Dark academia fashion encapsulates scholarly style with a moody, Gothic twist. Flowing midi skirts, cable knit sweaters, Oxford shirts, and loafers evoke studious elegance with a darkly romantic vibe.
Whether you’re heading to class or want to channel your inner scholar, these 20 dark academia outfits will inspire you to explore this rich aesthetic.
1. Beige Beret + Lace Collar Top + Green Cardigan + Plaid Trousers
Start off your dark academia wardrobe with this chic and effortless outfit.
A beige beret lends a scholarly vibe, while a white lace collar top and forest green cardigan exude old-world charm. Plaid trousers in a unique print complete the look.
Together, the pieces create an ensemble that’s equal parts bookish and beautiful.
2. Classic Collared Shirt + Black Cardigan + Pleated Skirt Ensemble
This timeless outfit combines dark academia staples into a polished look. A crisp white collared shirt provides a clean foundation, while a black cardigan and knife-pleated skirt add striking contrast.
Black tights maintain a put-together appearance, as do bright white socks and black platform shoes. The end result is collegiate style at its finest.
3. Crop Top + Gray Blazer + Patterned Midi Skirt Combination
Inject some edge into your dark academia wardrobe with this outfit’s blend of scholarly pieces and modern accents.
A sleeveless black crop top shows some skin, while a charcoal blazer with sharp shoulders lends a powerful vibe.
The ensemble’s pièce de résistance is the midi skirt, which captivates with an ornate gray pattern. Finally, black knee-high boots ground the look with a rock n’ roll twist.
4. Checkered Blouse + Mini Skirt + Knee-High Boots
If you’re seeking an outfit that marries scholastic style with spice, look no further. This ensemble juxtaposes a prim black and white checkered blouse with a sultry black mini skirt.
Sheer black tights maintain a sense of polish, while black knee-high boots provide a provocative punch. The result is a look that’s equal parts nerdy and naughty.
5. Striped Maxi Dress + Leather Vest
Make a scholarly statement in this effortless dark academia outfit. A long-sleeve striped maxi dress provides a chic foundation, while a brown leather vest adds a rugged touch.
Brown ankle boots ground the look, creating an easy ensemble that transitions seamlessly from classroom to coffee house.
6. Striped Polo + High-Waisted Shorts + Loafers
Polish off your scholarly style with this refined casual outfit. A brown and white striped polo shirt offers classic collegiate appeal, while high-waisted white shorts provide a crisp foundation.
A brown leather belt cinches the silhouette, leading the eye down to bright white socks and brown penny loafers. It’s a look that’s smart, stylish, and ideal for a day of studying.
7. Tank Top + Plaid Maxi Skirt + Leather Jacket
This bold dark academia outfit proves that scholarly style can also be eye-catching. A neutral gray tank allows a red plaid maxi skirt to shine as the ensemble’s focal point.
A black leather jacket lends an edgy contrast, while black ankle booties add height and attitude. Together, the pieces create a standout look fit for a fashionable intellectual.
8. Brown Jacket + Navy Trousers + Mary Janes
Channel collegiate refinement in this polished outfit. A tailored brown blazer and navy wide-leg trousers evoke old-world scholarly style, while a pair of black Mary Jane heels provide a feminine twist.
The result is a look that seamlessly balances masculine and feminine energy for a vibe that’s quietly powerful.
9. Pinstripe Blazer Dress + Knee-High Boots
Make a striking scholarly statement in this standout outfit.
A body-hugging black pinstripe blazer dress hugs the figure, while a black belt with a glitzy gold buckle adds 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 proves that intellectual style can also be daring.
10. Burgundy Turtleneck + Pants Set
Keep your scholarly style streamlined yet chic with this effortless autumn outfit. A burgundy sleeveless turtleneck provides a pop of color, while matching burgundy trousers elongate the silhouette.
A brown leather belt pulls the look together, creating an easy week-to-weekend ensemble with quiet sophistication.
11. Quilted Jacket + Cable Knit + Pleated Skirt
This cozy yet polished outfit provides quintessential dark academia appeal for brisk days.
A beige quilted jacket delivers warmth while maintaining a refined appearance. Beneath, a cable knit ivory sweater and knife-pleated black mini skirt balance comfort with alluring contrast.
Finally, black knee-high boots complete the look with a hint of scholarly edge.
12. Corduroy Shirt + Plaid Skirt + Mary Janes
Riff on classic scholarly style with this unique outfit. A brown corduroy button-down offers a textural take on the quintessential Oxford shirt, while a black long-sleeve top layered underneath injects dark contrast.
A gray plaid mini skirt maintains the ensemble’s bookish vibe, as do black tights and black Mary Jane heels. The result is an unexpected update on signature dark academia style.
13. 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 in a preppy silhouette.
Beneath, a black knife-pleated mini skirt provides a provocative pop of contrast. Black Mary Jane pumps maintain the look’s prim polish.
Together, the pieces create quiet sophistication with a subtle dose of spice.
14. Oversized Sweater + Tights + Boots
When you want dark academia style with maximal comfort, look no further than this outfit.
An oversized white cable knit sweater envelops the figure, delivering cozy, carefree appeal.
Black tights maintain a pulled-together vibe, while black knee-high boots lend height and attitude. The result is equal parts scholarly and snuggly.
15. Turtleneck + Plaid Trousers + Platforms
Elevate your dark academia vibe with this striking yet scholarly outfit.
A slim black turtleneck provides a polished foundation, while dark plaid wide-leg trousers make an eye-catching style statement.
Glossy black platform shoes deliver a major boost in height while maintaining the ensemble’s moody elegance. It’s a look fit for a fashionable intellectual.
16. Peasant Blouse + Corset + Midi Skirt
Explore the alluring side of scholarly style with this outfit’s beguiling mix of pieces. A white peasant blouse offers ethereal contrast to a black corset top, which hugs the figure for a dose of drama.
A brown midi skirt maintains a sense of collegiate refinement, while tan lace-up boots provide a rugged twist. The captivating result proves that smart style can also be alluring.
17. Button-Up + Plaid Blazer + Bermuda Shorts
Put a playful twist on signature scholarly pieces with this unique outfit.
A crisp white button-down shirt strikes a studious note, while a vibrant plaid blazer provides preppy contrast. 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 quirky appeal.
18. Peasant Top + Black Midi Dress
Make an effortlessly elegant style statement in this outfit’s pairing of breezy pieces. A white peasant blouse provides ethereal polish atop a slim black midi dress.
Brown woven leather mules lend warmth and texture, creating a comfortably chic look fit for wandering ivy-covered campuses.
19. White Top + Olive Blazer + Pleated Skirt
This outfit proves that collegiate style can also be daring. An olive green blazer offers a unique twist on the dark academia staple, while its bold shoulders add striking structure.
Beneath, a black knife-pleated mini skirt and sheer black tights maintain a sense of scholarly refinement. Finally, black ankle boots lend a rebellious punch.
20. Collared Shirt + Cardigan + Plaid Skirt
Finish your dark academia wardrobe with this quintessential outfit that checks all the style boxes.
A crisp white collared shirt strikes a studious note, while a slim black cardigan provides cozy contrast. A gray plaid mini skirt delivers signature scholarly appeal, as do black tights and pointed-toe knee-high boots.
It’s an ensemble made for acing any fashion test.