Dark Academia Aesthetic Outfits: 15 Best Practical Ideas

By Miruna Dulcea Feb 07, 2024

Dark Academia is a popular aesthetic that revolves around classic literature, the pursuit of self-discovery, and a general passion for knowledge and learning.

In the last few years, this aesthetic has gained a lot of popularity on social media platforms, where we can find books and media recommendations, room makeovers, and mood boards.

Dark Academia fashion is inspired by prep school uniforms and combines elements from different historical periods. Predominantly, the colors used in dark academia fashion are dark and muted, inspired by prestigious UK and US universities situated in cooler climates.

If you are interested in Dark Academia fashion, we can help you choose the perfect clothes to nail this aesthetic!

Keep reading if you want to build a cute and practical capsule wardrobe that's crammed with Dark Academia elements.

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Colors

The first thing to keep in mind when switching to the Dark Academia aesthetic is that you have to choose the right colors.

Some of your best options are black, charcoal gray, forest green, earthy brown, burgundy, and navy blue.

In order to build the perfect Dark Academia wardrobe, you need to stick to dark and muted colors.

For more fashion inspiration, take a look at these slow fashion brands.

Coat

Every woman needs a high-quality winter coat in her wardrobe. It will keep you warm while beautiful completing any winter look. Choose a dark brown or gray coat for an amazing Dark Academia style outfit.

The best winter coats are multifunctional, versatile, warm, cozy, fashionable, and sustainably made from eco-friendly materials to help you look fantastic.

Take a peek at our selection.

Gray turtleneck

Choose a versatile gray turtleneck. You will be able to wear it with pants or skirts and you can enjoy it during both autumn and winter.

Don't forget to purchase it from an ethical brand.

Monochrome outfits

Wearing the same color head-to-toe is an easy and practical way to ensure you are well-dressed. Not to mention this saves you a lot of time otherwise spent mixing and matching your clothes.

No matter if you go for an all-black or an all-gray outfit, make sure your clothes are made from high-quality, durable materials that are gentle with your skin.

Here is our complete guide on how to check the fabric quality of clothing.

Black tights

If you are wearing a dress or a skirt, do not hesitate to add a pair of black tights.

They will instantly make your attire darker and more mysterious.

Here are the 10 best ethical hosiery brands for eco-friendly tights.

Blazer

Blazers are great for creating elegant outfits that match the Dark Academia aesthetic. You can wear them with dresses, but also with a skirt and shirt combo.

Make sure to purchase within the recommended color palette.

For more style inspiration, take a look at our selection of sustainable blazers.

Cute dress

Craft a stylish and preppy look with a cute dress. Dresses are available in a wide range of colors, designs, materials, and lengths, which means there is a lot to choose from.

Go for a design that looks flattering on your body type, but don't forget to select a dark color. Add black tights and delicate jewelry to complete your look.

Browse through our selection of ethically made black dresses.

Outfits with pants

Formal dress pants are elegant and versatile clothing items that can help you create many outfits from smart casual to formal.

For the best Dark Academia aesthetic outfit, choose pants in a dark color such as black or gray, and combine them with a turtleneck or a shirt.

Check out the 15 best affordable and recycled pants you will love.

Mini skirt

Mini skirts are an integral part of the Dark Academia aesthetic. Much like dresses, they should feature dark and muted colors.

Skirts add a flirty element to your academic outfit. They can be worn with tights, a black blouse, and a coat, contributing to a layered and textured appearance.

To help you purchase ethically made clothes, we have compiled a list of the 15 best affordable and sustainable mini skirts.

Bags and purses

Make sure you own at least one bag and one purse that match your Dark Academia outfits. They will come in handy whenever you go to work, uni, or out with your friends.

We have great news: Your bags and purses can now be made from vegan and cruelty-free materials.

Discover the 15 best affordable vegan leather bags and purses.

Sweater

A sweater is a quintessential element of Dark Academia aesthetic outfits.

This particular garment, versatile and timeless, can be paired with various other pieces, such as skirts, pants, or jeans to create a well-rounded ensemble.

Purchase a comfortable and practical sweater from a sustainable brand.

Jeans

In the Dark Academia aesthetic, bottoms are usually formal pants or skirts. Jeans are not so common, but if you love to wear them, make sure you choose a classic design in black.

Match them with an elegant top, such as a shirt, or a turtleneck.

Take a look at our selection of sustainable black jeans.

Cardigan

Cardigans are very comfortable but at the same time, they are evocative of professionalism.

They look fantastic in many combinations and they can help you craft a gorgeous Dark Academia outfit.

Let yourself be inspired by these affordable and sustainable cardigans.

Footwear

Make sure to choose elegant yet comfortable footwear.

Uncomfortable shoes can ruin your day and your health in the long term. It is very important to choose shoes that feel great, especially if you have to spend many hours wearing them.

Dark Academia outfits look great with loafers, ballet shoes, boots, and block heels.

To help you make the best choice, here are 30 shoe companies that produce ethical and vegan shoes under the highest quality standards.

Jewelry

Accessorize your dark academia outfits with beautiful jewelry. Add a silver or gold necklace over your turtleneck.

Alternatively, you can choose to wear a ring that matches your outfit.

Browse through the best ethical jewelry brands using recycled materials.

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About the Author: Miruna Dulcea

Miruna Dulcea has a science degree in Physics. She enjoys learning foreign languages and has so far lived and worked in four countries across Europe. Apart from her interest in science, she has a passion for fragrance and loves animals and art in all forms. - "Writing is a binder that breaks physical, temporal, and cultural boundaries and connects people everywhere, and that is the powerful fuel that motivates me to express myself with this form of communication. It is about both learning and sharing."