Be inspired with light and dark academia fashion and aesthetic.
Whether youâre starting uni, college, or simply want to switch up your look, dark and light academia is the trend that can reinvent your entire aesthetic. As fashion subcultures go, itâs garnered tons of popularity over the past couple of years, and thereâs no sign of it slowing down.
Want to achieve the dark and light academia TikTok-inspired trend? Weâll show you how with not just fashion, but TV, film and other media, so you can really channel the dark or light academia vibes youâre after. Plus, weâre going to show you how to put dark academia outfits and light academia outfits together without burning a hole in your pocket.
Last updated: 21st February 2025
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What is dark academia fashion?
There are many definitions for the dark academia aesthetic. As the name suggests, dark academia is rooted in study, books and institutions. This social media sub-culture draws influence from literature, the arts, gothic architecture, classics and history, hence its predominantly dark neutral colours. Itâs a romanticism of education, if you will, with gothic and melancholic undertones.
In terms of where dark academia fashion came from, Oxbridge and Ivy League students' clothes were romanticised and sought after. Think cardigans, knits, blazers, plaid pants and houndstooth patterns. When it comes to dark academia colours, they usually have a palette of browns, beiges and black. They can even pull colours from autumnal seasons.
Ultimately, the dark academia style draws influence from learning. What makes it dark is the influences it draws from âdarkerâ subjects, places and things.
Dark Academia fashion & outfits
You may be wondering where to get dark and light academia fashion by this point. Before we dive in, letâs look at the types of pieces you want to invest in when searching for dark academia clothing:
Sweater vests
Tailored trousers
Shirts and blouses with collars
Oxford or Derby shoes
Long coats
Leather backpacks or satchels
Plaid skirts
Knee-high socks
Boots (Docs, knee-highs etc).
Where can I buy dark academia clothes?
ASOS: an all-rounder for dark academia fashion
Urban Outfitters: another great all rounder for those after dark and light academia aesthetics
Coach: if youâre after classic and/or tailored dark academia clothes
schuh: a shoe store with tons of options including Dr. Martens, a staple that completes a dark academia outfit
PrettyLittleThing: super affordable with basic and statement dark academia pieces
boohoo: a fast-fashion brand with reasonably-priced dark academia clothing and tons of choice
Bershka oversized faux suede blazer in tan â ÂŁ59.99
Weâre huge fans of this brown suede blazer because it fits the dark academia aesthetic and also looks on-trend. You can pair this with an all-black outfit, or a white shirt and light brown skirt. A great series of start outfits if you ask us, especially if you want to know what to wear with Doc Martens. Don't forget to use your ASOS student discount to get the best deals.
Nobody's Child Heritage Check Mini Skirt â ÂŁ35
Itâs not dark academia without a plaid skirt! Weâre huge fans of this mini skirt that can be paired with some thin black tights or knee-high socks and a pair of boots. If skirts arenât your thing, there are tons of plaid pants in this exact style. Get your Nobody's Child student discount and check out their array of dark academia fashion.
boohoo basic rib racer midaxi dress â ÂŁ10
While this midaxi may look simple, think of all the ways you could make this your own! Pair this dark academia dress with some boots, multiple belts and a long coat. So chic, AND mysterious.
Get a boohoo student discount
Dr Martens black 1490 boots â ÂŁ180
Dr. Martens are somewhat of a staple for both dark and light academia styles. They go with everything and add grunge yet youthful touches to an outfit. Better yet, we have the best Schuh student discounts so you can grab yourself a pair of Doc Martins for less.
Urban Outfitters Casie Large Faux Leather Sling Bag - ÂŁ38
We're obsessed with this brown faux leather bag. In a slouchy sling style, it's giving effortless but still put together. Perfect for throwing your books in but still matching every outfit you have.
What are the inspirations behind the dark and light academia trends?
The dark academia fashion trend, overall, is quite moody. A lot of its roots are similar to light academia, but exude gothic aesthetics, history, sadness and even escapism. Overall, itâs quite sombre.
Light academia fashion, on the other hand, is the emotionally positive and visually lighter relative of dark academia. Itâs the total opposite, with roots in optimism, happiness, poetry and motivation. Think cottagecore, but with a focus on education and a love for learning.
