I am seriously so excited to talk about dark academia fashion. It’s this amazing style that pulls together scholarly vibes with a really moody, Gothic feel that is also so romantic.
I mean, what’s not to love? Think flowing midi skirts, cozy cable knit sweaters, and classic loafers—all the pieces that make you feel both elegant and intellectual.
Whether you’re actually heading to class or just want to bring that studious energy into your everyday look, I’ve rounded up 20 dark academia outfits that are sure to give you some major inspiration.
1. Oversized Sweater + Tights + Boots
For those days when maximizing your comfort is the absolute top priority, you can look no further than this outfit.
I mean, an oversized white cable knit sweater is always a good idea, delivering a cozy and carefree appeal that just envelops you.
Black tights are perfect for keeping the whole vibe looking pulled-together, while black knee-high boots are a total must for adding some height and a little attitude.
You’re left with a look that’s a perfect mix of scholarly and snuggly.
2. Brown Jacket + Navy Trousers + Mary Janes
You can really channel some collegiate refinement with this polished outfit. A tailored brown blazer combined with navy wide-leg trousers gives off that old-world scholarly style I love so much.
For a feminine twist, a pair of black Mary Jane heels is the perfect choice. The final look creates a seamless balance of masculine and feminine energy, resulting in a vibe that feels quietly powerful.
3. Crop Top + Gray Blazer + Patterned Midi Skirt Combination
If you want to inject a little bit of edge into your dark academia wardrobe, this combination of scholarly pieces and modern accents is for you. A sleeveless black crop top shows some skin, which I think is a fun touch.
The charcoal blazer has sharp shoulders that lend a powerful vibe. The real showstopper, though, is the midi skirt, which is so captivating with its ornate gray pattern.
To finish it all off, black knee-high boots ground the look with a rock n’ roll twist.
4. White Top + Olive Blazer + Pleated Skirt
This outfit is proof that collegiate style can also be totally daring. An olive green blazer gives a unique spin on a dark academia staple, and its bold shoulders add some seriously striking structure.
Underneath, a black knife-pleated mini skirt and sheer black tights work to maintain that sense of scholarly refinement. And for the final touch, black ankle boots lend a rebellious punch to the whole look.
5. Beige Beret + Lace Collar Top + Green Cardigan + Plaid Trousers
Why not start your dark academia wardrobe with an outfit that is so chic and effortless? A beige beret lends that perfect scholarly vibe, while a white top with a lace collar and a forest green cardigan give off so much old-world charm.
Plaid trousers in a unique print are the ideal piece to complete the look. When you put them all together, these pieces create an ensemble that is a beautiful and bookish mix.
6. Quilted Jacket + Cable Knit + Pleated Skirt
This cozy yet polished outfit is just quintessential dark academia, with an appeal that is perfect for brisk days. A beige quilted jacket delivers warmth while still keeping a refined appearance.
Underneath, a cable knit ivory sweater and a knife-pleated black mini skirt create a balance of comfort and alluring contrast. To finish everything off, black knee-high boots complete the look with a little hint of scholarly edge.
7. Striped Maxi Dress + Leather Vest
You can make a scholarly statement with this effortless dark academia outfit. A long-sleeve striped maxi dress provides a chic foundation, and then a brown leather vest comes in to add a rugged touch.
Brown ankle boots ground the entire look, which creates an easy ensemble that can transition seamlessly from a classroom setting to a coffee house hangout.
8. Peasant Blouse + Corset + Midi Skirt
It’s time to explore the more alluring side of scholarly style with this beguiling mix of pieces. A white peasant blouse offers an ethereal contrast to a black corset top, which hugs your figure and adds a dose of drama.
A brown midi skirt maintains that sense of collegiate refinement. Then, tan lace-up boots provide a rugged twist. This captivating result just goes to show that smart style can be alluring, too.
9. Classic Collared Shirt + Black Cardigan + Pleated Skirt Ensemble
I am obsessed with this timeless outfit because it combines so many dark academia staples into one polished look. A crisp white collared shirt gives you a clean foundation to start with.
Then, a black cardigan and a knife-pleated skirt add a really striking contrast. Black tights keep everything looking put-together, and so do the bright white socks and black platform shoes.
The end result is just collegiate style at its absolute finest.
10. Collared Shirt + Cardigan + Plaid Skirt
You can round out your dark academia wardrobe with this quintessential outfit that seriously checks all the style boxes. A crisp white collared shirt strikes a studious note, for sure.
