Dark Academia on Budget

“One should either be a work of art or wear a work of art.”

Oscar Wilde

Oscar Wilde’s writing is the best portrayal of the magic one could achieve when one mixes literature and aesthetics. Speaking of which, dark academia is one of the most sophisticated and classy aesthetics and can seem a bit intimidating to get into. Something about the world of literature, mysteries, and three-piece suits is also highly alluring, particularly when it comes to its distinguishable style. But for a lot of people, dressing dark academic is not feasible as the style demands utter class, which is often associated with high fashion and brand names.

But lucky for us, there is a way to dress like you’re heading for a secret meeting in the library at midnight, and here’s the best part: it doesn’t have to burn a hole in your pocket! The key to this style is not to dress expensively but to look put-together. Dark academic fashion is also one of the most sustainable aesthetics due to the emphasis on vintage clothes and sturdy material.

1. Colour palette: Wear clothes that are muted, mostly black, navy blue, or even cream and white. Neon colors, unfortunately, but also thank goodness, are out of the question with this style. Fall colors such as beige or light browns are also a good fit provided you know how to style them.

1. Tops: Here’s a handy tip for women: Shop in the men’s section. Get those white shirts that are not translucent or too short or have strange designs on them. They may be oversized but tuck them into your pants and you’re good to go. Turtlenecks seem like a staple for dark academic fashion but you don’t need them. Choose a mock neck or simply layer a plain sweater over your shirt.

1. Bottoms: I regret to say that skinny jeans are also not viable here. Straight-fit jeans would be your best bet, apart from getting pants from the men’s section (Seriously, shop from the men’s section. Their pants have pockets!). Straight skirts and plaid skirts are also good choices. You can also pair your skirts with plain knee-high socks for a more gothic and sinister look.

1. Footwear: Footwear is the trickiest part. Shoes like oxfords or boots are the classiest options. Heels aren’t the most common with this aesthetic, apart from kitten heels.

1. Accessories: Minimal accessories are your best friend. Wear thin necklaces or rings, nothing too flashy. Keep it simple and classy. A nice satchel is always appreciated too!

Now, you might ask: ‘How do you put it all together?’

There are several ways to do this. Layering, being one of the most popular methods. If you’re working with flannel shirts, they can be worn with a simple plain top inside. If you have a blazer, you can pair it with a plain shirt with a plain playsuit or a corset on top of the shirt. A light-colored blazer will be the cherry on top of it all!

If layering is not your cup of tea, you can keep it simpler than ever and still wear the dark academia vibe. A simple light-colored checkered shirt and a pair of bootcut trousers or straight jeans and you’re good to go! Don’t forget a chunky pendant or locket to put together with the outfit for a unique, fictional look! Also, take a look at the plenty of options that are provided above to enable you to channel your inner Camilla Macauley and create interesting clothing combinations to suit your personality and preferences!