Style Series: Academia

 Dark, light, romantic, chaotic, darkest, witchy. This aesthetic has something for everyone to be intrigued by. With its somber tones and textures, it has something for everyone to explore with. 

Highly inspired by the ivy league and prep school lifestyle which is so luxurious and exclusive that everyone wants to be a part of it, the trend aims to put the glamour back in the mundane task of studying in the library. Just that now, you look good doing it!

Many academia enthusiasts find inspiration from imagining private school life in the early 19th and 20th centuries, particularly from films like Dead Poets Society (1989) and School Ties (1992).

The academia look plays around with many neutral tones and textures. With 

• Turtlenecks 
• Wool/tweed/plaid coats
• Smart trousers
• Suits
• Cardigans
• Pleated skirts
• Blazers
• Sweater vests

These are necessities while styling your academia look. The classic silhouettes and practical staple pieces give you the freedom to layer and style however you want it. 

The main element of this look is the structure of the pieces. The academia fashion trend is all about contrast – pair a fitted pair of trousers with a blousy shirt, or a tight shirt with an oversized jacket to mix the textures, shapes, and silhouettes of each piece.

And if you think it stops there, you can keep upgrading with 

• Tights
• Belts
• Ties 
• Tall socks
• Subtle jewelry

Let’s talk about a few of the subcultures under academia 

Dark Academia 

Revolving around classic literature, the pursuit of self-discovery, and a general passion for knowledge and learning dark academia has an eeriness to it that one can’t quite describe. The main colour tones we find here are black, grey, beige, brown, cream, ivory, dark green, burgundy, and soft yellow. We also find upscale fabrics are cashmere, wool, and tweed, but linen and cotton are also very common. 

The pieces that we find very often in dark academia outfits are 

Topwear: Turtlenecks, Oxford shirts, Fisherman's sweaters, Sweater vests, Light blouses, etc.

Bottom Wear: Trousers, Cigarette pants, Linen shorts, Tweed trousers, Plaid skirts, etc

Outwear: Suit jackets, Trench Coats, Overcoats, Duffle coats, etc.

Accessories: Silver or gold jewelry, Broaches, Simple rings, Satchel, Wire-frame glasses, etc.

Light Academia 

With a brighter approach to life, light academia is more involved in enjoying the little things in life and life in general. The key colours for this style are soft neutrals like rose brown, cloud grey, sugar cookie tan, or dusty pastels like crepe pink, vintage blue, or buttercream yellow which support the brightness on which it is based. This aesthetic also includes fabrics like cashmere, linen, cotton, corduroy, gingham, flannel, knit and crochet, lace, silk/satin

The pieces we find in this aesthetic is:

Topwear: Blazers, Turtlenecks, Corduroy jackets, Cardigans, Cable Knit Sweaters/Jumpers, Button Up Shirts, etc. 

Bottomwear: Linen Shorts, Dress Pants, Cigarette Pants, Leather Belts, Skirts

Outerwear: Trench coats, Pea Coats, Duffle Coats, Overcoats, Waistcoats

Accessories: Pearls, Hair Clips, Berets, Knee-high or ruffle socks, Watches, Leather Belts, Cufflinks, Brooches

Chaotic Academia 

Unlike the other sub-genres, this aesthetic portrays that there’s no need to be prim and proper and embraces the mess. Messing up the shirts and altering them for the best of your comfort is highly encouraged. 

Pieces we find here are: 

• Button downs open over logo tee shirts
• Messy eyeliner
• Heavy boots
• Patched or torn clothes
• Large blazers
• Collared tops
• Jeans

If we talk about all the sub-genres of the academia aesthetic there would be no end. Just like the previous style genre, we spoke about we find that even the academia aesthetic is so generous in giving you the freedom to experiment as much as you want. Especially if you’re obsessed with movies like Harry Potter or shows like Gossip Girl which glorifies this aesthetic. It gives you such a neat look that you can even go in for something chaotic if that’s your fancy. 

Yours 

Neeve