A slim black cardigan provides a cozy contrast. The gray plaid mini skirt delivers that signature scholarly appeal, and so do the black tights and pointed-toe knee-high boots.
It’s an ensemble that feels like it was made to ace any fashion test.
11. Burgundy Turtleneck + Pants Set
This is one of those effortless autumn outfits you can reach for to keep your scholarly style streamlined yet chic. A burgundy sleeveless turtleneck provides a really nice pop of color.
The matching burgundy trousers help elongate the silhouette. I love that a brown leather belt pulls the whole look together. It creates an easy week-to-weekend ensemble that has a quiet sophistication about it.
12. Striped Polo + High-Waisted Shorts + Loafers
You can polish off your scholarly style with a refined casual outfit like this one. A brown and white striped polo shirt offers that classic collegiate appeal.
The high-waisted white shorts provide a crisp foundation. A brown leather belt cinches the silhouette, which leads your eye down to the bright white socks and brown penny loafers.
It’s a look that’s smart, stylish, and so ideal for a day of studying.
13. Button-Up + Plaid Blazer + Bermuda Shorts
Want to put a playful twist on some signature scholarly pieces? This unique outfit is for you. A crisp white button-down shirt strikes a studious note, while a vibrant plaid blazer provides a preppy contrast that is so fun.
The ensemble then takes an unexpected turn with polished black Bermuda shorts and sheer knee-high socks. To complete the look, chunky black loafers lend a quirky appeal.
14. Checkered Blouse + Mini Skirt + Knee-High Boots
If you’ve been seeking an outfit that marries scholastic style with a bit of spice, look no further. This ensemble juxtaposes a prim black and white checkered blouse with a sultry black mini skirt.
Sheer black tights help maintain a sense of polish. At the same time, black knee-high boots provide a provocative punch. The combination results in a look that’s a fun mix of nerdy and naughty.
15. Cable Knit Sweater + Mini Skirt Classic
Keep your scholarly vibe cozy yet alluring with this outfit’s creative layering. A cream cable knit sweater delivers warmth and has a preppy silhouette.
Beneath it, a black knife-pleated mini skirt provides a provocative pop of contrast. Black Mary Jane pumps maintain the look’s prim and polished feeling.
When you put all the pieces together, they create a quiet sophistication with a subtle dose of spice.
16. Peasant Top + Black Midi Dress
You can make a style statement that is effortlessly elegant by pairing these breezy pieces. A white peasant blouse provides an ethereal polish when worn on top of a slim black midi dress.
Brown woven leather mules lend some warmth and texture to the whole outfit. It all comes together to create a comfortably chic look that would be perfect for wandering around ivy-covered campuses.
17. Pinstripe Blazer Dress + Knee-High Boots
This is one of those standout outfits that makes a striking scholarly statement. A body-hugging black pinstripe blazer dress hugs the figure just right.
A black belt with a glitzy gold buckle adds an eye-catching contrast at the waist. Sheer black tights maintain a sense of sophistication, while over-the-knee boots lend a dose of drama.
The bold yet polished ensemble is proof that intellectual style can be daring, too.
18. Tank Top + Plaid Maxi Skirt + Leather Jacket
This bold dark academia outfit just proves that scholarly style can also be totally eye-catching. A neutral gray tank top allows the red plaid maxi skirt to really shine as the focal point of the ensemble.
A black leather jacket lends an edgy contrast that I love, and the black ankle booties add height and some attitude. Together, these pieces create a standout look that is fit for a fashionable intellectual.
19. Turtleneck + Plaid Trousers + Platforms
You can elevate your dark academia vibe with this striking yet scholarly outfit combination. A slim black turtleneck provides a polished foundation for the look.
The dark plaid wide-leg trousers make such an eye-catching style statement. Glossy black platform shoes deliver a major boost in height while still maintaining the ensemble’s moody elegance.
It’s a look that feels fit for a fashionable intellectual.
20. Corduroy Shirt + Plaid Skirt + Mary Janes
Let’s riff on classic scholarly style with this totally unique outfit. A brown corduroy button-down offers a textural take on the quintessential Oxford shirt.
Layering a black long-sleeve top underneath injects a dark contrast. A gray plaid mini skirt maintains the bookish vibe of the ensemble, and so do the black tights and black Mary Jane heels.
The end result is an unexpected update on the signature dark academia style.