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Here's how to get in the collegiate spirit.
In case you missed it, prep school fashion has taken a turn toward goth, resulting in a new aesthetic altogether: dark academia. Not to be confused with its collegiate sibling, light academia, dark academia is moody, existential, and inspired by iconic locals like Oxford University, Harvard University, and basically all other Ivy League schools. Contemporary sources of inspiration include movies like The Holdovers and Sherlock Holmes, as well as novels like Donna Tartt’s The Secret History and M.L. Rio’s If We Were Villains.
By romanticizing all things academic, dark academia taps into the lingering instinct that dressing like an intellectual might just help in becoming one, too. It’s classic and European, romantic and tragic, and influenced by Greek mythology and poetry with existential themes, plus works by authors like Shakespeare, the Bronte sisters, and Jane Austen.
Intrigued? Ahead, we've rounded up the most essential elements of the dark academia aesthetic, many of which you'll likely be able to recreate with items from your own wardrobe.
Vintage Ivy League
Not to be confused with gothcore (or goth business casual), the dark academia wardrobe consists of pieces that would meet private school dress code standards. It’s less vampy and nightmarish fantasy (see Kourtney Kardashian-Barker and Megan Fox for reference) and more vintage Ivy League. To dress the part, create a capsule collection of tailored trousers and pleated skirts, collared shirts, cozy cardigans, and pairs of chunky loafers.
Layers Upon Layers
Layering is also key to dark academia styling. Incorporate different textures with knit sweaters or vests laid over button-downs, skirts worn with tights, and sophisticated outerwear, like a trench coat—or three.
High Socks and Loafers
High socks and loafers scream academia, even more so when paired with a skirt of short. A blazer and houndstooth top round out the classroom-ready look.
Moody, Yet Romantic
Nothing say moody and romantic more than a sheer black lace dress, as modeled by Cindy Bruna here. To complement the look, add a long black peacoat and thigh-high socks.
Cozy Elegance
There's no doubt that cozy comforts are here to stay. Still, loungewear has evolved from amorphous joggers and sweat sets to a more structured, albeit oversized, silhouette. Take this dark academia outfit that combines wide-leg trousers, a knit pullover, and an oversized blazer with chunky loafers. It's polished and refined without sacrificing comfort.
Dark Color Palettes
One of the best parts about dark academia fashion is that it relies on wardrobe staples rather than trending pieces to create a look. Head to your closet and pull out a black dress, turtleneck, and your favorite outerwear. (Rich, oxblood accents pair perfectly.) Throw them on together for an instant Penny Dreadful-inspired outfit.
Plaid Anything
Plaid pervades today’s fashion trends and of years past. To incorporate it into your dark academic aes
A Strategic Accessory
To tie your look together and take it to the next level, consider adding an accessory. Popular accessories include leather messenger bags and briefcases, berets, neckties, hair bows, and a book tucked under your arm. You’ll want to add a cup of coffee or tea to really hone in on the aesthetic.
A Tweed Suit
Few things are more professional than a tweed three-piece suit (extra points for elbow patches). Be it forest green or slate gray, any autumnal color will do, so long as its appropriately collegiat
Add a Headband
Nothing says prep school quite like a headband. Here, Olivia Palermo pairs a black one with a moody plaid set.