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10 Preppy Light Academia Outfits Perfect For Fall

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Looking for some inspiration for your next light academia outfit? You’re in luck! We’ve compiled a list of 10 stunning light academia outfits that are sure to make you feel like you’re walking the halls of an ivy-covered university.

Light academia, the lighter, more whimsical version of the popular dark academia aesthetic, draws inspiration from the romanticism of literary classics, historical academia, and the cozy ambiance of old libraries, just like its darker cousin.

However, light academia’s aesthetic is notably more focused on colors like cream, beige, white, and light brown, as opposed to darker autumnal shades. As a result, light academia fashion is somewhat more preppy-looking, and some might even describe it as elegant.

If you’re looking to infuse your wardrobe with a few great light academia basics, take inspiration from the 10 chic outfits featured below.

10 Best Light Academia Outfits To Recreate

1. Cable Knits + Mini Skirts

This cable knit and mini skirt outfit is perfect for fall days. Keep the color palette simple with neutral tones, including an ivory quarter zip sweater and a black pleated mini skirt. Finish the look with a satchel-style bag and black lace-up shoes.

Recreate This Look
Ivory Central Park West Tiegen Cables Half Zip Sweater
Central Park West

Tiegen Cables Half Zip Sweater

At Revolve

Black Reformation Dakota Skirt
Reformation

Dakota Skirt

At Reformation

Black Dr Martens Gender Inclusive 1461 Oxford Shoes
Dr. Martens

Gender Inclusive 1461 Oxford Shoes

At Nordstrom

2. Sweater Vests

Sweater Vests are a key part of any light academia wardrobe, and they can be styled in so many different ways. This old-school patterned sweater vest has been styled with a pair of tailored tan pants and a white button-down shirt – so sophisticated!

Recreate This Look
White Citizens of Humanity Kayla Oversize Poplin Button-Up Shirt
Citizens of Humanity

Kayla Oversize Poplin Button-Up Shirt

At Nordstrom

White and beige Lovers and Friends Carice Checkered Vest
Lovers and Friends

Carice Checkered Vest

At Revolve

Beige Polo Ralph Lauren Relaxed-Fit Pleated Herringbone Pants
Polo Ralph Lauren

Relaxed-Fit Pleated Herringbone Pants

At Neiman Marcus

3. Cute Cardigans

Throwing a cute cardigan over any outfit automatically adds a light academia touch. This oversized cream cardigan has been paired with a white t-shirt, taupe, black scarf, black mini skirt, and black and white loafers for a preppy finish. The burgundy-toned bag adds a pop of color.

Recreate This Look
Cream Treasure & Bond Clean Oversize Cardigan
Treasure & Bond

Clean Oversize Cardigan

At Nordstrom

Black Favorite Daughter First Wife Mini Skirt
Favorite Daughter

First Wife Mini Skirt

At Revolve

Black and white Sebago Dan Casual Lug-Sole Penny Loafers
Sebago

Dan Casual Lug-Sole Penny Loafers

At Neiman Marcus

4. Fall Tones

We love the fall color palette in this light academia look. The caramel-colored long sleeve is styled with a pair of stunning high-waisted chocolate brown wide-leg pants – making this outfit the perfect work look. Add a brown leather handbag, then open-toe shoes or a pair of ballet shoes to complete the look.

Recreate This Look
Beige Enza Costa Knit V-neck Top
Enza Costa

Knit V-neck Top

At Revolve

Brown Reformation Mason Pant
Reformation

Mason Pant

At Reformation

Tan Ganni Leather Shoulder Bag
Ganni

Leather Shoulder Bag

At Nordstrom

5. Pops of Red

The red socks add a fun and unexpected pop of color to this chic and elegant light academia look! The oversized camel sweater is worn with a black and grey striped mini skirt and black loafers, then accessorized with a pink handbag and red socks.

