One of the most popular fashion styles, rocking social media, particularly TikTok is Dark Academia.
The best Dark Academia styles right now are built on three core things:
- First, the garments you put together must be vintage, from thrift stores, or online websites selling secondhand fashion, with a gothic vibe.
- Second, the overall style must augment the intellectual look.
- Third, each popular Dark Academia style relies on some of the staples I enumerate below.
Blouses & Tops
Left to right: Catalina J Euphoria Blouse - SHOHEI Pia Shirt
Choose blouses that have cuffed sleeves - it helps to create that extra touch of British heritage.
You should also choose blouses with large bell sleeves, to achieve that unique academic look.
For a more sophisticated Dark Academia look, go for tops that you can button up.
I personally wear a lot of versatile wrap tops made of silk.
Not only silk is super cool and breathable in the summertime, but distressed silk tops confer me with a rebellious, unique style.
Skirts & Trousers
Left to right: The Artwear Emporium 'Tweed' skirt - Alabama Chanin 'The Tailored Pant' trousers
For a super stylish and refined Dark Academia look I recommend you to go for long skirts.
Easier and more comfortable when compared to trousers.
Also, if you live in a hot country, long skirts are preferable to trousers.
Why? Because skirts protect your legs from the sun while allowing ventilation at the same time.
However, if you decide to wear trousers, remember that wool-blends and corduroy materials are best for this style.
I also wear trousers and I often cut them at the ankle height for an extra bit of nonconformist look.
But, if you don't know how to cut and sew back trousers, cuff them up to create that kind of sailor, tapered look.
Outerwear
Left to right: Everlane 'The Oversized' blazer - Ovna Ovich 'Eleanor' wool blazer
Remember the glorified tweed blazer of the 50s?
The tweed blazer is by far the best outerwear for the Dark Academia look.
Just make sure you put it over your shoulders, without the sleeves on.
Shoes
Top left: Hiraeth 'Hanne Moto' boots - Top right: Balluta 'Sigma Ghillie' sandals - Bottom left: Zoey Simone 'Wide Strap' flats - Bottom right: Zoey Simone 'Block' heel boots
When it comes to which shoes are best for the Dark Academia look, the opinions are split.
Some prefer open shoes, just like the ancient Romans and Greeks.
Others argue that there are no sandals in Harry Potter movies and insist on boots and low chunky heels.
Personally, I prefer boots as it allows me to emphasise on the Gothic look that I love so much.
Yet, regardless of what shoes you choose, make sure you do not wear flip flops with the Dark Academia style.
Seriously now, don't ever do that!
How To Wear Dark Academia In Summer?
Dark Academia summer outfit idea: Ovna Ovich white ‘Tova Tee’ T-shirt paired matched with /id/ oversized check linen blazer, 7.Rooms ‘Tradition’ organic cotton trousers, and Blanlac ‘Zinnia’ brogue lace-ups
Given their apparent heavy and Gothic constructs, the Dark Academia fashion styles are not that suitable for countries with long summers and hot weather all year round.
However, Dark Academia styles are great for cities with a colder climate.
The same applies to places that have four regular seasons, during autumn and winter seasons.
Nevertheless, some of you insist on wearing this style in the summer as well.
If that's your case, there are some ways around as I'm going to explain below:
To start with, you must pick only all-natural fabrics.
Avoid polyester and plastic blends at all costs.
Compared to blends, natural fibres absorb moisture fast.
Especially if you sweat a lot, these organic fabrics will let your body ventilate with ease.
From all-natural fibres, these are the top 4 you should wear:
- Linen - it offers excellent ventilation and it is much better for the environment as well.
- Organic cotton - it is a light material that's also easy to wear. Moreover, organic cotton has minimal impact on the environment.
- Silk - There's something magical about vintage silk. It is light, cool, easy to wear. Preferably, if you buy new garments, go for cruelty-free silk.
- Wool - Apart from being very suitable in the colder days of winter, wool is an excellent alternative to cotton, in the summer as well, thanks to its increased breathable capability.