Dark Academia Capsule Wardrobe

Dark Academia is a great style choice for those going for both a sophisticated and moody vibe. As a self-proclaimed INTJ, this style definitely appeals to me. If you are wanting to try out the dark academia aesthetic, but don’t want to spend a small fortune doing so, you might want to consider building a dark academia capsule wardrobe.

Below I have organized each item in your new capsule wardrobe by tops, bottoms, accessories, and footwear. Enjoy! This post is all about how to curate your own dark academia capsule wardrobe.

Tops

1. White or Cream Button Down Shirt

If you look at practically any dark academia Pinterest mood board, you are bound to see a white or cream button down shirt incorporated into at least half of the outfits. Because of this, it is seriously such a versatile piece to have in your dark academia capsule wardrobe. It can be worn under a sweater, tucked into a skirt, under a vest, under a pinafore–you get it the idea.

2. Black or Brown Turtleneck

If you want to look effortlessly sophisticated, throw on a turtleneck, put your hair up in a slicked back bun and you are good to go! These look great on their own or under a sweater for that cool, layered look.

3. Sweater Vest

I feel like you don’t see these on the average person nowadays so including this in your dark academia capsule wardrobe will really help to set you apart from everyone else while still staying within the style parameters of dark academia.

4. Blazer

The right blazer does so much to elevate an outfit. You can play around with different materials to really give it that dark academia feel.

5. Neutral Cardigan

Cardigans really make your outfits look cozy and like you just got back from a midnight study sesh at the university library. I like having a light cardigan for Spring and Summer and a heavier one for Fall and Winter.

6. Button up Vest

These types of vests are so versatile and can be worn year round. During the warmer months, I will wear just the vest with a cute skirt and during the colder months, I love layering it and adding tights under my skirt.

7. Neutral Long-Sleeve Sweater

Sweaters are a staple of the dark academia look. There are plenty of styles to choose from, but for your dark academia capsule wardrobe, I would go for a lighter neutral-colored one.

8. Neutral Tank Tops/Undershirts

You will need these for layering. In the Summer, I like to wear the tank tops as their own and rely more on more accessories to really pull together the aesthetic.

Bottoms

1. Neutral or Patterned Trousers

Feel free to get both kinds of trousers, but if you are trying to keep to a stricter budget, just pick which one you think you will wear more often.

2. Hounds Tooth Mini Skirt

You can also opt for a neutral color or a muted plaid, but there is just something about the hounds tooth that just screams “dark academia” to me. Mini skirts aren’t just for when it’s warm and sunny outside. I wear mini skirts basically year round by layering tights under them.

3. Neutral Circle Skirt

When choosing your circle skirt, be sure to pay attention to the length. You want it to either come to just the top of your knee or just below it. You can obviously do what you want, I just feel like any longer and you start to wander into nun territory (Maxi skirts/dresses are a different story).

Accessories

1. Leather Belt

This will come in handy when you are layering, but want to make sure you still have great shape to your body.

2. Tights

I have already mentioned tights several times throughout this article and for good reason! They are perfect for layering and they also help to elevate your outfit. I love wearing a flowy dress, tights and Mary Janes!

3. Socks

It really is “all in the details” when it comes to the dark academia aesthetic. The right pair of socks can really take an outfit from ordinary to dark academia.

4. Locket

This one is more optional, but there is just something about wearing a locket that really just gives off the air of dark academia. Plus, I have just always loved lockets!

5. Pearl Necklace

Ok hear me out, a string of pearls under the perfect locket. Have you ever dreamed of a more perfect necklace combo? It is seriously such a vibe.

6. Watch

Wearing a watch will really give off that “academic” mood. I swear every time I see someone wearing a watch, I instantly think that they are smarter than me. Haha for real, wearing a watch gives off “smart person vibes”.

7. Pearl Drop Earrings

Again, more on the optional side, but the touch of elegance this will bring to your outfit is insane.

8. Antique Rings

This one is another “all in the details” piece. When I think of the dark academia aesthetic, I immediately picture someone wearing a bunch of antique rings holding a ton of books.

9. Messenger Bag

Nothing pulls my outfits together like my messenger bag. I will probably always carry a messenger bag. The one I am currently using is one my husband gifted me for my birthday and it will be a sad day when it wears out I’ll tell you that.

10. Hair Bows

If you want a really simple, but elegant looking hairstyle, do a half-up half-down hairdo and then put a bow right over your elastic. It is so cute and works for every day wear or something fancier.

Footwear

1. Neutral or Maroon Mary Janes

I have a black pair and a maroon pair of Mary Janes and they both get worn multiple times a week! I feel like these shoes turn what would be a regular outfit into a dark academia one.

2. Neutral Loafers

Loafers are a classic dark academia staple.

3. Neutral Riding Boots

Riding boots look so cute with a mini skirt. I have yet to add riding boots to my wardrobe, but when I do, you better believe I will be wearing them every Fall with tights and a mini skirt.

Dark academia is a trending style right now, but with how timeless these pieces are, I really don’t ever see it going out of style. I hope this article was helpful! If I missed any crucial item, please be sure to leave it in the comments for me!