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I’ve been an admirer of the dark academia aesthetic since I first came across it around 2019 or so. I never went out of my way to dress in the style, but I always thought it was one of those things that was cute for others, if you know what I mean.
Well, turns out, I’m also actually a fan of books that fit under the aesthetic umbrella as well — Vita Nostra left me wanting more, and Leigh Bardugo’s Ninth House and Hell Bent tickled the parts of my brain that want academia, magic, and a little (literal) demon time. And, having just finished An Academy for Liars by Alexis Henderson, I’m now in a little dark academia mood. Who knows, I may finally pick up Donna Tartt’s hefty 559-page The Secret History.
Catch this darkly academic mood with me by sporting the gothic jewelry and ancient Greek and literature-inspired fashion below.
GothicOrbJewelry on Etsy
This moth pendant would fit right in in Alexis Henderson’s An Academy for Liars. $33
More jewelry, this time the kind that will have you feeling like a Greek deity. $34
TheBoldEclecticShop on Etsy
I’ve heard of mystery book bundles on Etsy, but never one for clothing, but it makes sense. And, this intuitive stylist gets points for using upcycled and thrifted pieces. $48+
This bundle is closer to what I usually see — it’s more bookish, and comes with an antique ink well, a thrifted cardigan, and even a copy of The Secret History by Donna Tartt. $65
This Persephone & Co. T-shirt is deliciously gothic, with the perfect pop of color. $20+
You’ll need more than one option to show your devotion to the Western literary canon, of course, and the color scheme of this shirt is so perfectly dark academia. $29+
This shirt also apparently would do well in a light academia wardrobe. The range! $27+
Everything so far has mostly been varying shades of black, brown, and beige, so this mostly green sweatshirt is a welcome expansion of earthy tones (though, you can also get other colors!). $18+
These pleated bottoms with pockets go well with any of the tops listed above, go up to size 16, and come in a few different colors. $70
Of course, scent is also part of a wardrobe, and this Old Books perfume oil will have you smelling like you’ve been musing on the Muses in a library all day. $14+
If you want more Dark Academia goodies, here are jewelry and reading nook options. To expand your wardrobe even more, here are librarian shirts and sweatshirts.