Dark Academia in TV, film and books
Dark academia, as we mentioned, is a culture with a heavy emphasis on education that spans to reading, writing and learning. So with that logic, dark academia movies, shows and books should be part of your repertoire. After all, itâs the romanticisation of learning thatâll form your dark academia aesthetic. Basically anyone who would appear on Rory Gilmore's reading list.
Here are some dark academia books, movies and TV shows youâll love:
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë
Jane Eyre by renowned British author Charlotte BrontĂ« was probably a book you studied in school. It follows governess Jane Eyre, who is hired by Edward Rochester to care for his ward AdĂšle. As the story unfolds, we begin to see a romance form between the two characters. A book of education, secrets, love and lies, itâs one of the best dark academia books to add to your collection.
Get a WH Smith student discount
The Theory of Everything
One of the first dark academia movies on your list must be The Theory of Everything. Released in 2014 in the big pictures, it follows the life of English theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking, from his youth to his schooling at the University of Oxford, the discovery of his motor neurone disease, as well as romance.
Universities, books, romance, schoolingâŠnothing says dark academia more than this.
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The Queenâs Gambit
An absolute must for dark academia enthusiasts, The Queenâs Gambit is an extremely successful mini-series on Netflix that follows a young yet incredibly skilled chess player, who battles many hardships, including addiction. Her intellect and penchant for reading is something to be marvelled.
'Confessions' by Kanae Minato
Confessions by Kanae Minato practically call to the dark academia in our hearts. Without revealing too much, itâs a book about a teacher and student, murderous intentions, revenge, punishment and tragic love. The Japanese psychological thriller was also created into a film directed by Tetsuya Nakashima back in 2010.
Get a World of Books student discount
'Ace of Spades' by Faridah ĂbĂkĂ©-ĂyĂmĂdĂ©
Are you a fan of Gossip Girl? Then youâre going to love Ace of Spades to read in your spare time. The main characters, Chiamaka and Devon, discover a secret society after getting unsettling texts from someone called âAcesâ. Itâs a book about sex, lies and power. Oh, and it takes place in a school.
Get an Amazon student discount
Other dark academia books, TV and film
Secret History by Donna Tartt
Mary Shelley
Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clarke
The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
Book Depository student discount
What is light academia fashion?
The difference between dark and light academia is quite stark. Light academia has the same inspiration drawn from education and literature. However, it has a more positive and romantic spin on it. Itâs a lot more detail-oriented and takes further inspiration from ââlifestyle, fashion and bedroom design to books, movies, art and music. The same is true for dark academia, but think of light academia as the visually 'lighter' counterpart.
Light academia outfits
If youâre wondering how to put together light academia outfits, then look no further. They really arenât too dissimilar to dark academia outfits, but instead, we want to make the light academia clothes you wear exude a softer aesthetic. Here are some light academia fashion ideas you can take inspiration from.
Where can I buy light academia clothes?
Light academia clothes are easier to find than you think. In fact, you may be buying them without even knowing! Here is a list of brands to buy light academia clothes from:
ASOS: your one-stop shop for light academia (and dark!)
New Look: a shop for all your airy and light academia clothing
boohooMAN: a hidden gem for light academia mens fashion
Oliver Bonas: curated lifestyle brand with hidden light academia pieces
Koi Footwear: Great for cheap dark and light academia shoes.
New Look Urban Bliss White Shirred Mini Milkmaid Dress - ÂŁ24
Perfectly paired with some Oxford loafers or summer sandals, this dress is ideal for light academia outfits for summer. Add an oversized knit for cooler nights and you're onto a winner. Plus our New Look student discount makes this gorgeous dress so affordable.
Cider Solid Rib Pencil Skirt â ÂŁ17.90
This ribbed camel skirt from Cider is so versatile that it can even be worn on a day youâre feeling a little Dark Academia. Pair with a loose knitted crop, a tied up white shirt and long beige trench coat.
We hope you got inspired by our dark and light academia fashion fits, media and recommendations to help you channel this subculture in your own way. If youâre after light academia style, or dark academia outfits for less, look out for our fashion student discounts to save cash on your fashion subculture pieces!
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