Light Academia Aesthetic Outfits: The 15 Most Amazing Fashion Tips

By Miruna Dulcea Feb 10, 2024

Together with Dark Academia, Light Academia is an internet aesthetic and subculture that focuses on a preppy fashion style, inspired by prestigious European and American universities.

At the core of Light Academia, we find literature, optimism, and serenity. They are reflected in the dominant colors of this aesthetic, which are neutral and desaturated tones of beige, light brown, white, as well as other pale colors.

In this article, we will show you the best wardrobe essentials that can help you craft the perfect Light Academia outfit. Keep reading to discover them!

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Colors

The best colors to use when creating a Light Academia aesthetic outfit are white, beige, and other pastel colors.

Make sure that your wardrobe contains many of these to nail the right look.

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Sweater vest

From the cold winter months to the warm weather of spring, sweater vests are awesome for layering.

Craft the ultimate Light Academia aesthetic outfit with a beautiful sweater vest, a white shirt, and cream pants.

The best sweater vests are timeless, durable, inexpensive, and ethically made. Browse through our list of the best cozy and sustainable sweater vests.

White shirt

White shirts are the epitome of elegance.

They have been always associated with academic life and nothing can be better to help you achieve a preppy look. You can combine a white shirt with a skirt or with formal trousers.

Here is our selection of the 15 best ethical button-up shirts for a dressy look.

Cardigan

Opt for a cozy cardigan to keep you warm and to help you look stylish. For a fabulous Light Academia aesthetic outfit, choose a cardigan in a light and versatile color, such as ivory or butter yellow.

Complete your outfit with a white shirt and a mini skirt.

The best cardigans are affordable, sustainable, and made under the highest quality standards.

Check out these 20 best cardigans.

Midi dress

Midi dresses present versatility in the Light Academia aesthetic. They can be worn in various ways, which makes them a crucial addition to your wardrobe.

Firstly, consider a midi dress in a neutral tone. Beige, cream, or light brown work well. Pair it with a thin belt to cinch the waist, providing a perfectly balanced silhouette.

If you choose a dress with a pattern, go for a vintage-inspired one.

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Winter coat

As seasons transition, so should your outfits!

Winter coats are another essential part of a Light Academia aesthetic outfit. Contrasting the Dark Academia outfit colors, you now need to go with something lighter such as ivory or light brown.

Opt for a long and neutral-colored winter coat. The length adds an air of sophistication while providing warmth.

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White turtleneck

Enhance your style with a beautiful white turtleneck. Wear it with brown pants and comfortable shoes.

Don't forget to purchase your turtleneck from an ethical brand.

Stylish bag

Make any outfit complete with a beautiful bag that aligns perfectly with the Light Academia aesthetic.

Make sure the design you choose is functional and elegant.

Luckily, nowadays you can purchase amazing bags made from organic or recycled materials without any animal ingredients.

Check out the 15 best faux leather designer handbags in 2024.

Delicate jewelry

Accessories play a very important role in a woman's wardrobe. They can help you elevate your style game and make your outfits more interesting.

The best jewelry brands create fair trade items, such as necklaces, bracelets, rings, earrings, and pendants.

To help you make a conscious choice that drives positive change in the fashion world, we have selected 15 best fair trade jewelry brands that work under the highest social and environmental standards.

Basic clothes

Basic clothes are the foundation of any good wardrobe. They are like a blank canvas that can help you create amazing outfits.

For the Light Academia aesthetic, we recommend going with T-shirts, tops, dresses, and bodysuits in light neutral colors.

Never underestimate the importance of owning high-quality basic items.

Read our article and learn what the 20 best basics you need to have in your wardrobe are.

Underwear

Because the colors that define the light academia aesthetic are light colors, you need to pick your underwear carefully!

Go with colors that match your outfit or your skin, and stay away from anything that's too bright and might be visible through your clothes.

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Brown pants

For a fashionable look, choose pants in a light to medium brown shade. Pair them with a white shirt. If it's cold outside, add a cardigan and a coat to stay cozy and create stylish layers.

Take a look at these sustainable Scandinavian brands that offer comfortable and fashionable garments to make you look great and feel good with a clean conscience.

Skirt

Skirts, particularly pleated or A-line styles, are staples in the Light Academia aesthetic. They exude an air of femininity and class. Furthermore, they pair well with almost any top, being a versatile wardrobe piece.

As already mentioned, the light academia aesthetic favors a neutral color palette. However, this doesn't mean that you can't incorporate a very subtle pop of color such as muted blue or green.

If you choose a skirt that doesn't feature a light or neutral color, make sure to match it with white and light brown clothing items.

Here are the 15 best affordable and sustainable pleated tennis skirts.

Footwear

If you are wondering what the best shoes for the light academia aesthetic are, we've got you covered!

Boots, oxfords, Mary Janes, T-bar shoes, and ballet flats are your best choices. They reflect the practicality and sophistication that the aesthetic embodies.

Click here to discover the best affordable and ethical shoes made in Canada.

More knitwear

Knitwear should exist in every woman's wardrobe. We've talked about turtlenecks, sweater vests, and cardigans, but you should also wear sweaters, scarves, and knit dresses.

You can now purchase amazing garments that will help you stay warm and enhance your Light Academia style.

Here are our favorite sustainable knitwear brands.

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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."