Want to look like you just stepped out of a classic novel? Then academia fashion is made for you! Inspired by all things art and literature, light and dark academia are two distinct fashion aesthetics that have completely taken over our feeds. Academia fashion is cozy, moody, and perfectly captures the beauty of scholarly life.
If you’re the type to sit under a sunlit window with a cup of tea and a book in your hand, there’s a light and dark academia outfit and purse to match your vibe, and you’ll find it right here!
Light Academia Looks
Light academia explores the optimistic side of classical literature, exuding a sense of hope, joy, warmth, and passion. It’s defined by a soft color palette featuring muted neutrals and earthy tones such as cream, ivory, and dusty brown, complemented by romantic pieces such as cable-knit sweaters, plaid skirts, and tweed blazers. Add accessories like a hair bow, pearl jewelry, and a vegan leather crossbody bag, and you’re all set to look like you belong in a dreamy period drama. Let’s see some light academia looks followed by dark academia outfits.
1. A Casual, Light Academia Look
When you’re keeping it on the down-low at the library, go for a light academia outfit that’s easy to put together. Grab an ivory button-down shirt with long balloon sleeves and pair it with light gray straight-leg jeans or light brown tailored trousers. For footwear, classic academia shoes like loafers or Oxfords in black, light brown, or tan are the right choice. Top off this look with a vegan leather purse in a matching color. Don’t be afraid to grab a battered copy of Jane Eyre to look like you mean business!
2. A Preppy, Light Academia Look
This academia outfit combines dark and light elements for a finished preppy look that’s more polished, feminine, and impactful. Reach for a textured sweater top in white or cream and pair it with a classic black pleated mini skirt for an outfit that says you’ll ace your literature exam. To tie the whole look together, you need a bag. We recommend a patent leather vegan shoulder bag in a rich burgundy for a pop of color. Throw on matching heeled Mary Janes or loafers to add to the playful, prep-school girl vibes.
3. A Dressy, Light Academia Outfit
Need to impress without looking like you’re trying too hard? A dress is the answer. A simple off-white or cream-colored dress looks elegant and is so effortless! Opt for a dress with a collar to ensure you fit the light academia “lit girl” aesthetic. Feel free to add a plush cable-knit cardigan on top as well to make it cozier. Classic, clean white sneakers or loafers go perfectly with this look. And if you need space to stash your books and other essentials, don’t forget to throw on a sleek vegan tote bag!
Dark Academia Outfits
As the name implies, dark academia is the darker, moodier counterpart of light academia outfits. This aesthetic is heavily inspired by gothic literature, exploring themes of mystery, sadness, and intellectual curiosity through structured academic clothing in darker shades. The look is all about pieces like loafers, pleated skirts, crisp Oxford shirts, vests, and tweed blazers. Dark academia purses such as leather bags play a huge role in pulling the outfit together too.
1. An Edgy, Dark Academia Look
For those who harbor many secrets and walk through rain-soaked, cobblestone streets, there’s no better dark academia look than this—a structured vest, tailored pinstripe trousers, loafers, and a top-handle purse. If you want to add more drama and brooding philosopher vibes, layer a button-down shirt under the vest.
2. A Romantic, Dark Academia Outfit
Ever wish you were in a Victorian-era love story, dark academia style? You can’t go back in time but you can dress the part! Reach for a bodycon dress with ruched detailing in a deep mocha brown, and you’re halfway there to a romantic date-night dark academia look. To truly nail the aesthetic, add some outerwear—a long, tailored trench coat or a vintage-inspired wool blazer will do the trick. Complete the look with heeled Mary Janes and a dark academia purse such as a chic evening clutch.
3. A Chic, Dark Academia Outfit
Here’s a textbook academic outfit—a gray turtleneck sweater paired with black tailored trousers. The cozy feel of the sweater is offset by the structure of the trousers. If you want to take it a step further, reach for a fitted turtleneck sweater and throw on a houndstooth blazer on top. Add a tweed bag, and you’re ready to wander through an art gallery or contemplate at the library. Complete this dark academia outfit with Oxford shoes.
Love these moody dark academia and light academia outfits? Then, shop for the perfect luxury purses at Urban Expressions and dress like the main character you are!
Leave a comment (all fields required)