25 Dark Academia Outfits Perfect For A Scholarly Look

Moody, mysterious and perfect for your next library visit – that’s the vibe of these 25 dark academia outfits.

Dark academia is a fashion aesthetic that pops back on our social feeds every fall, and for good reason. This subculture is all about romanticizing education and embracing literature in more ways than just the superficial – perfect if you’re looking for ways to feel more enthusiastic about getting back to your studies or work.

With this said, dark academia outfits definitely have a certain look to them, which you can emulate without suddenly changing your entire personality.

As the aesthetic’s name would imply, dark academia is centered on a smart, scholarly aesthetic, embracing clothing in somber and muted colors such as browns, burgundy and other dark shades. Popular clothing items include somewhat vintage-inspired pieces with a hint of preppiness, like plaid skirts, tweed blazers, tailored pants, and cozy sweaters.

Plus, if you’re looking to truly emulate a dark academia outfit, it doesn’t hurt to carry around a few books, a satchel, or reading glasses – pretentiousness is very much welcomed. To help you get the look, we’ve gathered 25 effortless dark academia that are easy to pull off, whether you’re a student or not.

The Best Dark Academia Outfits For The Fall 

1. Leather Pants

This stunning dark academia outfit is just what you need to keep warm during the winter months! Layer a long grey wool coat over a button-up shirt and textured knit sweater for a cozy look, then pair it with leather pants to create the perfect textural contrast!

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2. Burgundy + Grey

A burgundy and grey color combination guarantees a stunning dark academic look. In this outfit, the grey mini skirt has been paired with an oversized burgundy sweater, with the white ruffles of a blouse poking out from the neckline and sleeves. Finish with black accessories.

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3. Blazer + Boots

Go for an equestrian aesthetic with this blazer and boots outfit. The green-tinted blazer is layered over a camel cardigan and a white button-up shirt, while the brown knee-high boots have been pulled over brown leggings. Add a check scarf and a brown leather bag to complete the look.

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4. Check Pants

Checked pants are essential in your dark academia wardrobe, and we love these burgundy-toned pants with the burgundy-toned sweater, creating a chic tonal look. Add black boots and a black leather handbag to really elevate this look.

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5. Sweater Vests

A sweater vest is another clothing item that just oozes dark academia! This sweater vest has been layered over an off-white button-up shirt and then tucked into high-waisted pleated pants. You need a check pattern on the pants to break up the brown and green tones of the outfit.  

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6. Pleated Mini Skirts

Miu Miu has played a key role in bringing the mini skirt back and making it a wardrobe must-have. If you are loving mini skirts at the moment, here is how to style them in a dark academia outfit. Just pair it with black sheer tights, a white roll-neck top, and a dark brown crewneck sweater. Add your favorite white shoulder bag to ensure a super stylish look.

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7. Button-up Shirts + Vests

Layer your favorite oversized button-up shirt with a grey vest for a sophisticated and elegant look and then style with a black skirt. Keep to a monochrome color palette to ensure a perfect dark academia outfit.

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8. Matching checks

Matching checks is always a good idea, which is why we love this dark academia checked blazer and skirt set! The blazer and skirt are paired with a green-toned turtleneck sweater and then finished with black sheer tights, green tights, and brown-heeled sandals.

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9. Oversized knits

An oversized knit sweater with a mini skirt always creates a stunning fall outfit, but opt for checked patterns, and dark, fall shades to transform this outfit into a dark academia look. The outfit above includes a burgundy sweater, a light brown check skirt, white socks, and dark brown leather heels.

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10. Cropped Cardigans

We love cropped cardigans since they can be styled in so many different ways. Here you can see that the grey knit cropped cardigan has been styled with a pair of high-waisted brown check pleated pants for a smart and polished look. Add gold jewelry to give this look a glamorous touch.

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11. Minimalist chic

Keep it simple with this roll-neck top and pleated pants outfit. This is a classic business casual look that would be perfect for any smart work meetings, but the colors are important to give you that dark academia look. Go for dark brown, grey, and taupe colors, like the dark brown top and taupe-grey pants. Finish with black leather accessories.  

