23 outfits to give you instant Ivy League style
Fall is the perfect season to watch horror movies, study philosophy, and go for long walks in the rain. Maybe you are going back to school and need outfit inspiration. Wearing female dark academia outfits, you will look the part and probably study harder as a result.
Duffel coat + Mock-neck ivory sweater + Plaid scarf + Tweed skirt
The easiest way to incorporate a dark academia feeling into your style is to get a short tweed skirt and a plaid sard.
In the picture, I especially like her navy stockings, go ahead and steal that excellent styling tip.
Long plaid skirt + Brown cable knit sweater + Brown tweed blazer
Here we take a look at some of the other heroes of a well-rounded dark Academia world. A tweed blazer will elevate whatever else you put on. It looks especially good combined with a brown cable knit sweater.
Just add a plaid skirt
If you don’t like short skirts (they are not for everyone) a long skirt will give you the exact vibe you are looking for, especially if the skirt is plaid like in the picture.
Do style your hair
Hair accessories are a great way to enhance your dark academia outfit. A pair of black ribbons are simply the best.
Sweater vest + Shirt + Tweed pants
Here we see two friends wearing matching female dark academia outfits.
Take note and wear your shirt with a vest. If it’s cold, throw on your tweed blazer. Both the jeans and the tweed pants look good in these outfits.
If you need to know more about the preppy lifestyle and which clothes to choose, do read the book that started it all; The official Preppy Handbook. (It was made as a parody, but people take the advice and run with it.)
Vest + Blazer + white pussy-bow blouse
I love how dark and romantic this outfit looks. The suit works great together with the more feminine blouse.
I suggested navy suede accessories to lighten up the dark suit. If you manage to find a tweed suit, even better.
Burgundy sweater + Plaid pleated skirt + Beret
A pleated skirt is another must when you are wondering how to dress in dark academia as a female.
Matching the colors in the tweed skirt makes for an even cuter outfit. Do add pearls and make sure you snap some sad and poetic pictures.
White turtleneck + Black cardigan + Plaid skirt + Over-the-knee boots
The combination between the turtleneck and cardigan could not be more preppy. I also admire the dangling pearl earrings.
The over-the-knee boots ( a dark academia must have) make this outfit dreamy.
If you want more preppy outfits, check out my article Preppy fall outfits – 16 outfits channeling old money aesthetic.
Tweed blazer + White shirt + Black skirt
Creating a dark academia outfit doesn’t need to be complicated. All you need is a couple of good basics, such as a white shirt and a black skirt.
Now you just need to add an extra element, to fully make that intellectual statement. For example, a tweed blazer, like in the picture.
You could also add tweed pants or something plaid.
White linen shirt + Dark pants + Bucket bag
Just because fall is here you don’t have to pack away your linen shirts. They work great in all sorts of dark academia outfits. Just combine them with a pair of dark pants.
Dark academia accessories
The accessories will make you look like a good student. The best bag would be a brown bucket bag, but any bag that looks like late nights at the University library will work.
Trenchcoat + Black turtleneck + Slacks
A trenchcoat is another classic dark academia item. Get yours at a second-hand shop.
Here it is expertly paired with a black turtleneck, I would also add a pair of slouchy suit pants for that nonchalant university student look.
I would also add a messy bun and a pair of diamond studs.
Tweed blazer + White silk blouse + Black dressy pants
Dark academia is also about being romantic. Reading poetry, lighting candles, being unhappily in love, writing letters…
Embrace all those things while wearing a white silk blouse and an oversized blazer. I also love to add a silk scarf to give your outfit an even more romantic vibe.
Oversize chocolate brown coat + Cable knit sweater + Suede loafers + Grey jeans + Cashmere socks
Wearing chunky socks in a pair of loafers is a great dark Academia styling trick.
Complete the look with a classic cable knit sweater and an oversized coat.
Play with proportions
Another important key to creating successful female dark academia outfits is to play with proportions. For example, a short skirt and an oversized jumper.
Or like in this picture an oversized coat worn together with slim loafers.
Plaid pants + Short tweed jacket + Lace-up boots
There is a lot to like about this picture, the jacket doesn’t match the pants, but the scarf creates a bridge between those two items. Her look is menswear-inspired, at the same time she looks feminine.
Mix and match
Dark academia style borrows elements from the boys, such as blazers, loafers and shirts.
Also, don’t be afraid to add some color, a hint of orange or blood-red will make wonders for your outfit.
