Fashion, Outfits

Dark Academia aesthetic: 20 outfit inspiration and style tips

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How do you feel when you see a dark academia outfit? Do you wish you could be the kind of girl who can easily put together a dark-themed outfit that makes you feel like an ivy league fashion icon who studies in dusty libraries and drinks red wine with her friends in the evenings? Dark academia outfits are not just a passing trend. It is a multifaceted style trend that, even if you don’t incorporate it 100% into your wardrobe, can amazingly refresh your closet.

The Key of Dark Academia

The essence of dark academic outfits lies in the color palette and fabrics. Look for deep green, burgundy, dark blue, eggplant purple, chocolate brown, and of course jet black pieces. A mix of tweed, corduroy, and vintage cotton fabrics adds uniqueness to the colors.
So what are the basic pieces that will instantly give your look a dark academic vibe? Oversized blazers, knitted cardigans, cotton blouses, velvet pants, pleated skirts, and Oxford shoes. Add a sophisticated leather bag, glasses, gloves, and a scarf.

Of course, dark academia is a very exciting style trend, but it is worth mentioning that there is a lot of theoretical and intellectual depth behind it. You won’t become smart and intelligent just by putting on a pair of glasses. This style becomes truly multifaceted when you educate yourself about the world, read, listen to music, have serious conversations with others, and develop yourself. So, a trendy dark academia outfit can be very cool, but what’s really worth mentioning is a fashionable girl who is a delight to talk to about the world.

For me, the dark academy is an exciting world that I love to enter when I feel like I need something extra to spice up my outfit. It’s a real playground where you can choose whatever you like and entertain yourself. Here are 20 dark academy outfit ideas that I created for you based on my own ideas. Wonderful, dark, exciting, and mysterious sets.

1. Ruffled White Blouse & Khaki Pants

A model wearing a dark academia outfit featuring a black oversized blazer, white blouse with lace details, and olive green pleated trousers, standing in a library setting with wooden shelves and warm lighting.

Please put this set in my closet right now. It has a bit of a Three Musketeers vibe, but of course the dark academia vibe dominates. The platform boots are a little bit edgy but the softness of the rest balance the whole look.

2. Dusty Maroon Corduroy Jacket & Tweed Trousers

A young woman dressed in a maroon velour jacket, turtleneck, and checkered pants, standing on a quiet street with trees in the background.

As a child, I hated corduroy, thinking it was a really lame fabric. I was such a silly kid. Now that I’m grown up, I love it, and this wonderful burgundy shade makes the whole outfit simply captivating. The pants give the whole thing a nice grandma aesthetic feel, and you’ve got the perfect dark academic outfit, modern version.

3. Moss Turtleneck & Light Brown Corduroy Pants

A young woman sitting on a sidewalk, wearing a black oversized coat, a dark green turtleneck, and brown corduroy pants, topped with a light-colored knitted beret.

Sometimes less is more. Clean materials, no patterns, and colors that harmonize beautifully within the dark academia palette. It perfectly captures the atmosphere of the Ivy League.

4. Dusty pink plaid skirt &blazer set

A person standing in a street wearing a pink plaid oversized blazer, matching skirt, and black sneakers, with a casual pink t-shirt underneath.

I love the dirty pink shade, and thank God it suits me well. This color is even more exciting when you don’t wear it in a cute way, but in a more serious outfit. This outfit is simply irresistible, so now sit down under a chestnut tree and read Wuthering Heights, you’ll look great in this dark academia outfit.

5. All Brown: Coat + Skirt & Accessories

A young woman wearing a brown tweed oversized blazer over a cream turtleneck, paired with a pleated brown skirt, brown socks, and dark loafers, holding a brown leather bag while standing on a cobblestone street.

This outfit looks like something that smells like grandpa. Not in a bad way. Experience tells me that if you wear clothes like this, your character will change and people will treat you differently.

6. Lacey Skirt With Forest Green Crop Sweater &Trench Coat

A young woman walking down a city street, wearing a green cropped sweater, a light lace skirt, and a beige trench coat, paired with brown lace-up boots and carrying a large bag.

I love adding a little lace to my outfits. It’s the basis of a romantic style. It looks wonderful even in a dark academia outfit, and makes the overall effect even more mysterious.

7. Maroon Sweater & Trench Coat

A woman wearing a stylish burgundy trench coat over a maroon sweater and black trousers, standing in a well-lit room with a minimalist design.

I can’t let go of burgundy, and I never will. You don’t even need to pair it with other colors; just wear it monochrome or with simple black pants, and boom, you’ve got the perfect sophisticated, dark academia vibe.

8. Sage Green Coat With Cream Sweater & Purple Scarf

A woman wearing an oversized green coat and a purple scarf, standing against a dark green background.

This is the golden trio of colors. The two dark shades playfully accentuate each other, while the off-white knitted sweater adds a painterly touch of light to the entire outfit. Reminder for me: I need to get a white sweater.

