

This trend is loved by celebrities like Bella Hadid and Olivia Rodrigo – who know how to wear a plaid three piece suit. Designers such as Ralph Lauren and Vetements have also taken the trend down the runway, sending fall checks, argyle sweaters, and academic-inspired attire.

HOW TO DRESS FOR DARK ACADEMIA TREND

1. DRESSES

A simple pinafore silhouette is the best dress to achieve this trend. Pinafore dresses can be worn in classic corduroy, or in check fall colors. If you prefer a more professional look, a pinafore dress with a longer length can be paired with a white blouse. A shorter version of the pinafore is great for weekend mooching or for creating brunch outfits.

Plaid dresses, cute collars and anything in a fall color are other options that can tap into this trend. Brown is a great option, especially since it fits well into the season’s fashion trends. For that finishing touch, you can add a book under your arm.

Style tip: Accessories can add a lot more to your outfit than just a touch of Dark Academia. To dress up your outfit, add a vintage-inspired brooch to your look or tie a leather belt around the waist.

2. TOPS

Influencer Tayla says that knits are a big part of Dark Academia fashion. She also notes that most looks are designed for cooler weather, so layers are important.

A chunky cardigan can be worn over a preppy dress, or a sweater vest can be worn with a crisp white shirt and a crisp white shirt. Argyle knits are a great choice for Dark Academia style. Pair with plain trousers or mix with a plaid skirt to make it more modern. A roll-neck in a muted color such as brown, forest green, or burgundy is a great alternative if you don’t like pattern.

A blouse or shirt that can be tucked up to the top is a sophisticated option. Large or Peter Pan collars are also a great choice.

Style tip: A blouse with bell sleeves or cuffed sleeves can give your look a vintage touch.

3. SKIRTS & TROUSERS

This look is best worn with skirts. To really nail this look, you can opt for pants in either a vintage-style wool blend, or corduroy, but it should be in a more androgynous, baggier silhouette. To avoid your bottom being too loose, you can make your top more fitted. A collared blouse will add femininity to the look.

Tayla suggests that you can adapt this trend for your own style. She said that her Dark Academia look is a bit more vintage and evokes 1940s style with long skirts and dresses. Grunge fashion is very popular right now, and this look could be incorporated with Dark Academia fashion. For example, a cute mini skirt in a pleated style would look great!

4. BLAZERS

This trend is best viewed as androgynous. This trend is all about masculine silhouettes that are large and slightly larger than the norm. It’s not the time to go super-fitted. This look is often reminiscent of the blazers worn in the ’30s and ’40s by men. Look for tweeds and checks, and, if possible, double-breasted.

No matter if you are wearing it with jeans, trainers, or a checked skirt and loafers, the right blazer will instantly give your outfit a Dark Academia look.

Styling tip: For a sophisticated look, mix a masculine blazer and a feminine blouse. Think high necks with ruffles. Contrasting styles can look like complete opposites but when combined they create a very stylish look.

5. SHOES

The perfect shoes for academic life are a fitting style. They have more than a hint of back-to school. Chosen styles include loafers, boots, and brogues. This is not the time to wear delicate or delicate shoes.

They are a chic, smart-casual shoe that looks great with jeans or wide-legged pants. You can pair them with a pair sock for a youthful take on the trend. Or, you could wear them with opaque tights and a midi dress for work.

Styling tip: If you are looking for something more feminine, the Mary Jane shoe is a good option. For a modern twist on the classic shoe, consider a platform style.

6. BAG

What is Dark Academia’s approach to bag design? They should be big enough to hold a dissertation or a few books and look well-loved for at least a semester. Bags for Dark Academia are stylish and practical. This look can be achieved with a variety of bags: backpacks, messenger bags and briefcases.

Softer structured bags were a big trend for 2022, according to runways. For Dark Academia bags rigidity is the key. You can find inspiration in the most stylish designer bags for work by looking at bags like Prada’s 1995 tote. They are structured and sleek.

Styling tip: If you can, buy secondhand. It will not only fit into the vintage vibe of this trend but you may also be able to get a style steal such as a designer bag at a fraction the price. You can find Vinted, eBay and Depop.

7. HATS

Tayla says that a hat is a great way to complete a look. A beret is the best option as it goes with any outfit. However, a newsboy cap can add a vintage touch to your overall look.

A ribbon or hair bow is a great way to accessorize if hats aren’t your style. You can tie it around a ponytail, or use it to create a half-up/half-down look.

Styling tip: Tie your hair behind your ears or put it up before you put on your hat.