Plaid dress + Ivory coat + Over-the-knee boots
If you want to look more feminine, opt for a plaid dress or a plaid skirt. This item looks particularly good with an ivory coat.
When in doubt, add plaid
I also like to add a mismatched plaid scarf to the ensemble
Over-the-knee
To take any look and make it instantly dark academia, just add a pair of over-the-knee boots. If you don’t have the boots, a pair of over-the-knee socks will give the same effect.
Sweater top + Dressy plaid pants + Brown boots
Here is another feminine dark academia outfit that you should definitely try. All you need is a knitted short-sleeved top (or possibly a sweater vest,) combine your cute top with a pair of slim plaid pants.
Wear brown and camel-colored clothes
Brown and all sorts of caramel colors are great for achieving a dark academia style. Brown and caramel accessories help you finish your looks and give them that rich feeling of being a well-off student.
Blouse + Sweater vest + Plaid pleated skirt + Patent leather shoes
This outfit is next-level dark Academia. Every detail comes together beautifully. Notice the big collar on her white shirt.
Pick the right accessories
Those sandals are just perfection. Her accessories, in the form of a nice watch and a beret, are killing it.
Those yummy shoes could take any outfit and push it into dark Academia territory.
Don’t overlook the possibility of wearing a skirt that is both pleated and with a plaid pattern; it’s a double win.
Military green coat + Navy jumper + Pleated skirt + Jodphurs
Here I wanted to show that you can work with other colors. Military green and navy are two good colors for this style.
Combining the classics
I also wanted to suggest getting a pair of Jodhpurs for an understated classic dark Academia style.
And, of course, at least one pleated skirt. Although, if you are not a skirt person, you can just wear your jeans, like the girl in the picture.
Plaid skirt + Black turtleneck + Leather blazer
Look how nicely she layered her pearl necklace over the turtleneck. I also want to show the strength of a Burberry skirt.
Burberry is one of the most classic dark Academia brands, so check out their clothes.
(You can find similar items second-hand and sometimes the real deal; which is just perfect for building your wardrobe.)
It’s all about the styling
Once again the loafers look great with the socks. Also, notice how the loafers are in patent leather. (At least in my suggestion.)
Cardigan + Plaid short
If you don’t like skirts, may I suggest a pair of shorts?
Make sure you get a cardigan, this item is easy to wear and pairs perfectly with a silk scarf and a beret.
Blazer + V-neck top + Pussy bow blouse + Crocodile accessories
If you want to look the part, a plaid tie (or any tie) is a good styling trick.
So is a pussy bow blouse. They look particularly posh when combined with a v-neck sweater. The crocodile accessories are another win.
Ivory big cardigan + Knitted white polo + Plaid pants
Not all dark academia outfits need to be dark, you can also work with ivory and white.
I especially like a knitted polo and a big cozy cardigan.
To keep things Ivy league-esque I added plaid pants.
Corduroy skirt + Fisherman sweater + Chunky loafers
Corduroy is another classic material when you want to create a dark Academia style. The girl in the picture wears hers with a cable knit sweater and an old-school satchel bag.
The perfect details
As if those things were not styling perfection, she also compliments the look with the best chunky loafers. The coin necklace clearly is the icing on the cake.
Plaid coat + Pleated black skirt + Sweater vest
A clever and easy way to take any of your outfits and get instant female dark academia style is to buy a plaid coat.
Now all your outfits will ooze of New England, dark libaries and snowy landscapes.
Make sure you try out the sweater vest since that’s one of the biggest trends for fall 2023.
Keep a close look at the classics
The girl in the picture managed to find a very classic bag and a pair of shiny boots, cute style is the result.
keeping things classic is another good way to achieve a dark academia style.
Brown mock-turtleneck + Brown corduroy blazer +Brown corduroy pants
Let’s get a great corduroy overdose by buying a corduroy blazer and matching pants.
To get that dark moody look, we add a chocolate brown turtleneck and a pair of fall-appropriate boots.
Head to the library in style and make sure you stay to midnight. Corduroy is a great material to look like a scholar.
A final note on female dark academia outfits
Dressing in dark academia outfits will inspire you to read more, study harder and be more of a romantic. You will look like the heroine in an academic mystery novel.
Act the part
To achieve the look, just think about which materials to use and which colors you want to dress in. Most of all, bring a book and a notebook and you are already there.
