By Staff Writer: Caitlin Daugherty
With social media comes the rise of “aesthetics”; it means a guide to a specific fashion or lifestyle. You might have seen the aesthetics “Cottage-Core” or “Goblin-core,” which focuses on having an anti-aesthetic or the opposite of beauty. The most popular of these aesthetics is Dark Academia.
Dark Academia is an aesthetic centered around higher education, the arts, classical literature, and attending university. Distilled down to its most basic form is the romanticization of school. While a bit pretentious, it bolsters interest in education and being studious. Wearing certain clothes is also a big part of any aesthetic, and Dark Academia has many clothes that accompany the lifestyle.
Wearing clothing items such as turtlenecks, blazers, sweaters, cardigans, and tweed pants are all important to the Dark Academia aesthetic. The clothes should also mix light and dark non-saturated colors such as black, brown, rust, burnt orange, gray, and white. If you want to go the extra mile, buying a pair of vintage glasses can always bring together a dark academic look. Doc martens or dress shoes complete the look and will give your outfit a sophisticated flair.
You could opt for button-up shirts and jean shorts for the summer months. If you are female presenting, you could also buy sundresses and maxi skirts. If you do makeup, you may opt for a more natural look, with concealer and foundation being the only things you use. Or, if you want a classier and fancier look, you can use black or brown eyeshadow to accentuate your outfit.
All of these clothes are expensive. A good quality wool sweater can run you hundreds of dollars but with sites like Thredup and Depop. With thrift stores rising in popularity, you could also find less expensive options for the sake of your wallet. If you cannot afford a particular brand or clothing type, it does not make you less equal to someone who could buy a dozen colors of wool sweaters and cardigans. The whole point of an aesthetic is to appreciate beauty; without these expensive clothes, you can still appreciate Academia and literature. Do not let clothes define your personality.