Beyond the Classroom: Discovering the Allure of Academia Aesthetics

Photo by Annie Sprat

“Second-hand books are wild books, homeless books; they have come together in cast flocks of variegated feather, and have a charm which the domesticated volumes of the library lack. Besides, in this random miscellaneous company we may rub against some complete stranger who will, with luck, turn into the best friend we have in the world.” — Virginia Woolf, Street Haunting: a London Adventure

Tossing your favorite tweed jacket over your shoulder, you head out the door of your ancient apartment into an autumnal dusk. It is a dreary evening in late October, but you can’t help but skip with each step, crunching a leaf or two every time your feet graze the ground. Halfway to your final destination, you stop at your favorite coffee shop, greet the barista, and order your usual drink — a large black coffee to-go. After taking a few small sips of the blistering beverage, a warmth envelops your body and a giddiness overcomes your soul. You’ve made this very trek hundreds of times, but each time you finally round the corner and feast your eyes upon the glorious glass doors, you can’t help but feel like you’ve won the lottery. With each step your pace increases, until you are at last skip-running to the building’s entrance. You stop your feet just before crashing into the doors, grip the gold handle, and pull with a grunt. Here you are at last — the local library.

This is your true home — these battered bookshelves and quiet corners, these vast volumes and creaking floors. You welcome the musky scent of pastedown pages as you browse the endless rows of decrepit shelves. When at last you have gathered an acceptable amount of books (a soaring stack lies betwixt your arms) you collapse into an aching chair, hardbacks scattering across a wooden table top. You open the first book, and putting your fountain pen to paper, begin filling the pages of your journal with notes.

Photo by Giammarco Boscaro

The term ‘academia’ refers to the entire group of subcategories within one overarching aesthetic. Like most popular aesthetics, academia originated on Tumblr and grew in popularity with the help of TikTok and Instagram. Though each subgenre of the aesthetic has its own particular motif, as the word ‘academia’ suggests, they all stem from one singular theme: the pursuit of knowledge. In particular, academia focuses on pursuing knowledge through study, reading, writing, and research. While you’re likely familiar with the term ‘academic’ that is used to describe a scholarly individual, ‘academic’ in the aesthetic sense is used to describe those who abide by the lifestyle trend. The academic referred to in this article — the aesthetic academic — views study not as a chore to be crossed off, but rather as a beautiful and never-ending pursuit. Those who follow the aesthetic are obsessed with learning about any and everything; they truly feel as though “the mind is not a vessel to be filled but a fire to be kindled” (“On Listening to Lectures,” Plutarch). A true academic pursues knowledge not to become smarter, but rather to learn more about the world and its inhabitants. Academics are curious and inquisitive, always striving to learn more, to feel more, to be more. Although some of the aesthetic’s followers have been criticized for their Eurocentric leanings, it should be noted that all cultures and backgrounds are welcome to participate.

Photo by Sean Mungur

Academics celebrate art and poetry, and are deeply moved by the ways in which these creative expressions inspire and influence human behavior. You can find an academic sipping tea at a hole-in-the-wall coffee shop, hunched over a stack of books at a dimly-lit bookstore, playing chess with a good friend, or perusing paintings at the local art museum. They are creatures of the night — academics absorb knowledge and study by candlelight long after their peers have gone to bed.

Photo by Konstantin Mischenko

Much like the cottagecore aesthetic, academia places an emphasis on resourcefulness. Because many academics are penny-pinching university students, those who follow the aesthetic condemn wastefulness and must therefore be inventive, thrifty, and creative. Rather than purchasing brand-new clothing in bulk, academic fashion focuses on finding second-hand pieces and repurposing old clothing. This practice not only combats prodigality, but it also allows for more originality within the wardrobe. You might find an academic rummaging through old bins in search of scrap materials or crouched over a sewing machine, creating something out of nothing. Because they draw inspiration from collegiate life, academics can often be seen sporting clothing reminiscent of school uniforms and dress codes, such as plaid skirts, tweed blazers, and penny loafers. Layering is a must in academic fashion — sheer tights, lace socks, and wool sweaters are all academic fashion staples. Dainty jewelry and sleek hairstyles are key accessories for the everyday academic.