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12. Smart pants + casual sneakers

Go for a stylish look by pairing your smart pants with relaxed sneakers to recreate this gorgeous outfit. The oversized blazer has been styled with a dark, long-sleeve top and striking white and brown plaid pants. Finish on a casual note with these burgundy and white sneakers.

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13. Grey on grey

Tonal outfits always look amazing which is why you should go for this grey-on-grey dark academia outfit. The heather grey turtleneck has been tucked into grey, high-waisted, wide-leg pants for a chic look. Add a brown leather belt to break out the grey tones.

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14. Cable knits + Checks

This outfit is perfect for the fall months and has a stunning dark academia look. A white shirt collar pokes out the top of this cinnamon brown cable knit sweater and then styled with a black and white check skirt – so cute! Finish with black tights and a black leather bag.

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15. Ivory + Dark brown

The contrast between the ivory tone and the dark brown pants creates a striking outfit that perfectly fits the dark academia style. The beige cable knit sweater has a deep V-neckline and has been tucked into the high-waisted pleated pants. Gold jewelry adds a glam touch to this outfit.

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16. Leather loafers

Loafers are an essential in your wardrobe during the fall and winter months, and this outfit shows you how to style them with a dark academia aesthetic. Pair your black loafers with a brown oversized knit cardigan, a red-toned check skirt, black tights, and brown socks. A green bag adds a touch of color to this stylish outfit.

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17. Satin Skirts

Satin skirts can be styled in a whole plethora of ways, including in a dark academia style! Just wear your oyster-colored satin skirt with a dark red or burgundy v-neck satin shirt and then finish with red shoes and oyster-colored socks to keep you warm during the colder months.

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18. Red Tones

Red-tinted clothing is ideal to style with grey, black, and brown outfits. This white top and grey mini skirt have been paired with a red-tinted oversized blazer and a burgundy leather bag. Finish the outfit with black tights and patent black leather pumps.

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19. Fall Shades

We love the combination of fall shades in this dark academia outfit! The dark brown pleated, high-waisted pants have been styled with a camel-colored sweater and a rusty orange wool coat to keep you cozy during the fall months. Add black loafers to this stunning outfit.

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20. Black + Grey

Keep to a monochrome color palette with this dark grey and black look. The jacket and mini skirt are matching, with the same checked pattern, and have been styled with black heeled loafers, which are so fashionable at the moment! Add dark brown socks and a top handle bag to add a little color to the outfit.

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21. Knee-high boots

Knee-high boots are a must-have in your wardrobe if you love the dark academia style! These brown leather knee-high boots have been paired with a grey mini skirt, a white button-up shirt, and a camel-colored cable knit sweater to create a chic outfit. Add a brown leather bag to finish the outfit.

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22. Suspenders

Suspenders or braces are a great way to add a dark academia touch to any outfit. Here, the brown suspenders have been styled with a white, button-up shirt, dark grey high-waisted pants, and brown leather heeled loafers.

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23. White details

Add a few white elements to your dark academia outfit to break up the dark shades. For example, this outfit includes a white top, handbag, and pair of pointed-toe shoes to add a little lightness to the brown corduroy pants and grey oversized blazer – just stunning!

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24. Patterned tights

A pattern on your tights can really elevate any simple, dark academia outfit. The Gucci logo on these black tights adds a striking touch to this brown mini skirt and cropped white button-up shirt outfit. The tie adds a stylish, school vibe to the outfit which we love! For accessories, opt for brown loafers and a black handbag.

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25. Long coats

Long coats are essential during the fall and winter months and look stunning as a part of any dark academia outfit. Here, the black long coat has been styled with brown checked wide-leg pants and a white button-up shirt, then finished with brown peep-toe shoes and a brown belt. Add a canvas or brown leather bag to carry all your essentials.

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Are you ready to build your dark academia outfit with a few favorites from this post? Alternatively, if you’re more of a fan of lighter, beige-colored clothing in a similar style, why not check out our piece on 10 light academia outfits?

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