How to get the ‘dark academia’ look
In case you’ve yet to realize, I love to break down looks and help people to become more confident in creating a style that suits them. While I will always love reporting on trending items that are taking the fashion world by storm, sometimes talking about certain niches such as the 'That Girl ' trend can be equally- if not more- fun. For this reason and the fact that a new school year is almost upon us I decided to do a quick breakdown of the dark academia style which has only grown more and more popular in the past year or so.
Dark academia is a style that represents knowledge and features comfort as the key rather than the overall form. Still, the timeless and elegant look of this style niche is obvious. From tweed suits to the classic pairing of pleated skirts with turtlenecks everything about dark academia style screams classic literature and vintage European flair. So if the idea of your perfect day is wandering about an old library while drinking black coffee and listening to Chopin, this style aesthetic might be perfect for you.
Creating a capsule wardrobe
Since dark academia centers itself around the accumulation of knowledge with a slight melancholic feel, therefore classic pieces are the items that are often incorporated into the outfits. So when striving to create your own dark academia style think about what a student at a boarding school would wear- or someone who frequents museums in Europe.
Capsule wardrobe necessities:
One trench coat
A black turtleneck
White shirt
Loose fitting sweaters
A basic watch
At least two pairs of dress pants
Pencil skirt
Pleated skirt
Oxford style loafers
Mary janes
Collared shirt
Additional add-ons:
Cross body bag or backpack
Black headband
Hair ribbons
Locket
Scarfs
Tweed suit set
Glasses
Broaches
Leather gloves
Color Palette
The color palette for dark academia appears to be far more brooding than that of it’s opposite aesthetic: light academia. While some deeper colors are welcomed into the color palette, neutrals will always take precedence.
Black
Grey
Beiges and browns
Off-whites
Dark green
Burgundy
The main fabric will always be classic and high quality. Therefore, sometimes it is more expensive so thrift shopping and consignment stores would always be a welcome place to go looking for clothes.
Main fabrics used:
Cotton
Tweed
Cashmere
Silks and satins
Wool
Knits
Leather
If you enjoyed this post then please let me know in the comments below and if you would like a style consultation on creating your own personal look then please email me at sydney.y.writes@gmail.com