The dark academia aesthetic is booming. But what is it exactly? And how can you include dark academia into your wardrobe while on a budget?
Dark academia is at the intersection of goth and all things scholarly. The outfits often include moody colours and fabrics like tweed, plaid, and wool. Think Harry Potter characters on a dark and rainy day. Or a brooding academic reading Edgar Allan Poe. It’s the feeling of historic university campuses, candlelights, and cloudy skies.
Dark academia fashion is usually characterized by polo collars poking out from cozy knit sweaters, oxford shoes, and trousers in muted colours. Bonus points if you’ve got a book under your arm.
Here are some affordable dark academia pieces so that you too can look like you belong in a dimly lit Oxford library.
Paper-bag Pants from H&M – $29.99 $11.99
Twelve dollars. I repeat, twelve dollars. Need I say more?
Pant 5574 from Oak and Fort – $88 $48
What I love about these pants is the button detailing. There are not only buttons going along the side of the pant, but also two buttons on the back to cinch in the waist.
Plaid Coat 4148 from Oak and Fort – $168 $50
A wool coat for 70% off? Sign me up. This one comes in different colours too.
Turtleneck Sweater 5156 from Oak and Fort – $78 $20
Can’t go wrong with a comfy turtleneck sweater. This one is great for curling up with a good book beside the fireplace.
Argyle Sweater Vest from Oak and Fort – $58 $50
Wear this sweater vest over a white collared shirt for optimum dark academia vibes.
LUXE FOR LESS 