Inspired by fall and the Halloween season, Dark Academia is the latest aesthetic trend to become popular online. Pinterest reported that searches for the term “Dark Academia outfits” have risen 104 percent in the last three months.
Essentially, the trend aims to romanticize the darkness and cold of the coming months. The style involves a layered take on preppy outfits that would normally be seen in expensive institutions and schools.
Most recently, the fashion aesthetic has been seen on the runways of Prada, Miu Miu, Chanel and more during Paris Fashion Week. Ahead is a full-on breakdown of the Dark Academia aesthetic, including the staple fashion pieces associated with it, of course.
Dark Colors
Model on the runway at Miu Miu’s spring 2024 ready-to-wear fashion show on Oct. 3 in Paris.
Dominique Maitre for WWD
The main component of the Dark Academia trend is its darker palette, which includes maroon, burgundy, brown and forest green, among others. The colors and shades align with the fall weather.
Plaid
Dark Academia dressing is mainly known for pieces covered in plaid, as well as crisscross and houndstooth patterns. The plaid can be seen in pieces such as a pleated miniskirt, an oversized jacket, cardigans or a classic white button-up blouse. Plaid is intended to represent the traditional, vintage aspect of the Dark Academia aesthetic.
Layered Items
Model on the runway at Chanel’s spring 2024 ready-to-wear fashion show on Oct. 3 in Paris.
Giovanni Giannoni for WWD
Since Dark Academia is all about taking a sharp and sophisticated spin on the winter wardrobe, adding layers in the form of coats, sweaters and blazers is an essential part of the aesthetic. Dark Academia outfits are often completed with a tan floor-length trenchcoat, a faux-leather jacket or a cable-knit sweater. When it comes to accessories, stockings and fleece-lined tights are often added to the look for an added layer of warmth.
Dark Academia in Pop Culture
Coined by many as the poster girl of dark academia fashion is none other than Wednesday Addams. Since being introduced on television in the ’70s, the fictional character is almost always seen dressed in black blazers, pleated skirts and other signature Dark Academia clothing items.
Jenna Ortega as Wednesday Addams.
VLAD CIOPLEA/NETFLIX
Wednesday Addams’ fashion style reached a new peak in popularity in 2022, after the release of Netflix’s “Wednesday,” which starred Jenna Ortega as the slightly villainess character.
Emma Watson as Hermione Granger in the 2001 film “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.”
©Warner Bros/courtesy Everett Collection / Everett Collection
Another notable example is Hermione Granger from the “Harry Potter” film series. The iconic sharp-witted Hogwarts character (played by Emma Watson) was often seen wearing classic dark-themed outfits, including chunky sweaters, dark red dresses and pleated skirts.
