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10 Dark Academia Outfit Essentials!

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Dark academia fashion is all about intellectual, vintage-inspired, and slightly gothic aesthetics. Here are 10 essentials for a classic dark academia wardrobe!
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Tweed Blazers

A well-fitted tweed or herringbone blazer adds structure and a scholarly vibe to any outfit

 
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Oversized for a comfortable fit!
Urban Renewal Vintage Oversized Check Blazer
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Relaxed fit. The plaid design gives a school vintage look!
Miss Selfridge tailored relaxed blazer in plaid print - ASOS
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Wool blend for comfort and warmth!
STRAIGHT CUT WOOL BLEND HERRINGBONE BLAZER

Cable Knit Sweaters

Cozy, textured sweaters in neutral or earthy tones are a must for layering.

 
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Thick cable knit at a reasonable price!
Women Vintage Chunky Cable Knit Sweater
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Thick and oversized for a vintage look!
Frankie Cable Sweater
 
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Can be paired with a Turtleneck or a blouse!
Women's Oversized V Neck Sweater Vest

Button Up Shirts

Crisp white or muted-tone button-ups create a refined, academic look.

 
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Old navy has affordable and high quality clothing.
Linen-Blend Button-Down Boyfriend Shirt | Old Navy
 
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High quality. Fitting or boxy fit.
Classic Stretch Poplin Button-Down Shirt
 
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Oversized so size down for a fitted look. Reasonable price and good quality!
Easy To See Dark Brown Oversized Button-Up Top

Wool Trousers or Plaid Pants

High-waisted, pleated trousers or plaid pants give a polished and vintage look.

 
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Wide leg and baggy!
ASOS DESIGN wide leg tailored pants in check | ASOS
 
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High waisted. Can be paired with a belt as well.
Ankle-length Pants
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The plaid pattern gives an intellectual look. These are high waisted with a relaxed fit!
Extra High-Waisted Taylor Relaxed Slim Trouser Pants | Old Navy

Midi, A-Line or Pleated Skirt

Flowing or structured skirts in dark or neutral shades add elegance to the aesthetic.

 
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Skirts with buttons down the front give a vintage look!
SOFT BUTTON MIDI SKIRT
 
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Mini skirts with tights give a classic intellectual look!
Wool-like fabrics Wool-look Mid Rise Pleated Mini Skirt
 
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Pleated skirts give a vintage school look. Pair with thigh high stockings or socks.
SANGTREE Plaid Pleated School Uniform Skirt
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Longer skirts can be paired with long boots during the cooler seasons.
Wool-like fabrics Wool-like Mid Rise Tartan Belted Pleated Maxi Skirt For Daily Casual

Loafers, Oxfords, Combat Boots

Classic leather footwear that channels old-school sophistication.

 
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Combat boots are Comfortable and can go with any recommendations listed.
Women's Winterbury Lace Up Bootie
 
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These are designed after menswear and have a unique style.
Aerosoles Wyatt Oxford
 
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Classic oxford that can give any outfit a vintage look.
Jonah Lace Up Oxfords
 
Anne Klein Ezra Loafer

Trench Coat or Peacoat

A long, structured coat in camel, brown, black or grey completes the intellectual look.

 
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Combine with blues or muted greens.
Double-breasted Trench Coat
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Can be paired with a vest and a fitted Turtleneck.
Women's Single-Breasted Walker Coat
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Camel or brown with a Turtleneck to complete the look.
Women's Nine West Large Notch Collar Front Button Coat
 
Women's Notch Lapel Double Breasted Belted Mid Length Trenchcoat

Turtleneck

A staple for layering, turtlenecks exude a timeless, bookish charm.

 
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More fitted for layering under a blazer or vest.
Timeless Turtleneck Top | Banana Republic Factory
 
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Oversized to go with Pleated mini skirts or trousers.
Ribbed Knit Turtleneck Sweater | Forever 21
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Satchel or Leather Bag

A vintage-style bag, preferably worn-in leather, to carry books and journals.

 
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Perfect for the classroom or work. The leather gives a vintage look.
Hulsh Men's Adjustable Strap Leather 18" Laptop Messenger Bag, Vintage Brown
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Small tote for those who don't want to carry a backpack or large bag.
Komal's Leather Crossbody Bag 10 inch Tote
 
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Leather backpack to complete the intellectual look.
Leather Retro Preppy Style Backpack Buckle Flap School Bag
 
The 13 Inch Batchel - Oxblood
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Stockings, Knee-High or Thigh- High Socks

Dark or neutral-colored for a preppy, vintage look.

 
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These are best with mini skirts but can be paired with longer skirts if it is too warm for tights.
Hue Soft Opaque Women's Knee Socks - 3 Pack
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Perfect for mini skirts.
Blackheart Black Thigh Highs
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Warm and thick. They are rip resistant and have survived many washes.
HEATTECH Tights | UNIQLO US