Dark academia aesthetic perfectly captures that mysterious, intellectual vibe that makes you look like you spend your afternoons reading poetry in a centuries-old library or sipping tea while discussing philosophy.
If you’re obsessed with the dark academia aesthetic but aren’t sure how to put together the perfect outfit, you’re in the right place.
Keep scrolling for 29 dark academia outfit ideas that will have you looking like the main character in your own gothic novel.
1. Beige Turtleneck and Plaid Trousers
This first outfit is such a classic dark academia look. We have a beige ribbed turtleneck sweater with plaid check trousers. Add a black leather belt to define your waist and brown lace-up boots to complete the outfit. This whole look gives off major vintage professor vibes!
2. Black Victorian Blouse and High-Waisted Pants
For this outfit, we’re wearing a black Victorian-style blouse that has all those romantic details we love. Pair it with black high-waisted pants and add a silver belt. This outfit looks so sophisticated and perfect for channeling that gothic literature student aesthetic.
3. Black Pinafore Dress and Puff-Sleeve Shirt
The pinafore dress is basically the dark academia uniform! Wear a black pinafore dress over a cream puff-sleeve shirt for the perfect contrast. Then add brown combat boots to give the outfit a bit of edge. I love how this combination looks both sweet and mysterious.
4. Brown Corduroy Jacket and Tennis Skirt
This outfit mixes preppy and scholarly vibes so well. Put on a brown corduroy jacket over a cream pleated tennis skirt and add tights to make it appropriate for cooler weather. The textures in this outfit are amazing!
5. Checked Blazer and Cable-Knit Sweater
A beige checked blazer instantly makes any outfit look more intellectual. Layer it over a white cable-knit sweater and pair with a black pleated mini skirt. Black leather boots finish off this outfit that’s giving major boarding school energy.
6. Forest Green Sweater Vest and Pleated Skirt
Sweater vests are having such a moment! Wear a forest green sweater vest over a white collared shirt and pair it with a black pleated skirt. Add patterned tights and black platform shoes for extra interest. This outfit is so perfect for fall!
7. Olive Cardigan and Matching Trousers
I love a good monochromatic moment. An olive green cardigan with a black turtleneck top and matching olive trousers creates such a put-together look. Black leather shoes keep everything polished and sophisticated.
8. Oversized Brown Cardigan and White Dress
For a softer dark academia vibe, try an oversized brown cardigan over a white tiered mini dress. The combination is so cozy! Add white ankle socks and black platform boots for that perfect contrast that makes the whole outfit pop.
9. Camel Maxi Dress with Balloon Sleeves
This camel brown maxi dress with balloon sleeves is giving major romantic vibes. Add a black leather belt to cinch your waist and pair with black ankle boots. The whole outfit looks like something from a period drama!
10. White Tank and Black Midi Skirt
Sometimes the simplest outfits are the best. A white fitted tank top tucked into a black midi skirt looks so clean and chic. Add a slim black belt and black slide sandals for an effortless dark academia look.
11. Checkered Blazer and Argyle Vest
This outfit is perfect if you want to go all-in on the preppy professor aesthetic. Layer a brown checkered blazer over a mustard yellow argyle vest and white button-up shirt. Navy wide-leg trousers complete this look that’s so scholarly!
12. Black Oversized Coat and Sweater Vest
An black oversized coat is essential for winter dark academia looks. Layer it over a houndstooth sweater vest and white collared shirt. Add black wide-leg trousers and chunky platform loafers for the perfect intellectual winter outfit.
13. Gray Turtleneck and Pleated Mini Skirt
A light gray sleeveless turtleneck with a black pleated mini skirt is such a chic combination. Brown knee-high boots add warmth and complete this outfit that’s perfect for those crisp autumn days.
14. White Cable Knit Vest and Mini Skirt
Double up on the preppy vibes with a white cable knit vest over a white half-shirt. Pair with a camel pleated mini skirt and add a black leather belt for some contrast. This outfit is so cute for fall!
15. Olive Plaid Coat and Checkered Skirt
Make a statement with an olive plaid coat over a burgundy turtleneck. A black and white checkered mini skirt adds pattern mixing that works so well. Black tights tie everything together perfectly.
16. Black Leather Bomber and Turtleneck
For an edgier dark academia look, wear a black leather bomber jacket over a cream turtleneck sweater. Dark wide-leg jeans and brown leather shoes keep the outfit grounded but still scholarly.
17. Burgundy Corduroy Pinafore Dress
A burgundy corduroy pinafore dress is such a perfect fall piece! Layer it over a cream long-sleeve blouse and add animal print ankle boots for an unexpected twist. The colors in this outfit are so good for autumn.
18. Cream Sweater Vest and Wide-Leg Trousers
This outfit plays with textures beautifully. A cream sweater vest with brown checkered sleeves underneath creates visual interest. Camel wide-leg trousers and brown leather loafers complete this sophisticated look.
19. Black Cardigan and Light Wash Jeans
For a more casual dark academia vibe, pair a black cardigan with a white crew neck tee and light wash high-waist jeans. It’s relaxed but still has that intellectual edge!
20. Black Leather Jacket and Mini Dress
Keep it simple with a black leather jacket over a black mini dress. Black ankle boots complete this all-black look that’s perfect for evening study sessions.
21. White Button-Up and Brown Midi Skirt
A white button-up long sleeve shirt with a brown pleated midi skirt is classic dark academia. Add a cream knit scarf for coziness and mary jane shoes for that vintage touch.
22. Rust Brown Cardigan and Plaid Skirt
A white basic tee gets upgraded when you add a rust brown cable knit cardigan. Pair with a beige plaid mini skirt and mary jane shoes for an outfit that’s cozy yet put-together.
23. Cream Peplum Blouse and Midi Skirt
The cream peplum blouse adds such a romantic element! Pair it with a burnt orange full midi skirt and burgundy loafers. The color palette is perfect for fall.
24. White Peasant Blouse and Embroidered Vest
A white puff sleeve peasant blouse under a black embroidered fitted vest looks so romantic. Add a brown maxi skirt and brown leather shoes for an outfit that’s straight out of a historical novel.
25. Black Ribbed Top and Checkered Skirt
A black ribbed long sleeve top tucked into a black and white checkered mini skirt is such a classic combo. Black platform loafers add just the right amount of height.
26. Red Chunky Sweater and Wide Leg Trousers
Add some color with a red chunky knit sweater! Pair it with camel wide leg trousers and layer a tan utility jacket on top. Hiking shoes give this look an outdoorsy twist.
27. White Victorian Blouse and Black Pinafore
Go full romantic goth with a white Victorian blouse under a black pinafore dress. White tights and black mary jane shoes complete this outfit that looks so mysterious and beautiful.
28. Black Turtleneck and Trench Coat
A classic beige trench coat looks amazing with a black turtleneck and black straight leg pants. Black chunky combat boots add edge to this timeless combination.
29. Black Tiered Maxi Dress and Denim Jacket
Finally, a black tiered maxi dress with spaghetti straps becomes perfect for everyday when you throw a denim jacket over it. White retro sneakers add a casual element that makes this dark academia outfit so wearable!
