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dark academia outfits
Design by Yoora Kim

15 Dark Academia Outfits That'll Make You Feel Like the Cutest Lil' Bookworm

Basically, Hermione Granger vibes.

Headshot of Hannah OhBy Hannah Oh

Picture this: you're writing an essay in an old library with drizzling rain pouring down the windows, a steaming cup of tea next to you, and wire-framed glasses propped your face. Perhaps you’re listening to Lo-Fi medieval music (look it up, it’s totally a thing) and imagining that you live in a fictional world of spells and cute school uniforms. Meet Dark Academia, the cozy, preppy aesthetic that TikTok is going wild for.

Crisp button-ups, plaid knits, tweed mini skirts, chunky loafers, and schoolgirl blazers — these are the benchmark pieces of the viral dark academia style. You could style a collegiate sweatshirt over a collared shirt (for those ~Ivy League~ vibes), or maybe you pair a neck tie (a Jenna Ortega-approved trend) with your scholarly argyle sweater. Think Gossip Girl with a darker, more academic edge, or if Hermione Granger were a TikTok influencer.

The coffee-shop-chic look has taken over TikTok and Instagram, spreading the preppy, moody, dark-corner-of-the-library vibe everywhere. Grab your latte, and get ready to shop the cutest dark academia outfits that give off that collegiate bookworm vibe.

Hekkomird Knit Argyle Sweater

Knit Argyle Sweater

Hekkomird Knit Argyle Sweater

$23 at Amazon

Behold, the dark academia starter pack: a pleated skirt, an argyle sweater, and a button-down shirt. You can mix and match these pieces, or wear them all together.

Free People Vaughn Velvet Tie

Vaughn Velvet Tie

Free People Vaughn Velvet Tie

If you're going to invest in one dark academia accessory, make it a necktie. It's giving Slytherin—and really, isn't that the main goal of this aesthetic?

Unique Vintage Navy & Tan Plaid Paperbag Pants

Navy & Tan Plaid Paperbag Pants

Unique Vintage Navy & Tan Plaid Paperbag Pants

Now 20% Off

Plaid is *such* a dark academia print. Accessorize your matching sets with berets, vintage-inspired shoes, and a soft blouse.

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Juliet Holy V Neck Oversized Sleeveless Sweater Vest

V Neck Oversized Sleeveless Sweater Vest

Juliet Holy V Neck Oversized Sleeveless Sweater Vest

10/10 would wear this dreamy prepster look, which proves that dark academia styles don't always have to be feminine.

Gabrielle Union x FTF Faven Plaid Double Breasted Blazer

Faven Plaid Double Breasted Blazer

Gabrielle Union x FTF Faven Plaid Double Breasted Blazer

Now 70% Off

When in doubt, go for plaid separates. It's a staple of this style subset, and that blazer will come in handy while interviewing for internships.

Mostrin Lug Sole Platform Mid Chunky Loafers

Lug Sole Platform Mid Chunky Loafers

Mostrin Lug Sole Platform Mid Chunky Loafers

Chunky loafers + white crew socks = a match made in heaven. These shoes are a perfect dressier option for anyone who prefers to avoid high heels.

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ECOSUSI Vintage Satchel Purse

Vintage Satchel Purse

ECOSUSI Vintage Satchel Purse

Now 17% Off

A whimsical bow adds a touch of personal style to this vintage-inspired leather satchel to carry around your books.

ASOS DESIGN Curve Boucle Mini Skirt With Button Detail

 Boucle Mini Skirt With Button Detail

ASOS DESIGN Curve Boucle Mini Skirt With Button Detail

This is how the prep girlies do dark academia — a high-waisted tweed skirt that'll go with your corduroy blazers and wool coats.

Lailezou Argyle Plaid Preppy Knit Tank

Argyle Plaid Preppy Knit Tank

Lailezou Argyle Plaid Preppy Knit Tank

Now 33% Off

No dark academia outfit is complete without an argyle sweater vest. The print gives straight-A student vibes.

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Princess Polly Every Woman Socks

Every Woman Socks

Princess Polly Every Woman Socks

Level up your regular white socks. These coquette socks with sheer panels incorporates a flirty feel to your otherwise cozy look.

Madewell The Oversized Blazer in 100% Linen

The Oversized Blazer in 100% Linen

Madewell The Oversized Blazer in 100% Linen

Now 52% Off

Keep things sharp with simple shades of brown and black (because yes, you can totally wear those two colors together).

Abercrombie Merino Wool-Blend Ribbed Cardigan

Merino Wool-Blend Ribbed Cardigan

Abercrombie Merino Wool-Blend Ribbed Cardigan

Now 46% Off

All. Neutral. Everything. Layer shades of beige, cream, brown, and black to easily channel this trend.

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Lulus Mad for Plaid Black and White Plaid Mini Skirt

Mad for Plaid Black and White Plaid Mini Skirt

Lulus Mad for Plaid Black and White Plaid Mini Skirt

Just pop on a baseball cap to make this school uniform-inspired ensemble a bit more sporty.

Urban Outfitters Helena Menswear Trouser Pant

Helena Menswear Trouser Pant

Urban Outfitters Helena Menswear Trouser Pant

Generally, this vibe requires menswear in various shades of neutrals. This outfit adds a strappy detail for just a hint of that Instagram baddie feel.

Los Angeles Apparel Cashmere Knit V-Neck Vest

Cashmere Knit V-Neck Vest

Los Angeles Apparel Cashmere Knit V-Neck Vest

Dark academia, but make it nonbinary. This laid-back look gives the same energy, but without the super femme details often associated with the trend.

Headshot of Hannah Oh
Hannah Oh
Assistant Shopping Editor

Hannah is the assistant shopping editor at Cosmopolitan, covering all things from cute apartment decor to trendy fashion finds, TikTok products that are actually worth your $$$, and the perfect gift to buy for your boyfriend's mom. She previously wrote for Seventeen and CR Fashion Book. Follow her on Instagram for hot takes on red carpet fashion and unhinged updates on the books she’s reading on the train. 

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