Recreate This Look
Camel Sophie Rue Easy Crew Sweater
Sophie Rue

Easy Crew Sweater

At Revolve

Black and white striped Superdown Romy Mini Skirt
Superdown

Romy Mini Skirt

At Revolve

Red Stems Cotton & Cashmere Blend Crew Socks
Stems

Cotton & Cashmere Blend Crew Socks

At Nordstrom

6. Plaid Patterns

Adding plaid to any outfit is a guaranteed way to fit right into the light academia trend! This plaid pleated mini skirt is the statement piece of the outfit, styled with an ivory cable knit sweater, black lace-up shoes, and a brown leather satchel – perfect for your school or college essentials.

Recreate This Look
White Lulus Warmest Aura Ivory Cable Knit Balloon Sleeve Pullover Sweater
Lulus

Warmest Aura Ivory Cable Knit Balloon Sleeve Pullover Sweater

At Lulus

Brown and grey Vero Moda Tracy Check Pleated Miniskirt
Vero Moda

Tracy Check Pleated Miniskirt

At Nordstrom

Brown Mulberry Bayswater Grained Leather Satchel
Mulberry

Bayswater Grained Leather Satchel

At Nordstrom

7. Trench Coats

If you are looking for the perfect light academia outerwear, then you have to go for a trench coat! A camel-colored trench coat will add a preppy, light academia aesthetic to any outfit – just throw it on over a checked mini skirt, white button-down shirt, and V-neck sweater for the perfect, sophisticated outfit.

Recreate This Look
Camel Nordstrom Cashmere V-Neck Sweater
Nordstrom

Cashmere V-Neck Sweater

At Nordstrom

Beige and brown plaid Song of Style Ansley Pleated Mini Skirt
Song of Style

Ansley Pleated Mini Skirt

At Revolve

Camel Barbour Opal Water Resistant Belted Trench Coat
Barbour

Opal Water Resistant Belted Trench Coat

At Nordstrom

8. Tan shades

Go for a tonal look for your next light academia outfit, opting for tan and camel shades. This tailored camel blazer has been paired with a tan mini skirt and tan knee-high boots. Add a white turtleneck sweater to stay cozy and finish with a white leather handbag.

Recreate This Look
White Theory Regal Wool Turtleneck Sweater
Theory

Regal Wool Turtleneck Sweater

At Neiman Marcus

Beige Camila Coelho Morena Blazer
Camila Coelho

Morena Blazer

At Revolve

Beige h:ours Ariella Mini Skirt
h:ours

Ariella Mini Skirt

At Revolve

9. Cardigans + Collars

This adorable cardigan, with a little collar poking out, is a great way to start a light academia outfit! Style this cardigan with a pair of tailored pants, or a plaid mini skirt, just like you see in the outfit above. Finish your look with a brown beret and knee-high boots.

Recreate This Look
White Theory Classic Button-Front Boyfriend Shirt
Theory

Classic Button-Front Boyfriend Shirt

At Neiman Marcus

Camel Polo Ralph Lauren Cashmere Cardigan
Polo Ralph Lauren

Cashmere Cardigan

At Revolve

Brown Marc Fisher Hydria Knee High Boot
Marc Fisher

Hydria Knee High Boot

At Nordstrom

10. Sweater Vest + Tailored Pants

This sweater vest and tailored pants outfit are just gorgeous and are perfect for work, school, or college! Stick to light, neutral tones and tuck your white button-down shirt and cable knit sweater vest into a pair of tan-tailored pants. Complete your look with a tan leather handbag and brown-tinted sunglasses.

Recreate This Look
Ivory J.Crew Relaxed cable-knit V-neck sweater-vest
J.Crew

Relaxed cable-knit V-neck sweater-vest

At J.Crew

Beige Favourite Daughter The Favorite Pant
Favorite Daughter

The Favorite Pant

At Revolve

Tan Polene Numéro Sept Handbag
Polene

Numéro Sept

At Polene

We hope you got inspired by these outfits, so time to build your own!

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