50 Affordable Dark Academia Outfits To Get Inspired By

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Are you looking to find affordable dark academia outfits? If so, here are 40+ gorgeous outfits that are perfect for your next library visit.

Let’s talk about the latest popular social media aesthetic: the dark academia.

At first glance, you might think it comes from anime; but it doesn’t. The dark academia aesthetic is a trend that revolves around the pursuit of learning, classic literature, and academics.

The core appeal of the aesthetic, according to aesthetics.wiki.com, is “pretentiousness and romanticizing education”. Dark academia, true to its seemingly gloomy name, has themes centered around mystery, secret societies, and cults.

Overall, it’s a great trend to get inspired by, as it encourages more than just outfit styling – when done right, you embrace the whole concept of continuous learning.

How To Style Dark Academia Outfits

Now, let’s get down to the fashion part.

With roots in the UK, dark academia fashion gives off a prep school, Oxford vibe. Think of prep school outfits like plaid skirts and blazers. However, because of its UK roots and its association with cold weather, most dark academia outfits include thick layers, wooly sweaters, and long sleeves.

Dark academia outfits are centered on the scholarly aesthetic, so clothing is usually made up of somber and muted colors such as brown and other dark shades, plaids, corduroy overalls and dresses, tights, vests, tailored pants, wool coats, and boots.

Plus, it’s not a complete dark academia outfit without some kind of scholarly item on you like a satchel or reading glasses. Throw in some actual classic literature books and a silver watch, and you’re basically all set.

It’s pretty easy to find dark academia outfit pieces from any online shop and retailer since the aesthetics listed above are common and widely available anywhere.

However, if you want a special dark academia outfit set that can’t be found anywhere else or actual vintage clothes, then Etsy is your best shop.

Overall, these shops are your best bets to get dark academia outfits:

Etsy (for vintage pieces)
Uniqlo (lots of thick wooly clothing, sweaters, and dark trench coats!)
Urban Outfitters
Nasty Gal (up-to-date trendy plaid outfits)
Madewell (for some classic, minimalist clothing)
Shein (super affordable pieces!)

With this said, let’s jump straight into the best dark academia outfits that we could find online!

The Best Dark Academia Outfits To Shop This Fall

Get this sweater vest on Etsy

Get the outfit set on Etsy

Get this outfit set on Etsy

Get the dress on Shein

Get this set on YesStyle

Get the skirt on Shein

Get this outfit set on Etsy

Get this sweatshirt on Etsy

Get these shorts on Etsy

Get this outfit on Etsy

Get this jacket on Urban Outfitters

Get the brown plaid skirt on Etsy

Get this flannel shirt on Uniqlo

Get this underbust corset on Etsy

Get these pants on Etsy

Get this set on Shein

Get the tartan trousers on J.Ing

Get this outfit on Etsy

Get this cardigan on Shein

Get the blouse and skirt on YesStyle

Get this blazer on Nasty Gal

Get these overalls on Madewell

Get this skirt on Shein

Get this dress on Etsy

Get this flannel shirt on Madewell

Get this set on Store Envy

Get this set on Etsy

Get this short on Etsy

Get these pants on Madewell

Get the blouse on Etsy

Get this dress on Madewell

Get this blouse on Etsy

Get this tailored jacket on Uniqlo

Get this dress on Shein

Get these pants on Nasty Gal

Get this cardigan on Shein

Get this mini skirt on Nasty Gal

Get this overall dress on Shein

Get this shirt on Urban Outfitters

Get this cardigan on Shein

Get these pants on Nasty Gal

Get this overall dress on Shein

Get this blouse on Shein

Get this tailored jacket on Uniqlo

Get this blazer on Etsy

Get this sweater vest on Urban Outfitters

Get this jacket on Urban Outfitters

Are you ready to build your dark academia outfit with a few favorites from this post? Let us know in the comments section! If you’re still looking more fashion inspiration, check the posts down below.