The Dark Academia trend - YouLookFab Forum

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The Dark Academia trend

Anonymous

I've always had trouble coming up with a style descriptor, but I think one of the trends that has come out of the pandemic might be it. Dark Academia is described as romanticizing a passion for art and literature, There's a good article on it at https://tinyurl.com/y4vzz278, and lots of stuff on Instagram and TikTok. As a bibliophile, former art history major, and someone who spent their career working at a university, I can say with no hesitation that I'm ready to embrace this trend! It wouldn't take much work for me, which I like. It seems like it would work well for thrift shop fashion.

Along with Dark Academia, we have Cottagecore, which is more influenced by the beauty of nature. I love nature, but if I have to pick one of these two pandemic trends, I'll go with Dark Academia. Both trends seem to be rooted in fantasy, which makes sense when so many people are stuck at home, dreaming of other times and places.

So which one are you? DA or CC? Or something else?

15 replies

Latest reply was from

Anonymous

I'm not either of them. My life may look closer to cottagecore, but it doesn't exactly translate to actual country living!
DA appeals to DH, he likes the idea of looking professorial. IRL, if he does teach when he graduates, chances are it'll be online and he'll be in jeans.
I can see Rachy with CC and kkards with DA though!

Liesbeth

Veteran

I don't understand the 'dark' in the descriptor. I've always been drawn to this style but can't quite pull if off myself. I feel there needs to be an ironic component to make it work or at least some kind of juxtaposition.
Cottagecore is way too bohemian for me and I also have no nostalgia whatsoever for country life :-D.

UmmLila (Lisa)

Veteran

Dark academia is an interesting concept: preppy but ready to murder enemies in the woods if needed.I suppose it draws from gothic drama in spirit if not in appearance.

I have seen a lot of references to cottage core, nap dresses and the like, but I think you need a green meadow to play in and warm weather to really vibe like a instagram-peasant.

Kaelyn

Veteran

DA is one of my many aesthetics, or close to it. As someone who aspires to become a professor, it feels like a good personality and aesthetic fit for me. I'd like to blend DA with other styles I enjoy for a unique twist.

I'm a fan of cottagecore, too. I know some people who have rocked the aesthetic for much longer than it's been trending, and I really enjoy it on them.

LaPed

Veteran

I have some friends who are all-in on the Dark Academic look. They generally wear more makeup than I do, and are just more into grooming and accessories in general, which seems to be key to looking "dark" instead of just preppy.

Also, when it comes to teens and young adults, I think there is a certain novelty to wearing "real clothes" meaning anything other than athleisure. I think some of the excitement over Dark Academia, Cottagecore, Grandmacore, etc stems from discovering the world beyond leggings and hoodies for the first time. What I've noticed with middle and high schoolers is that all it takes to look like you're "into fashion" is to wear something other than leggings/skinnies. Could be paperbag trousers one day, a prairie dress the next.

I grew up pretty cottagecore thanks to having ex-hippie parents, and I haven't managed to abandon much of that lifestyle. I like my garden and my fresh bread and my wood heat. That said, a lot of cottagecore styles strike me as very impractical for actual rural life. Day-to-day is mostly Bogs boots and Carhartt hoodies.

Anonymous

You make an excellent point, LP. Dark Academia might be the gateway into the fashion world for the younger set. Surprisingly to me, a lot of them seem to be missing school (at least, the social aspect of it).

UmmLila, I like your description of the trend! But I do want to assure everyone that I'm not planning any dark deeds out in the woods.

rachylou

Veteran

Yeah ok, I’m totally cottage core: I like mucking about in the garden

Runcarla

Veteran

Hmmm? Rachylou provided my first moniker - Academichic - so, yes, I am down for this look. One of my Covid guilty pleasures has been vintage vloggers. I’m especially keen on late ‘30’s and early ‘40’s. And then there’s been an uptick in my thrift shopping since one of the local shops has such strict protocol - it’s the only B&M shop I feel comfortable visiting.

I’m seeing ‘light academia’ too, and funnily enough some outfit inspo posts based on academic diploma! LOL!

Do I get two capsules because I took a double?

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Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Well in principle I am a dark academia much more than a cottage core person. Not sure about the particular looks though!

Echo

Veteran

Hmm, I don't necessarily understand the "dark" in the descriptor, either, given the photos of examples. Regardless, I do like the aesthetic, although it isn't quite me. I love the idea of being influenced by academia/libraries/literature.

Cottagecore is even less me, though, and I really don't understand the romaticizing of agricultural life. But lots of things are easy to romaticize when you haven't seen or experienced them first-hand, I suppose.

Zaeobi

(website)

Veteran

Given my job (teaching at university level), I feel like I would be a walking stereotype if I dressed in a Dark Academia way, lol! At least it wouldn't be as light tan/ beige as the 'traditional' academia look (which washes me out), but I have too many students who like dressing this way (tweed blazers, socks scrunched around brogues etc) for me to adopt it too. I wonder if that's why they like it, though (you mentioned it being an Instagram/ TikTok trend)?

Having grown up in rural/ small town England, I can safely say that the white cotton blouses & floaty skirts of 'cottage core' would stay clean for all of 5 minutes before looking a lot more bedraggled & 'dragged through the mud' than Instagram chic, lol. I agree with @Echo that most of what I'm seeing for this trend seems to be worn by people who aren't actually mucking about in a field, lol

Zaeobi

(website)

Veteran

TL;DR I love colour too much for either one of these trends lol. BUT having said that, I did post about a yellow cotton maxi dress in the forum this summer, that I believe could count as a 'prairie' look (it has a tiered skirt & collarless buttoned neckline). I bought it because of the practical elements (pockets & sleeves that could be buttoned/ rolled up whilst being lightweight enough for summer), but I'm still not sure I'd wear it on an actual farm or in a meadow, though

Anonymous

So interesting to hear your thoughts on these trends. Some of you are neither, and some of you are both. Runcarla, you are hereby awarded the Two Capsule Award. (I'm mad for your Sociology Students capsule.) Academichic is a great descriptor. Rachylou, I would have picked "both" for you, but it sounds like you're all in on CC. Is your post apocalyptic phase over?

I remember that beautiful yellow dress you posted before, Zaeobi. It could turn a person from DA to CC in the blink of an eye! Gorgeous, and perfect for a stroll through the meadow.

cindysmith

Veteran

I'm neither. I am very dark at work and a bit luxe lightness off work.

Anonymous

Now that's what I'd call well-balanced, cindysmith! I can definitely see you in both of those.