Photo by Cottonbro

Though fashion does play a large part in the aesthetic, it should be noted that academia is much more concerned with behavior than with looks. Those who follow the aesthetic should strive for authenticity and reject sanctimony. The true academic is an academic of the head and the heart; if she is hungry for knowledge and enthralled with the arts, it matters not whether she wears plaid or wool, tweed or silk.

Photo by Charlotte May

Because academia itself is quite general, most academia enthusiasts are members of at least one of the leading subcategories of the aesthetic. One vital trait remains consistent throughout the subcategories: they all rely heavily on books. An academic can often be found sipping a hot beverage, such as coffee or tea, and writing in a beautiful journal with a fountain pen in hand. Most academics have a deep appreciation for renowned universities, museums, coffee shops, libraries, and bookstores. With its warm hues and back-to-school energy, autumn is the season of the academic soul.

Photo by Dominika Roseclay

Art Academia

Art academia is similar to other academic aesthetics in that it celebrates knowledge by way of studying, reading, and writing, but its main focus is on the arts. Art academics are passionate about all things related to visual arts — they are fond of sculpting, painting, sketching, photography, doodling, calligraphy, animation, and fashion. As many art academics are art students, comfort is prioritized in fashion.

• Interests & Values: art exhibits, galleries, concerts, sketching, painting, doodling, drawing, film & music analyzation, fashion shows, plays, photography
• Colors: earthy tones, yellow, dark brown, white, cream, mauve
• Fashion & Interior: corduroys, collared shirts, puffy sleeves, Oxfords, walls covered in art, easels throughout the home
• Jewelry & Accessories: berets, ponytails, creative makeup looks
• Media: Lust for Life (1956)
• Quote: “We have art in order not to die of the truth.” — Nietzsche

Photo by Samet Kurtkus

Chaotic Academia

As the name suggests, chaotic academia is concerned with all the chaotic aspects that can sometimes come with the pursuit of knowledge. The aesthetic celebrates messiness, disorganization in routine, banned or eccentric literature, and the general tumultuous energy that many students exude. Chaotic academists embrace clutter, disorder, authenticity, and unorthodoxy.

• Also known as: chaos academia
• Interests & Values: curiosity, existentialism, chaos, mystery, rebellion, authenticity, casual learning, carefree fun, swearing
• Colors: any color you like
• Fashion & Interior: torn clothing, excessive amounts of cardigans & sweaters, graphic tees underneath unbuttoned & oversized shirts, outfit repeating, untied shoelaces, mismatched socks, heavy boots, sandals with socks, dirty dishes, energy drinks poured into teacups, piles of opened books, a floor full of notes, clutter, mess
• Jewelry & Accessories: mismatched jewelry, smudged eyeliner, smeared lipstick
• Media: To Kill a Mockingbird (1960), Naked Lunch (1959)
• Quote: “Exterminate all rational thought.” — William S. Burroughs, Naked Lunch

Photo by Ashley Winkler

Classic Academia

Classic academia is essentially a combination of each of the subcategories of academia. It takes one or two aspects from each to create one overarching aesthetic. It is the subgenre of academia that is most centered around comfort and relaxation, and the fashion staples of the aesthetic reflect that emphasis.

• Also known as: scholar academia
• Interests & Values: classical music, reading newspapers
• Colors: beige, white, dark brown, nude, grey
• Fashion & Interior: trench coats, neutral blazers, plaid skirts, wool sweaters, ballet flats, vintage mirrors, bookshelves
• Jewelry & Accessories: low buns, tied back ponytails, classy & neutral makeup, simple & silver jewelry, charm necklaces, pearls
• Media: The Theory of Everything (2014)
• Quote: “There should be no boundaries to human endeavor. We are all different. However bad life may seem, there is always something you can do, and succeed at. While there’s life, there is hope.” — Stephan Hawking, The Theory of Everything

Photo by Henry Be

Dark Academia

The most popular of all academic aesthetics, dark academia emphasizes the pursuit of knowledge and self-discovery through history and classic literature. It focuses on simplicity in color and style, and the fashion pieces associated with the aesthetic are known to have an upscale and classy appearance.

