29 Dark Academia Outfits That Look So Chic and Mysterious

Dark academia aesthetic conveys that feeling of being in a mystery room where you read poetry in an old library or sit down for tea and talk philosophy with your afternoons.

You need to have the dark academia style bug but don’t know how to create the ideal outfit? You’ve come to the right place.

For 29 dark academia outfit ideas, continue scrolling.

1. Beige Turtleneck and Plaid Trousers

It’s the first outfit, it’s such a classic dark academia look. We are wearing an beige ribbed turtleneck sweater with plaid check trousers. Complete the outfit with a black leather belt around the waist, and brown lace-up boots. This whole ensemble exudes big time vintage professor!

2. Black Victorian Blouse and High-Waisted Pants

We are wearing a black Victorian blouse with all those things we love, this outfit has all of them. It can be worn with black high-waisted pants and a silver belt. I think this piece is so elegant and perfect for aspiring that gothic literature student.

3. Black Pinafore Dress and Puff-Sleeve Shirt

The pinafore dress is basically the dark academia uniform! For optimal contrast wear a black pinafore dress over a cream puff sleeve shirt. Then throw on brown combat boots to add some spice to the outfit. I really adore these sweet and mysterious looks.

4. Brown Corduroy Jacket and Tennis Skirt

The combination of preppy and scholarly is a perfect match with this ensemble. Pair with a brown corduroy jacket and a cream pleated tennis skirt and complete the outfit with tights for cooler temperatures. This outfit has some incredible textures!

5. Checked Blazer and Cable-Knit Sweater

Any outfit looks more intellectual with a blazer that has a beige checked pattern. Wear over a white cable knit sweater and black pleated mini skirt. This outfit is definitely sporting a big dose of boarding school spirit, and it’s all thanks to black leather boots.

6. Forest Green Sweater Vest and Pleated Skirt

Sweater vests are all the rage! Put on a forest green sweater vest over a white collored shirt and wear a black pleated skirt. For an added touch of interest add patterned tights and black platform shoes. This looks like a fall outfit!

7. Olive Cardigan and Matching Trousers

Good monochromatic moment is my favorite thing. They look so put together together with an olive green cardigan over a black turtleneck top and matching olive trousers. Black leather shoes make for a sleek and elegant look.

8. Oversized Brown Cardigan and White Dress

If you want the dark academia look to be a little bit more relaxed, opt for an oversized brown cardigan with a white tiered mini dress. It’s such a snug fit! Pair with white ankle socks and black platform boots for a perfect contrast that makes the outfit stand out.

9. Camel Maxi Dress with Balloon Sleeves

This maxi dress in camel brown with balloon sleeves is hugely romantic. Add a black leather belt to cinch your waist and pair with black ankle boots. The entire ensemble is reminiscent of a period piece!

10. White Tank and Black Midi Skirt

Sometimes, the simplest clothes is best. It is a white fitted tank top in 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

If you’re looking for a complete preppy professor look, this piece is for you. Top a mustard yellow argyle vest with a brown checkered blazer and white button-up shirt. This is a very academic outfit, completed with Navy wide leg trousers.

12. Black Oversized Coat and Sweater Vest

Any black oversized coat is a must-have for winter dark academia style. Wear it over a houndstooth sweater vest and white collared shirt. For the intellectual winter look add black wide leg trousers and chunky platform loafers.

13. Gray Turtleneck and Pleated Mini Skirt

It’s a really chic outfit and it’s a light gray sleeveless turtleneck with a black pleated mini skirt. 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

To add more of the preppy atmosphere, wear a white half-shirt with a white cable knit vest. Team with a camel pleated mini skirt and 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 offers pattern mixing that goes so well. Perfectly completed with black tights.

16. Black Leather Bomber and Turtleneck

If you’re looking for a darker, more edgy take on the dark academia style, pair a black leather bomber jacket with a cream turtleneck sweater. The outfit is grounded while still being scholarly with dark wide-leg jeans and brown leather shoes.

17. Burgundy Corduroy Pinafore Dress

This burgundy corduroy pinafore dress is just a perfect fall dress! Pair with a cream long sleeve blouse and a pair of animal print ankle boots for a surprise twist. Color in this outfit is fabulous for fall.

18. Cream Sweater Vest and Wide-Leg Trousers

This ensemble has lots of texture! A cream sweater vest with brown checkered sleeves underneath adds a lot of interest to the outfit. To complete this sophisticated outfit, the camel wide leg trousers are complemented with brown leather loafers.

19. Black Cardigan and Light Wash Jeans

If you’re looking for a more laid-back dark academia style, combine a black cardigan, white crew neck tee and light wash high-waist jeans. It is nonchalant yet with a cerebral flair!

20. Black Leather Jacket and Mini Dress

Simplify it 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. Complete the outfit with that vintage touch, a cream knit scarf for coziness, and mary jane shoes.

22. Rust Brown Cardigan and Plaid Skirt

When you layer a rust brown cable knit cardigan on top of a white basic tee, you’ve enhanced the look. 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

I love the romantic touch of the cream peplum blouse! Combine with a burnt orange full midi skirt and burgundy loafers. Fall colours are ideal.

24. White Peasant Blouse and Embroidered Vest

A white puff sleeve peasant blouse, paired with a black embroidered fitted vest, looks so romantic. Complete the look with 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

Rather a classic black ribbed long sleeve top tucked into a black and white checkered mini skirt. Black platform loafers are just the perfect amount of height.

26. Red Chunky Sweater and Wide Leg Trousers

Throw in a pop of color from a red chunky knit sweater! Combined with camel wide leg trousers and a tan utility jacket. This can be achieved with hiking shoes.

27. White Victorian Blouse and Black Pinafore

Do the whole romantic goth thing – white Victorian blouse over black pinafore dress. This outfit is mysterious and beautiful in itself and is completed by white tights and black mary jane shoes.

28. Black Turtleneck and Trench Coat

A trench coat, black turtleneck and black straight leg pants make for an amazing outfit. This classic pair is complemented by black chunky combat boots for a sense of rugged style.

29. Black Tiered Maxi Dress and Denim Jacket

Last, but not least, a black maxi dress with a tiered style and spaghetti straps transforms into a look suitable for everyday wear with a denim jacket. This dark academia outfit is so easy to wear thanks to the white retro sneakers!