9. Ruffled White Shirt & Navy Skirt & Dusty Lavender Coat

A young woman wearing a lavender trench coat over a ruffled white blouse, paired with a pleated navy skirt, stands in a library setting with wooden bookshelves.

Do you know who would love to wear this outfit? Robin from Stranger Things. That alone is a good sign. The dirty purple coat stands out on its own, but paired with this unique shirt and blue skirt, it’s a perfect match.

10. Black Cropped Blazer & Yellow Plaid Skirt

A woman confidently walking across a crosswalk wearing a black cropped blazer with studded shoulders, a white shirt, and a pleated yellow plaid skirt paired with brown ankle boots.

A little bit of Clueless combined with dark academia? A phenomenal mix. The color yellow can be wonderfully incorporated into dark academia outfits, even though it is not a typical dark and mysterious color.

11. Dark Brown Turtleneck and Trousers & Wool Coat and Scarf

A woman sits on a cobblestone street outside a bookstore, dressed in a dark academia outfit featuring a brown turtleneck, a plaid scarf, and a brown oversized coat, exuding an intellectual and stylish vibe.

I think brown is a color you have to grow into, something you have to mature to appreciate. I didn’t like wearing it in the past, but now it has become one of my favorite basic colors. It’s wonderful for layering, goes with almost any color, and is very elegant.

12. Dark Blue Sweater & Camel Trousers

A person wearing a dark knitted sweater, brown high-waisted corduroy pants, and sneakers, holding a brown bag, standing against a plain wall.

The combination of cold and warm tones is a royal flush even within the dark academic style. It conveys that the wearer is confident, has a sense of style, and is very trendy. This color combo I haven’t tried yet, but want to. Sadly I still look for stunning pants like these.

13. Light Brown Sweater & Green Skirt

A model showcasing a dark academia-inspired outfit featuring an oversized brown sweater, a pleated green skirt, and knee-high olive green boots, carrying a beige tote bag in a studio setting.

Imagine wearing this outfit to buy your morning coffee, walking to your university campus, and sitting in your literature class. Irresistible, isn’t it?

14. Boho Lace Shirt & Long Cardigan

A woman in a cozy burgundy cardigan layered over a white blouse, paired with a long grey skirt and brown boots, standing in a library with wooden shelves filled with books.

If a simple dark academia outfit isn’t enough, spice it up and turn it into a witchy set. The unique jewelry and lace make the end result very feminine and magical.

15. Olive Green Dress & Brown Cardigan and Coat

A young woman sitting on a street, wearing a brown knitted vest over a green dress, paired with a beige trench coat and brown lace-up boots. She has bold red lips and a stylish hairstyle.

I love this look. I love the contrast between the green and brown shades of the outfit and the wild fire-red lipstick. It gives off a bit of a World War II vibe.

16. Snow White Shirt With Black Trousers & Long Brown Coat

A young woman standing outdoors, wearing a brown overcoat, white shirt, and black trousers, with headphones around her neck and a tote bag in hand.

Now that’s what I call effortless chic. It’s so relaxed and cool that I would happily wear it anytime. It’s perfect for those days when you don’t feel like dealing with details but still want to look good, and it even fits into the dark academia style.

17. Brown Vest & Blue Long Coat: Dark Academia at its finest

A woman walking confidently in a dark room, wearing a long navy coat over a brown vest and white shirt, paired with black trousers and brown shoes.

A little Peaky Blinders, a little dark academia… is there a more stylish and elegant combination? Trust me, if you dress like this, no one will mess with you, and if they do, just light a cigar and blow smoke in their eyes.

18. Purple Checked Coat & Burgundy Corduroy Pants

A young woman in a purple plaid coat over a cream turtleneck and burgundy corduroy pants stands in a dimly lit alley, surrounded by brick walls and autumn leaves.

How much life does this vibrant purple color bring to an outfit? It may stand out a little from the dark academic palette, but you don’t have to stick to the rules rigidly. There are no rules when it comes to self-expression!

19. Olive Green Pants + Brown Turtleneck & Khaki Coat

A person wearing an oversized olive green coat, brown turtleneck, and dark green corduroy pants, standing against a light-colored wall.

A little masculinity brings a lot of mystery and excitement to an outfit. It’s wonderful how feminine basics can be paired with more masculine clothing. This outfit with its brilliant colors is something I could wear anytime and feel strong and cool in.

20. Steel Blue Blazer & Brown Turtleneck & Skirt

A young woman wearing a blue oversized blazer over a brown turtleneck, paired with a brown skirt. She carries a brown shoulder bag and stands against a beige wall, with her shadow visible on the surface.

Okay, maybe I’m a little crazy about the combination of blue and brownish yellow, but come on, isn’t it gorgeous? Plus, the pleasant high school uniform style makes the end result even more interesting. After all, you have to prepare for the dark academia, and that happens in high school.

All images in this post that were created using AI are based on my original ideas and direction. The writing, styling concepts, and creative vision are 100% my own.

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