Dark Academia Fashion - A Street Trend Not To Be Missed

If you’re looking to ramp up your style, then take a long look at the trending dark academia fashion genre. The latest craze on TikTok, with over 800,000 Instagram posts, should not be ignored. Think of scenes from Harry Potter with moody settings, darkened rooms and dramatic cloudy skies. Then add in a gothic twist. 

Dark academia fashion appreciates intellect and celebrates the hallowed halls of university life. It’s a delicate balance of boarding school vibe with a romantic style that packs a punch. Vintage-inspired, the overall aesthetic blends colour and texture, emphasising layering and thrifting to achieve a moody look. But how do we turn the mysterious mood into perfect dark academia outfits? 

The Perfect Blend & Balance Of Dark Academia Outfits

Dark and angsty, the basic colour palette for dark academia fashion includes timeless choices like black, charcoal grey, brown, forest green, rich burgundy and navy blue. To add a pop, you can contrast these with shades of cream, tan, orange and gold. Dark academia outfits don’t use many prints, but tartan plaid, houndstooth and diamond argyle patterns fit well with the overall aesthetic. Make your mark in the school corridors by mixing dark and light colours. 

The passion for learning is also reflected in the clever use of tactile fabric and texture in dark academia clothing. Mix and blend these to add layers of depth to any neutral outfit. The on-trend uniform includes staples like leather, wool, velvet, tweed and corduroy. Plus, luxury fabrics like cashmere and worsted yarns. Keep patterns to a minimum, adding a darker edge with accessories, and you’re ready to hit the street.   

How To Style Dark Academia Clothes

Dark academia aesthetic outfits are easy and fun to assemble, similar to the functional and minimal Scandinavian fashion ideas. Ask yourself what a quirky eminent professor would wear, and you’ll start to get the vibe. Search your wardrobe for bookish basics and buy a few classic college pieces you can combine effortlessly. Then, it’s time for some brooding gothic romance! 

• Get started on your dark academia outfit with a neutral or white shirt, either fitted and menswear-inspired or feminine puff sleeves, pleats and ruffles
• Go bold if your shirt features romantic-style sleeves, and prep up with a dapper waistcoat or a must-have knitted vest for a refined look
• Layering is key to dark academia fashion, so add this season’s rib-knit sweater, chunky pullover or angora cardigan in a dark, seductive colour
• Take your pick from corduroy suit trousers and chinos or plaid pleated midi and maxi skirts to pair with your new boarding school look
• Dare to dazzle with multiple weaves and textures for the ultimate dark academia outfits, and choose tactile fabrics for that vintage vibe

Old-School Must-Haves In Dark Academia Fashion 

If you’re taking your new dark academia fashion look seriously, it’s time to go retro and say farewell to everything digital. Ditch your kindle for serious-looking classic books and your favourite laptop for fine fountain pens. Studious accessories are essential to perfect your dark academia outfits. Swap the latest spec designs for wire-framed glasses and choose a timeless leather watch and belt. Vintage gold pendants, umbrellas, ties, berets and messenger bags all add to the ambience. It’s all about bygone eras and a magnetic, melancholic aesthetic.  

4 Trendy Dark Academia Outfit Ideas

So, the dark academia fashion starter pack is straightforward. You can build your outfits around these wardrobe staples. Mix, match and layer to your heart’s content. Try argyle knits, collared dresses, button-down shirts, turtlenecks, tweed blazers, trench coats and waistcoats. Complete the college look with loafers, brogues, Doc Martens or Chelsea boots. Feel free to untuck those shirts and keep it as messy as you want.

Here are some more dark academia fashion tips to get you started:

Popular Classic

Your first dark academia outfit means revamping that white button-up and being fearless. Team it with a short tartan skirt, patterned tights, a chic sweater vest, an oversized trench coat and loafers. Finish off the look with a leather messenger bag and some serious glasses. 

Schooltime Chic

Pair a matching jacket and pleated midi skirt set with a whimsical shirt and an over-the-shoulder bag. Complete the dark academia aesthetic with Chelsea or combat boots and cute old-school knee-high socks. Finally, throw that jumper loosely on your shoulders and tie it at the front.  

College Style

If you like a more studious dark academia fashion look, start the vibe with wide-legged trousers and a contrasting collared sweater. Layer up with a long cardigan or dark plaid blazer. Finally, add a beret, brogues, and a black umbrella, even if it’s not raining!  

Dangerously Dreamy

Like indie outfit ideas, you can play on the romantic side of dark academia fashion by layering. For example, try a knitted dress layered over a fitted white shirt with a contrasting coloured tie. Or don a tartan dark academia dress over a ruffled blouse, and add a cute leather cap or wool beret and laced-up ankle boots.

Follow The Trends Of Dark Academia Clothing UK

If this trend is your cup of tea and you’re ready to enter the hallowed halls of dark academia fashion, then start exploring. Visit your local coffee shops, libraries, museums, art exhibitions and campuses on the lookout for exciting tips. When the brooding intellectual style starts to feel warm and familiar, browse NA-KD for dark academia clothes UK inspiration. Then grab yourself a hardback copy of Frankenstein, don your trench coat and dive into this deep, dark world.