• Interests & Values: existentialism, old money, history, literature, old architecture
• Colors: darker earth tones, black, beige, brown, cream, tan
• Fashion & Interior: oxford shirts, turtlenecks, sweater vests, silk blouses, high-waisted dress pants, plaid skirts, neutral blazers, loafers, stacks of books, framed drawings of fungi & butterflies, vintage candle holders
• Jewelry & Accessories: small hoop or pearl earrings, thin bracelets, simple gold necklaces, dainty wristwatches, neutral makeup with a deep red lip, buns, braids, low ponytails, simple ribbons
• Media: Dead Poets Society (1989), Jane Eyre (1847)
• Quote: “We don’t read and write poetry because it’s cute. We read and write poetry because we are members of the human race. And the human race is filled with passion. And medicine, law, business, and engineering — these are all noble pursuits and necessary to sustain life. But poetry, beauty, romance, love — these are what we stay alive for.” — John Keating, Dead Poets Society

Photo by Linnea Sandbakk

Darkest Academia

Darkest academia is just as the name suggests; it is simply a darker version of dark academia, both in its visual aspects and internal values. You can think of darkest academia as dark academia’s older, more mature sister. The aesthetic centers around the gothic aspects of knowledge and self-discovery, and its overarching purpose is to find beauty in the darkness.

• Also known as: gothic academia
• Interests & Values: despair, existentialism, maturity, elegance, stormy skies, death, escapism; gothic literature, art, poetry, architecture, & music
• Colors: dark brown, grey, black, navy blue, deep red
• Fashion & Interior: dark turtlenecks, dress shoes, brown tweed blazers, dark paintings, vintage gray mirrors
• Jewelry & Accessories: scarves, elegant & simple jewelry, a dark red lip, defined brow, tight bun, half-up, fishtail braids
• Media: “Arsonist’s Lullabye” (2014) by Hozier, “A Dream Within a Dream” (1849) by Edgar Allen Poe
• Quote: “If I am an angel, paint me with black wings.” — Anne Rice, The Vampire Armand

Photo by Cerqueira

Fairy Academia

Fairy academia is an ethereal and feminine version of dark academia that draws inspiration from Edwardian and Victorian childhood aesthetics. Like its counterparts, fairy academia is centered around a love of learning; however, fairy academics also take a liking to schemes and trickery, and are known for their mischievous behavior.

• Interests & Values: mischief, butterflies, nature, imagination, creativity, schemes, Edwardian & Victorian eras, playfulness, mythology, flower picking, tea parties
• Colors: black, white, cream, pastels
• Fashion & Interior: white flowy dresses, party dresses, button-up blouses, corsets, solid tights, ballet flats, Mary Janes, velvet couches, plants & flowers
• Jewelry & Accessories: silver & gold jewelry, ruffles, bows, lace, ribbons, headbands, flower crowns, loose hairstyles
• Media: The Secret Garden (1911)
• Quote: “If you look the right way, you can see that the whole world is a garden.” — Frances Hodgson Burnett, The Secret Garden

Photo by Rachel Claire

Light Academia

Light academia is the emotional and visual opposite of dark academia. Those who follow the aesthetic appreciate the ‘little things’ in life, such as reading a good book or going for a long stroll. Light academics are simplistic in both their values and their fashion choices. They have a carefree and lighthearted attitude, and can often be seen wearing lace socks and gold jewels.

• Interests & Values: nature, history, church buildings, the classics, sensitivity, positivity, optimism, joy
• Colors: cream, white, beige, light brown, gold
• Fashion & Interior: cable knit sweaters & cardigans, flowy dresses, light blazers, cigarette trousers, plaid skirts, white trench coats, lace socks, over-the-knee socks, Mary Janes, ballet flats, antique mirrors, record players, tea sets, globes
• Jewelry & Accessories: gold jewelry, loose braids & ponytails, curls & waves, headbands, ribbons, natural makeup
• Media: The Goldfinch (2013)
• Quote: “I had an epiphany that laughter was light, and light was laughter, and that this was the secret of the universe.” — Donna Tart, The Goldfinch

Photo by Sunsetoned

Pastel Academia

Pastel academia takes on a more childlike and less serious approach to academics than its counterparts. The aesthetic is heavily influenced by Japanese culture and kawaii. Pastel academics are generally very positive and approach all aspects of life with an unmatched optimism. From the clothes that she wears to the journals that she takes notes in, virtually every item that the pastel academic owns is — you guessed it — pastel in color.

