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.
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.
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.
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?
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.