Dark Academia
aka Gothic Academic, Classic Scholar
"Knowledge is beauty, melancholy is romantic"
An aesthetic romanticizing classical education, literature, and scholarly pursuits with a moody, Gothic undertone.
Atmosphere
The sensory world of Dark Academia
Ancient libraries, candlelit studies, rainy campus walks, dusty bookshops
Philosophy
Pursuit of knowledge over material wealth
Who Lives Here
The character archetypes that embody Dark Academia
The Poet
The Philosopher
The Tortured Artist
The Classics Scholar
What It Rejects
Dark Academia exists in opposition to:
Anti-intellectualism
Bright colors
Modern minimalism
Daily Rituals
The practices and behaviors that define this way of living
Reading by candlelight
Writing in leather journals
Drinking black coffee
Museum visits
Origin
Emerged on Tumblr in 2015, gained massive popularity on TikTok during 2019-2020 pandemic era.
Era
2015-Present
Regions
Oxford, Cambridge, New England, Online
Trend Score
Key Elements
Key Garments
- •Wool blazers
- •Turtlenecks
- •Oxford shoes
- •Plaid skirts
- •Trench coats
- •Knit sweaters
- •Loafers
- •Wire-frame glasses
Silhouettes
- •Academic
- •Tailored
- •Layered
Color Palette
Rich, scholarly tones of old libraries and autumn leaves
Primary Colors
Secondary Colors
Accent Colors
Key Brands
Materials
Cultural Context
Romanticization of classical education, intellectualism as aesthetic, nostalgia for elite academia