An Introduction to Dark Academia

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Everything you need to know about the popular internet subculture & literary genre

Co-authored by Annabelle Reyes Reviewed by Michelle Arbeau

Last Updated: July 14, 2024 Fact Checked

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Dark Academia Definition & Origins

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Dark Academia Aesthetic

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Dark Academia in Literature & Film

If you’ve been on TikTok or Instagram lately, you’ve probably come across Dark Academia book recommendations or outfit inspo. But what does this term mean, and where did it come from? Dark Academia is an internet subculture and literary genre devoted to the aesthetic of higher education. If you want to learn more about Dark Academia, you’ve come to the right place. We’ll explain what Dark Academia is and provide advice on how to embrace this aesthetic in your life, so keep reading!

Things You Should Know

Dark Academia is an internet subculture, aesthetic, and literary genre devoted to higher education.
This aesthetic includes Gothic architecture, rainy weather, old libraries, and classic pieces of clothing, like tweed blazers and argyle sweaters.
Dark Academia stories usually take place at elite schools or universities and explore themes like perfectionism and the thirst for forbidden knowledge.

Section 1 of 3:

What is Dark Academia?

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Dark Academia is an internet subculture and aesthetic devoted to higher education. Picture dimly-lit libraries, Gothic architecture, an Autumnal chill, and lots of tweed or plaid, and you've got Dark Academia. This aesthetic has been around on Tumblr since the mid-2010s, but Gen Z users catapulted it to a newfound popularity on TikTok in 2020. ^{[1]
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Research source} Now, if you look up the tag “Dark Academia,” you’ll find hundreds of posts on how to nail the aesthetic—from fashion advice to home decor.
- As a subculture, Dark Academia values all things intellectual. There’s a heavy emphasis on reading, writing, and liberal arts studies.
- It’s also associated with reverence and nostalgia for old, historic institutions, like Oxford, Yale, and Harvard. ^{[2]
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- As an aesthetic, Dark Academia includes dark wooden furniture, rooms strewn with books, coffee shops, and vintage, preppy clothing in dark hues.

Section 2 of 3:

How to Embrace the Dark Academia Aesthetic

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Check out a Dark Academia novel to get into the mood. If you’re new to Dark Academia, this is a great place to start! You’ll learn more about the genre while embracing your intellectual side. Plus, a dog-eared book doubles as the perfect accessory for a Dark Academia outfit. Here are some options to check out at the library or pick up at the bookstore.
- Adult Dark Academia Novels:
  - The Secret History by Donna Tartt
  - Babel: An Arcane History by R.F. Kuang
  - Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo
  - Bunny by Mona Awad
  - If We Were Villains by M.L. Rio ^{[3]
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- YA (Young Adult) Dark Academia Novels:
  - Ace of Spades by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé
  - The Atlas Six by Olivie Blake
  - A Lesson in Vengeance by Victoria Lee
  - Legendborn by Tracy Deonn ^{[4]
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- Dark Academia Classics:
  - Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
  - Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë
  - Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë
  - The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
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Watch Dark Academia movies and TV shows for some visual inspo. The settings and the character’s outfits can serve as the perfect decor and fashion inspiration. It’s also a great way to quickly immerse yourself in the world of Dark Academia if you don’t have access to (or time to read) a Dark Academia book.
- Popular Dark Academia movies include Dead Poets Society , Good Will Hunting , The Social Network , Sherlock Holmes , and the Harry Potter films. ^{[5]
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- Dark Academia shows include The Queen’s Gambit , A Series of Unfortunate Events , The Umbrella Academy , and Wednesday . ^{[6]
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Dress the part with Dark Academia-inspired clothing. Dark Academia fashion draws heavily from vintage and preppy aesthetics. To nail this look, opt for classic, formal pieces, like plaid or tweed blazers, argyle sweaters, tailored trousers, pleated skirts, and loafers. ^{[7]
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- Stick to darker, Autumnal colors, like burgundy, deep green, gray, brown, and black.
- Cold weather staples like knit cardigans, turtlenecks, and tights are also on-theme. ^{[8]
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- Dark Academia is all about the vintage aesthetic, so check out your local thrift store for some authentic, stylish options that won’t break the bank!
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Set the scene with some Dark Academia decor. If you’re ready to go all-in on the Dark Academia aesthetic, transform your living space with moody, vintage decor, ambient lighting, and an Autumnal color palette. ^{[9]
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Research source} This will help you feel like you’re studying in a Gothic tower at a centuries-old university, no matter where you live!
- Stick to a color palette of dark, moody hues, like forest green, burgundy, dark gray, and black. This goes for wall paint, furniture, curtains, and throws. ^{[10]
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- Create the perfect vibe with dim, ambient lighting. Opt for flickering candles, fairy string lights, or small lamps, rather than your typical overhead lights.
- Decorate your walls with framed prints of classic paintings, antique mirrors, and vintage photos.
- To give your space an academic feel, display your favorite books in a large bookshelf, or stack them on side tables or against the wall. ^{[11]
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Section 3 of 3:

Dark Academia as a Literary & Film Genre

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Dark Academia has evolved into genre of novels, films, and TV shows. These stories typically take place at an elite university or private boarding school, complete with crumbling Gothic buildings, flickering candles, and stacks of old books. They often follow a group of tight-knit students as they explore “dark” themes, such as perfectionism, obsession, and thirst for forbidden knowledge. ^{[12]
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- Donna Tartt’s 1992 book, The Secret History , is often considered the quintessential Dark Academia novel.
- It follows a group of morally gray college students whose study of Classics leads to murderous consequences.
- In the years since the book’s publication, Dark Academia stories have become increasingly popular, especially within the YA (Young Adult) genre. ^{[13]
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An Introduction to Dark Academia

Things You Should Know

Steps

What is Dark Academia?

How to Embrace the Dark Academia Aesthetic

Dark Academia as a Literary & Film Genre

Expert Q&A

Tips

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