• Also known as: kawaii academia
• Interests & Values: optimism, adventure, nature, romance, anime, baking, doodling, daydreaming, knitting & crochet
• Colors: all pastel colors
• Fashion & Interior: knitwear, oversized cardigans, vests, seifuku dresses, Lolita-style dresses, plaid skirts, lace socks, Mary Janes, pastel decor
• Jewelry & Accessories: bows, ribbons, berets, bowties, bookbags, friendship bracelets, pigtails, braids, minimal makeup (if any)
• Media: Eleanor and Park (2012), “Pacify Her” (2015) by Melanie Martinez
• Quote: “She never felt like she belonged anywhere, except for when she was lying on her bed, pretending to be somewhere else.” — Rainbow Rowell, Eleanor and Park

Photo by Freestocks

Romantic Academia

While dark academia places an existentialist spin on literature and the arts, romantic academia, well, romanticizes them. A romantic academic has an affinity for writing love letters, skipping down cobblestone streets, and hand-holding. Like light academia, the romantic academia color scheme is soft-toned, but unlike light academics, romantic academics play with shades of pink and red in their wardrobes.

• Interests & Values: romance, small romantic gestures, nature, flowers, Callisto (Greek mythological nymph), sharing, spirituality, baking
• Colors: cream, white, beige, light brown, light pink, gold, ruby red, deep green, tan, spring colors
• Fashion & Interior: flowy dresses & skirts, tweed pants, silk blouses, A-line skirts, corduroys, lace socks & tights, over-the-knee socks, Oxfords, Mary Janes, pink roses in vases, vintage gold mirrors, lace decor
• Jewelry & Accessories: vintage gold jewelry, elegant curls
• Media: “Daffodils” by William Wordsworth (1807), “Love” by Lana Del Rey (2017)
• Quote: “I wandered lonely as a cloud / That floats on high o’er vales and hills, / When all at once I saw a crowd / A host, of golden daffodils; / Beside the lake, beneath the trees, / Fluttering and dancing in the Breeze.” — William Wordsworth, Daffodils

Photo by Freestocks

Witchy Academia

Witchy academia’s focus lies in witchcraft. Witchy academics study spell casting, potion making, and magic, and have a general passion for all things relating to the occult. Their style is dark and somewhat spooky.

• Interests & Values: herbology, witchcraft, grimoires, the occult, folklore, individuality, mystery, moon phases, sarcasm, stormy skies, full moon rituals, astrology, mythology
• Colors: black, earthy tones, neutrals
• Fashion & Interior: vintage finds, black dresses, pinafores, maxi skirts, dark cardigans, chunky sweaters, peacoats, dark tights, dried flowers & herbs, animal bones & skulls, maps
• Jewelry & Accessories: layered jewelry, chokers, stacked rings, wide-brimmed hats, tinted sunglasses, black gloves, boots, Doc Martens, Mary Janes, loose hair, dark makeup
• Media: the Practical Magic series (1995–2021)
• Quote: “There are some things, after all, that [she] knows for certain: Always throw spilled salt over your left shoulder. Keep rosemary by your garden gate. Add pepper to your mashed potatoes. Plant roses and lavender, for luck. Fall in love whenever you can.” — Practical Magic, Alice Hoffman

Photo by Annie Spratt

If there is just one idea that you take away from academia, let it be this: the pursuit of knowledge is endless, a rabbit hole we will never stop falling down. This fact alone is where the true beauty in academia lies — there is never a shortage of discoveries to uncover or growth to be made. We will never know everything, but we can always learn more.

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