Dark academia is one of the most popular fashion aesthetics on social media. I absolutely love the relaxed and chic style of dark academia outfits plus they are perfect for wearing to work or casual events! It can be difficult to create dark academia outfits so I hope you find these recommendations helpful and that they inspire your wardrobe! I’ve split this list up into the main items you will need for creating dark academia outfits so that you can easily find the items you are looking for. The main items you need for creating aesthetic dark academia looks are: blazers, jumpers, trousers, skirts, loafers and ankle boots. Let’s go!
Disclaimer: The links in this blog post are affiliate links so I may receive a commission if you make a purchase (at no extra cost to you of course).
Blazers & Jackets
I love this blazer! This fits the dark academia aesthetic perfectly and is a super high quality blazer you will be able to wear for years to come. Its very complimentary to just about any outfit and is a great wardrobe staple you can throw over your outfits to give them that finishing touch. Wear it with a mid pleated skirt and a smart jumper for a go-to smart casual look.
So preppy! This jacket is a must have. I love its autumnal colour and its also super cosy for winter days. This is a smart item you can work into different everyday outfits and is perfect for wearing to coffee shops!
Ok, this country aesthetic blazer will elevate just about any outfit! This blazer is a fabulous accompaniment to any preppy wardrobe and goes great with some wide leg trousers plus some loafers for a classic dark academia outfit.
Jumpers
Love this classic jumper! Jumpers are a great item for creating dark academia outfits. They are super easy to style, wear them with a blazer or even as an under layer for a stripy shirt worn under with rolled up sleeves. Complete the look with a pleated mini or midi tweed skirt!
This is an investment jumper that you will be able to wear for years to come! Its very French chic and I love its neutral camel colour. Wear this with your usual dark academia essentials like wide leg trousers and a blazer for a stylish daytime look. You can also wear this with browns and oranges for a cute autumn outfit.
So cosy! This jumper is made of wool which is a great texture for creating outfits which fit the dark academia aesthetic. Wool provides comfort and also blends well with blazers for a more sophisticated look. You can wear this with skirts or wide leg trousers and then just add some brogues for a high-end luxury outfit fit for any occasion.
This high neck jumper is such a great fit! This jumper ticks all the boxes… its cosy, stylish and fits the aesthetic perfectly!! You can mix and match this jumper with any item on this list as it just fits the dark academia aesthetic so well.
Such a great everyday sweatshirt! This sweatshirt is perfect for everyday comfort and is so chic plus it can be used as an under layer for so many different outfits. It looks really good with maxi skirts or baggy joggers for a relaxed, soft and comfortable outfit.
Trousers
I love these flared jeans! The dark and wide leg design of these makes these the perfect jeans for dark academia outfits. These look great with jumpers and blazers plus are perfect for everyday casual outfits.
So stylish! I love the colour of these, perfect for adding a bit of colour variety while also sticking to the dark academia aesthetic. The wide leg fit of these is so flattering and elegant plus it is suitable for any occasion.
These have an amazing high waist and the design of these trousers is super flattering. Style these with cropped knit jumpers and cardigans to give off that classic old money vibe.
Now, these slouchy wide leg trousers are a must have! I love the chic and effortless elegance of these. These are so cool and fresh, they just encapsulate the dark academia aesthetic. Pair these with your usual dark academia essentials such as a jumper, blazer and some loafers.
I love the unique fit of these jeans! These are super fashionable and easy to style. Denim items always make for a good wardrobe staple that can be worked into lots of different outfits.
So glamorous! These trousers will help you achieve the dark academia style when styled with the items in this list but can also be styled to fit so many other fashion aesthetics. These look great styled with a chunky knit sweater and a long coat or even just a high neck with a blazer is also a great option.
Skirts
Love this skirt! Style this with a high neck jumper and a pea coat plus some flat shoes for a go-to dark academia outfit. Skirts for dark academia need to be plaid as well as patterned or in dark colours like brown, navy, wine and black.
This pleated skirt looks so sophisticated and will elevate any outfit. It looks great with a dark oversized rugby shirt and a blazer for a smart casual look.
Super preppy and whimsical! This is so easy to wear and looks great with a high neck frilly blouse and slouchy cardigan.
Ok, so these are shorts but I just had to put them in because they are perfect for dark academia outfits. These shorts are so comfy and can be styled with a cropped rugby shirt plus an oversized blazer for a unique dark academia outfit.
Such a lovely skirt! Just the right mix of sporty and smart, the tight fit and ruffled design of this skirt is so stylish. This skirt looks great with a white button down and a fitted blazer for a relaxed chic outfit.
Shoes
I am in love with these boots! These are just such a vibe and are so fun to style. Pair these with both trousers and skirts for a high end and easy going chic outfit.
These ankle boots are a must have! I love the style of these and the gold padlock detail really makes these a unique set of shoes. Style these up with a short pleated skirt and a blazer or wear them with some baggy trousers plus a sweater for a more relaxed look.
Add a bit of glamour to your academia vibe with these easy to wear heeled sock boots! These are very old money chic and will elevate any outfit you wear them with.
Great for going out in style and comfort, these shoes look so sophisticated and encapsulate the dark academia aesthetic. Just add a midi skirt plus a high neck jumper and you’ve got a high-end chic outfit that is perfect for any occasion.
These are brilliant loafers for every day outfits. They are so easy to wear and are beautifully made. I love their colour and these are such high quality you know you will be able to wear these for years to come.
Tod’s loafers are the perfect accompaniment to any dark academia style outfit! These are a great investment shoe you can wear whenever and wherever you want. Tod’s is just such a great brand!
Dark academia is super popular online but is a relatively new fashion aesthetic so most people’s wardrobe may not have all the essentials for creating dark academia outfits. I hope you have found this list helpful to give you some ideas about what items to add to your wardrobe so that you can create dark academia aesthetic outfits. More to read: