bloodfromleeches
LillySlowly researching dark academia
68 posts
Latest Posts by bloodfromleeches
Masterpost of Free Gothic Literature & Theory
Classics Vathek by William Beckford Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë The Woman in White & The Moonstone by Wilkie Collins Carmilla by Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu The Turn of the Screw by Henry James The Monk by Matthew Lewis The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux Melmoth the Wanderer by Charles Maturin The Vampyre; a Tale by John Polidori Collected Works of Edgar Allan Poe Confessions of an English Opium-Eater by Thomas De Quincey The Mysteries of Udolpho by Ann Radcliffe The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson Dracula by Bram Stoker The Castle of Otranto by Horace Walpole The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde Frankenstein; Or, The Modern Prometheus by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley
Short Stories and Poems An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge by Ambrose Bierce Songs of Innocence & Songs of Experience by William Blake The Rime of the Ancient Mariner by Samuel Taylor Coleridge The King in Yellow by Robert W. Chambers The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman
Pre-Gothic Beowulf The Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri A Journal of the Plague Year by Daniel Defoe Faust by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe The Tragical History of Doctor Faustus by Christopher Marlowe Paradise Lost by John Milton Macbeth by William Shakespeare Oedipus, King of Thebes by Sophocles The Duchess of Malfi by John Webster
Gothic-Adjacent Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen The Wendigo by Algernon Blackwood Jane Eyre & Villette by Charlotte Brontë Lyrical Ballads, With a Few Other Poems by Coleridge and Wordsworth The Mystery of Edwin Drood by Charles Dickens The Idiot & Demons (The Possessed) by Fyodor Dostoyevsky The Man in the Iron Mask by Alexandre Dumas Moby-Dick by Herman Melville The Island of Doctor Moreau by H. G. Wells
Historical Theory and Background The French Revolution of 1789 by John S. C. Abbott Shakespearean Tragedy: Lectures on Hamlet, Othello, King Lear, Macbeth by A. C. Bradley The Tale of Terror: A Study of the Gothic Romance by Edith Birkhead On Heroes, Hero-Worship, and the Heroic in History by Thomas Carlyle Demonology and Devil-Lore by Moncure Daniel Conway Ancient Pagan and Modern Christian Symbolism by Inman and Newton On Liberty by John Stuart Mill The Social Contract & Discourses by Jean-Jacques Rousseau Feminism in Greek Literature from Homer to Aristotle by Frederick Wright
Academic Theory Introduction: Replicating Bodies in Nineteenth-Century Science and Culture by Will Abberley Viewpoint: Transatlantic Scholarship on Victorian Literature and Culture by Isobel Armstrong Theories of Space and the Nineteenth-Century Novel by Isobel Armstrong The Higher Spaces of the Late Nineteenth-Century Novel by Mark Blacklock The Shipwrecked salvation, metaphor of penance in the Catalan gothic by Marta Nuet Blanch Marching towards Destruction: the Crowd in Urban Gothic by Christophe Chambost Women, Power and Conflict: The Gothic heroine and “Chocolate-box Gothic” by Avril Horner Psychos’ Haunting Memories: A(n) (Un)common Literary Heritage by Maria Antónia Lima ‘Thrilled with Chilly Horror’: A Formulaic Pattern in Gothic Fiction by Aguirre Manuel The terms “Gothic” and “Neogothic” in the context of Literary History by O. V. Razumovskaja The Female Vampires and the Uncanny Childhood by Gabriele Scalessa Curating Gothic Nightmares by Heather Tilley Elizabeth Bowen, Modernism, and the Spectre of Anglo-Ireland by James F. Wurtz Hesitation, Projection and Desire: The Fictionalizing ‘as if…’ in Dostoevskii’s Early Works by Sarah J. Young Intermediality and polymorphism of narratives in the Gothic tradition by Ihina Zoia
dark academia capsule wardrobe
tops (14):
- tshirts (black, white)
- short-sleeve button-downs (jewel tones: green, blue, maroon)
- long-sleeve button-downs (black, white)
- turtlenecks (black, white, cream/camel)
- sweater (black)
- sweaters (jewel tones: green, blue, maroon)
bottoms (7) :
- trousers (black, plaid, camel)
- jeans (black, blue)
- skirts (jewel tone plaids, black)
outerwear (4):
- slouch/trench coat (black or cream/camel)
- denim jacket (black)
- blazers (black, plaid)
jewelry (gold or silver):
- choker + longer necklace(s)
- earrings
- rings
accessories (2):
- black purse
- backpack/messenger bag
total items: 27
disclaimer: being part of the academia community does not take away any freedoms of yours to dress how you want. academia is a mindset, but if you enjoy the fashion aspect i hope this helps!
Outfit for when I'm feeling sophisticated and also a little bit evil.
Chaotic Academia Things I Do (That You Might Do Too!)
leaving sticky notes everywhere. they just show up sometimes, can’t be too mad about it
having four different water cups at different levels of emptiness (or fullness?) on your desk for some reason
wearing classy button-downs and black trousers with yellow polka dot socks and sandals (vibe check™)
wearing plastic bead jewelry from your childhood that you still have for some reason with aforementioned outfit
adding worm on a string to any outfit
playing a piano piece at both a break-neck speed and ridiculously slow tempo just for the heck of it
quoting memes and vines regularly while studying
either typing with perfect grammar or none at all
doing dramatic reenactments of literally everything as a studying technique
having basically illegible notes
piggybacking off that last point: writing in half-assed cursive because you can’t commit to writing fully in print or cursive so you do a mixture of both as a result of being forced to write in cursive early on in your formative years
waking up early to do *~~*nothing*~~*
having cake to celebrate small victories *in moderation*
wanting to reform the education system because its extremely flawed while loving learning and school
hating standardized exams but having to study for them anyways as to not sacrifice any more of precious time or money paying/prepping for them
screeching at any given moment
realizing that intelligence, academia, being an academic, and education does not equal suffering for your studies, unhealthy work/lifestyle habits, toxic mindsets, or gate-keeping
making aesthetic posts about chaotic/dark academia on tumblr to fully embrace the aesthetic™ while knowing that this is all for fun and really shouldn’t be taken so seriously that you completely change your lifestyle and outlook on life while degrading others’ life choices/styles with a degree of snobbishness because they don’t fit the “”aesthetic”” that you envisioned were necessary for all academics to have .
thrift haul from the past week or so
i’m feeling like francis abernathy, which is my goal in everything i do
dark academic people be like: omg ma fit is fantastic
peep my crooked posture cus i’m wearing my backpack on only one shoulder
Some dark academia style outfits i’m looking forward to wearing this autumn! 🍂📕🎃☕
you’re my favorite person
GORGON by Ashe Vernon
Hi, i love your posts and the dark academia aesthetic and I want to start dressing in the da style but there are no good thrift stores where I live, could you recommend some online clothes shops please?
Hey! Sorry for the delay, here are some ideas that will hopefully help.
Facebook Marketplace and ThreadUp are great options for online thrifting, though the former can also depend on your location and honestly the furniture is the greatest selling point, at least for me. But I do often find good shoes on there.
Etsy is great for higher quality staple pieces, especially for good materials like linen. Though I know it can run a bit more expensive, especially since the stores often sell hand made products. So, for things on the cheaper side, try:
Stein: Stein is great in both price and style. They have a filtering system that includes the “elegant” filter, which gives tons of dark academia styled clothing. The only downside is most of their clothes isn’t great quality in terms of fabric; it’s mostly polyester. You can filter fabric type for higher quality, like cotton. Still, I’d highly recommend them for unique cheap pieces as well as staples. They’re pants especially are great.
Old Navy: This surprised me at least, but Old Navy has some very high quality items, if you’re willing to hunt. If you use the right keywords (High waisted, ankle pants, trousers, cigarette pants, button down, etc.) most of their stuff is around 100% cotton, and quite cheap. Most of their stuff is pretty basic, but that means they’re good for cheap basics.
ASOS: A bit more expensive then the previous two, but still on the lower end price wise. Check out their “suits and tailoring”, especially for good pants or matched sets. Plus, they seem to have a broader array of clothing for different body types, so that’s a bonus. Most of their stuff seems like good quality; they have a lot of linen and cotton blends.
White House Black Market: Okay, now we’re at the more expensive side of things. Obviously with that, comes higher quality. WHBM has some gorgeous stuff, and a lot of my favorite pieces come from them, though admittedly I’ve never bought anything from them that wasn’t heavily discounted or thrifted. They have both staples and some wonderful statment pieces. You can try entering higher end brands like them into ThreadUp though, so maybe try that if this is too expensive?
Let me know if you have any more questions, and everyone else feel free to add more in the comments!
Acadamia Romance Aesthetics:
Classic: reading your favorite books out loud to each other, blooming red roses, neat notebook full of thoughts and ideas, small unexpected gifts, midday cafe dates, walking under a shared umbrella in the rain, delicate milk chocolate, earl grey and green tea, reading quietly on park benches, plaid patterns
Light: peppermints during study sessions, early morning cuddles, soft sunlight coming through the windows, inspirational messages on sticky notes, string tied on your finger so you don't forget something important, 'i love you' texts during the day, nature soundtracks playing in the background, fruit teas and water, thin framed glasses
Dark: rainy days spent inside snuggling, handwritten love letters on your doorstep, vinyl records playing classical music, borrowing each other's cozy sweaters on chilly days, warming up under knitted blankets, cups of black tea/coffee, late night phone calls, philosophical debates, museum dates, binging crime shows on Netflix
Art: stolen kisses in public, a rainbow after a storm, love poems on beautiful stationary, art museum dates, dried paint on your hands, sketch books filled with drawings, lost in your thoughts, late night talks, coffee with cream, pressed flowers, light refracting through a prism, sun showers, motivational quotes on sticky notes, sunflowers and daisies
Romantic: daydreaming of each other, reading romance novels and poetry, passionate kisses in the dark, breakfast in bed, slow dancing to no music, picnic dates in soft meadows, forehead kisses, lace trim and delicate fabric, reading each others writing, swooning
my study resources and tips!!
10 time management tips
healthy study habits to develop
four important study tips to remember
my seven favourite motivational quotes
how i take notes in med school
how to cope during breakdowns and get back up again
20 motivational reminders and wholesome goals for you
20 reasons to stay motivated
5 tips to make the most out of your morning
six important lessons to remember in life
MBTI: DARK ACADEMIA AESTHETICS
ISTJ: jet black fountain pens and thin wire glasses, illustrated books on lepidology, microscopes with delicate geers, library card-catalogues, neat signatures, the scent of formaldehyde and the art of precision.
ESTJ: shiny black Oxford loafers and white button down shirts, busts of Roman generals, prefect’s badges, sepia maps, grandfather clocks, translating Herodotus, sharp silver letter openers with bloodred handles.
ISTP: leather-banded watches and ships-in bottles, sketched diagrams of bridges, chesterfield coats, bronze protractors and disheveled piles of graph paper, Voltaire quotes, chalk equations, pulling all nighters.
ESTP: roguishly loose striped neckties and crooked grins, varsity sweaters and scraped knees, secret passageways to the rooftops, Beat poetry, the scent of cedar, steam engines barreling through winding mountains.
ESFJ: black monogrammed gloves and red scarves, snowball fights, cups of hot chocolate, angelic choral voices, etiquette books, Jane Austen novels, silk robes, ballet shoes, light through stained glass windows.
ISFJ: cups of Earl Grey and wool button down cardigans, pressed lavender in books of Emily Dickinson poetry, piano sheet music, personalized wax letter seals, watercolor paintings in faded blues and greys.
INFP: Chelsea boots, olive green sweaters and tousled hair, existentialist novels and espresso in rainy cafes, signed postcards and fresh baguettes in bicycle baskets, moving to a new city alone, dried roses and stormy eyes.
ENFP: Disheveled brown corduroy, stradivarius violins, bell towers full of bats, Shakespeare comedies performed for raucous audiences, chai tea, Irish setters, impassioned marginalia, Botticelli curls, ivy creeping over red brick.
ISFP: reading Romantic poetry in grave yards, black turtle-necks, charcoal-stained fingertips, record collections, black and white films on antique projectors, gothic spires through fog, gin cocktails, poker faces.
ESFP: Maps hidden on the backs of paintings, muddy derby shoes, bacchinalia rituals, the scent of pomade, Oscar Wilde essays, crystal goblets and crystal chandeliers, green grapes and purple velvet, curled ram’s horns.
INFJ: tattered paperback copies of Virginia Woolf novels, tower windows, local ghost stories, Faire Isles sweaters, letter-writing by candlelight, flutes, paintings of rosy-cheeked Greek nymphs, pistachio macarons.
ENFJ: reading Whitman aloud, frescos of angels, paisley pocket squares, sumptuous dinner parties, passports and polaroids, oil portraits of royalty, studying multiple languages, plates of pasta, emerald rings.
INTJ: silver cuff links and black umbrellas, antique chess boards, ravens perched on wrought-iron gates, photography dark rooms, anatomical illustrations, suits of armor, stone gargoyles, hedge mazes, horror short stories.
ENTJ: leather-bound planners, tartan scarves, memorized political treatises, debate podiums and briefcases, black coffee, bookstores in the morning, statues of Nike, gold pocketwatches, fresh newspapers, brown berets.
INTP: oversized tweed blazers with elbow patches, tortoises in terrariums, the scent of old books, spiral staircases, stargazing under indigo skies, knee-high socks, Sherlock Holmes stories, breaking secret codes.
ENTP: glasses of dark red wine, laurel crowns, starting arguments about philosophy, tortoise shell glasses, domed ceilings, lore of trickster gods, snowy owls, Socrates’ dialogues, DaVinci sketches, ripe pomegranates.
Research ideas for bored students
The evolution of national identity in the country of your interest (ancient or modern)
The influence of paganism on christianity in Ireland and Scotland.
The impact that fairy beleif had on the Scottish witch hunts.
How fashion was influenced by the second world war.
The differences between and evolution of first, second and third wave feminism.
The impact the post-modern globalism has had on human rights.
Depictions of homosexuality in the ancient world (are there similarities/differences between nations?)
The evolution of tavern and drinking cultue in England, Scotland and the Netherlands.
The portrayal of women in early-modern English ballads.
The use of certain tunes or melodies in E.M. English ballads.
Portrayals of the devil in E.M. English ballads.
The difference between collective memory and historical facts (war is a time when our memories are often romanticised).
Fashion in the Elizabethan era and how it changed after.
The evolution of pens and writing materials
Historical methods of making paint/paint thinners.
Men in the early-modern witch hunts.
Differences between old world and new world witch hunts.
The use of torture in witch trials and the laws regarding torture (differences between countries)?
The use of salt as currency.
Depictions of intoxiication in ancient art.
How ancient societies viewed drinking and how they drank.
The lives of great poets.
The decline of the latin language.
The English civil war during the 17 century.
The relationship between ancient Celts and the Romans.
Religious symbolism in early modern art.
The history and evolution of marriage.
“In Praise of Folly,” by Desiderius Erasmus
The Protestant Reformation and/or the resulting split of protestantism (calvinism, lutheranism, anabaptists, etc.)
The history of Christmas in the new world.
Add your own in the comments!
my top Dark Academia movies
Mona Lisa Smile (2003) - rated age 12A
I’ve seen this pop up a few times under Dark Academia films, it probably fits Light Academia a bit better but to be honest I think it works with both. This movie tells the story of a very conservative all girls private school in the 1950s, and the non-conformist teacher (Julia Roberts) who teaches the girls art history. she teaches them the beauty of art and an appreciation outside of the text book - as well as a very interesting feminist lesson which gives one a lot to think about.
“not all who wonder are aimless. especially not those who seek truth beyond tradition, beyond definition, beyond the image”
Kill Your Darlings (2013) - rated age 15
this is based on a true story about Allen Ginsberg (Daniel Radcliffe), a timid student who meets the charismatic and adventurous Lucien Carr (Dane DeHaan) and has his life transformed by him. dripping with romance, poetry, and murder, it’s unsurprising that this movie is a cult classic of Dark Academia.
“I love first times, I want my entire life to be composed of them”
Call Me By Your Name (2017) - rated age 15
it surprises me that this movie doesn’t come up more when people discuss Dark Academia in media. the story follows 17-year-old Elio (Timothée Chalamet) who is spending the summer with his parents in their Italian villa. Oliver (Armie Hammer), the charming American is working with Elio’s father. in the beautiful Italian summer, Elio finds himself falling for Oliver. the cinematography is breathtaking, and the film captures Dark Academia in the summer wonderfully.
“if there is pain, nurse it. and if there is a flame, don’t snuff it out. don’t be brutal with it. we rip out so much of ourselves to be cured of things faster that we go bankrupt by the age of thirty and have less to offer each time we start with someone new. But to make yourself feel nothing so as not to feel anything - what a waste!”
Dead Poets Society (1989) - rated age PG
because would this post be accurate without mentioning this cult classic?
this movie is often associated with the birth of the Dark Academia aesthetic, alongside the works of Donna Tartt and Edgar Allen Poe.
the movie tells the story of the prestigious and strict all boys boarding school and the radical, inspirational new English teacher - Mr Keating ( the late Robin Williams). He teaches the boys the importance of romance, beauty, poetry and love, as he encourages them to think for themselves and discover their own identities.
“but only in their dreams can men be truly free. Twas always thus, and always thus will be”
Cracks (2009) - rated age 15
this film is beautifully made and very dark - it shows a group of young girls (probably meant to be around 15? but it’s hard to tell) who have the beautiful, charming and inspiring teacher Miss G (Eva Green). But when a new spanish student joins from overseas, Miss G becomes obsessed with her and jealousy flares up in the other girls.
visually speaking, this film is stunning - set on the coast of England it perfectly captures youthful innocence.
disclaimer: although you never see any assault that is violent, this movie does insinuate and depict a sexual relationship between a teacher and student of which the student is not consenting of. there is a scene where, whilst the young girl is unconscious, her teacher removes her top and takes advantage of her. nothing is “violent”, and the camera cuts before you really see anything, however; it is worth being aware of this should you be upset by this type of depiction.
“the most important thing in life is desire”
The History Boys (2006) - rated age 15
oh the love I have for this movie
the story follows a group of rough edged boys who are brilliantly intelligent and wish to study history at Oxford and Cambridge. Two teachers with opposing view points on how the education system should be run are trying to prep the boys for the biggest moment of their lives.
I adore this film - the cast is wonderful, including; Richard Griffiths (Harry Potter) Dominic Cooper (Mamma Mia), James Corden (just… all of British culture??) Stephen Campbell Moore (Goodbye Christopher Robin) and many other familiar faces.
the story shows personal growth, how cruel boys can be, coming to terms with ones sexuality, and hard work
“history is a commentary on the various and continuing incapabilities of men”
Whiplash (2014) - rated age 15
a masterpiece. the story follows Andrew (Miles Teller), attending one of the worlds greatest music schools and intent on becoming the next greatest drummer. when he gets the opportunity to play in the schools most prestigious band, he finally thinks he has made it. However, the band in mentored by the infamous Terrence Fletcher (J. K. Simmons) who uses unconventional teaching methods to push Andrew to the brink - in the hope that there he shall find success.
this movie is so intense you will not breathe throughout. It tackles the question of “how far is too far?”. If a teacher sees potential, they should push a student to achieve that potential, but when have they pushed too far, and what are you willing to sacrifice to achieve what you want?
“I’d rather die drunk, broke at 34 and have people at a dinner table talk about me than live to be rich and sober at 90, and nobody remember who I was”
Black Swan (2010) - rated age 15
Black Swan follows the story of Nina (Natalie Portman), a ballerina, who has got the opportunity to dance the lead role in Swan Lake. the movie watches her mentally unravel as obsession with perfection and the pressure to be the best unpicks her mental state.
visually stunning and mentally haunting, this psychological thriller will leave you utterly speechless and terrified.
“you could be brilliant, but you’re a coward”
The Devil Wears Prada (2006) - rated age PG
this is a bit of an unconventional Dark Academia movie, but I do think it fits in a more lighthearted way.
the story follows Andy (Anne Hathaway), a young aspiring journalist, who becomes an assistant to one of the biggest fashion magazine editors, the ruthless and cynical Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep). the movie shows perseverance and determination, whilst showing the darker side of the fashion industry.
“Oh, don’t be ridiculous Andrea. Everybody wants this life. Everybody wants to be us”
this took so long please don’t let it flop
dark academia things
thrifted corduroy trousers from eBay
loose leaf tea
actual grandad shirts because they were two pounds in a charity shop
dog-eared copies of Penguin Classics
patches of sunlight on the book you’re reading
threadbare velvet cushions
candles that smell of lavender and tobacco
trying to memorise more poetry
spending a little too much on nice coffee because you need it
Baring-Gould’s Annotated Sherlock Holmes in two volumes
pots of trailing tradescantia and devil’s ivy
vaguely longing for essays even though you know how stressful they are
word of the day lists
Instgram : @stars.aflame
hey love 🌛 what are the must-have and basics for dark academia fashion for a trans boy? thank you 💌
Hello darling!
In no particular order, here are what I think your staples would probably be:
A pair of black slacks - low waisted, to bring attention away from hips. They also go with almost every outfit. If you can't find black, a coffee or tan colour would work too.
Tweed trousers - look fantastic with a black poloneck and long overcoat. I really feel they bring a dramatic flair to an outfit.
Large polo necks - these can be a little tricky, as polo neck jumpers can cling your chest. However, a thicker material and larger size should fix this issue. Colour wise, I'd go with black, dark grey, tan, burgundy, or forest green. Avoid white, as it may cling or show a binder through it.
Cable knit jumpers - great at hiding a chest, very cozy, and perfect for the aesthetic. These can be worn on their own, or with a button up shirt beneath them for an extra scholarly look.
Oxfords/brogues - two different types of dress shoe that are traditionally worn by men. They finish off a DA outfit in a very classy way, and their pointed toe gives the illusion of larger feet. Never underestimate the power of a classy pair of shoes. Go with dark brown for daytime, black for more professional events.
Button down shirts - a crumpled white button down is obviously a DA staple, but you can really get creative with these sorts of items. Cotton is great, but you can play around this other materials too. This can also be where you can inject pattern into your wardrobe, as I would recommend keeping everything else listed in block colour. A black floral shirt can inject an androgynous touch to your outfit, while a striped shirt makes it look more interesting and appears to flatten your chest. However, I would highly recommend avoiding flannel.
Long overcoat - Another staple of the DA genre, and I feel like everyone is looking for their perfect coat. I'd recommend getting this in dark grey, black, or tan, to ensure it goes with all of your outfits. A long overcoat also flatters your body shape, hiding any curves and making your shoulders look broader.
Tweed blazer - hard to find, but very much worth it. Bonus points if it has elbow patches and shoulder pads.
Satchel - a weathered old men's satchel is perfect for carrying around your books and school supplies.
I hope you find some of these tips helpful!
Any dark academia style tips? are there any clothing brands you'd recommend?
Oh boy do I have some tips for you
Dark academia fashion is classic and elegant.
- For warmer days try fabrics made of linen or cotton, on colder days something thicker like wool or cashmere or maybe even velvet if you’re feeling a little extra.
- The colors you wear are very important, bright colors don’t really fit the aesthetic; you’ll want to wear neutral tones like whites, blacks, tans, creams, and more muted colors like olive green maybe a burgundy etc.
- I would invest in a few articles of clothing that cost more but will last longer and fit better (if you can afford it), maybe a quality blouse or a well tailored pant, a nice pair of oxfords or boots.
-jewelry; not too many things at once, simple gold or silver looks best maybe one really ornate piece like a broach or a ring
There aren’t too many brands that you can just automatically buy the perfect wardrobe, you’re going to have to shop around, certain brands are known to have those timeless elegant pieces like Ralph Lauren and Brooks Brothers but you absolutely don’t need to be spending that much money.
If you’d like you can message me off anon and I can try to help you style specific outfits? Just a suggestion.
my top Dark Academia movies
Mona Lisa Smile (2003) - rated age 12A
I’ve seen this pop up a few times under Dark Academia films, it probably fits Light Academia a bit better but to be honest I think it works with both. This movie tells the story of a very conservative all girls private school in the 1950s, and the non-conformist teacher (Julia Roberts) who teaches the girls art history. she teaches them the beauty of art and an appreciation outside of the text book - as well as a very interesting feminist lesson which gives one a lot to think about.
“not all who wonder are aimless. especially not those who seek truth beyond tradition, beyond definition, beyond the image”
Kill Your Darlings (2013) - rated age 15
this is based on a true story about Allen Ginsberg (Daniel Radcliffe), a timid student who meets the charismatic and adventurous Lucien Carr (Dane DeHaan) and has his life transformed by him. dripping with romance, poetry, and murder, it’s unsurprising that this movie is a cult classic of Dark Academia.
“I love first times, I want my entire life to be composed of them”
Call Me By Your Name (2017) - rated age 15
it surprises me that this movie doesn’t come up more when people discuss Dark Academia in media. the story follows 17-year-old Elio (Timothée Chalamet) who is spending the summer with his parents in their Italian villa. Oliver (Armie Hammer), the charming American is working with Elio’s father. in the beautiful Italian summer, Elio finds himself falling for Oliver. the cinematography is breathtaking, and the film captures Dark Academia in the summer wonderfully.
“if there is pain, nurse it. and if there is a flame, don’t snuff it out. don’t be brutal with it. we rip out so much of ourselves to be cured of things faster that we go bankrupt by the age of thirty and have less to offer each time we start with someone new. But to make yourself feel nothing so as not to feel anything - what a waste!”
Dead Poets Society (1989) - rated age PG
because would this post be accurate without mentioning this cult classic?
this movie is often associated with the birth of the Dark Academia aesthetic, alongside the works of Donna Tartt and Edgar Allen Poe.
the movie tells the story of the prestigious and strict all boys boarding school and the radical, inspirational new English teacher - Mr Keating ( the late Robin Williams). He teaches the boys the importance of romance, beauty, poetry and love, as he encourages them to think for themselves and discover their own identities.
“but only in their dreams can men be truly free. Twas always thus, and always thus will be”
Cracks (2009) - rated age 15
this film is beautifully made and very dark - it shows a group of young girls (probably meant to be around 15? but it’s hard to tell) who have the beautiful, charming and inspiring teacher Miss G (Eva Green). But when a new spanish student joins from overseas, Miss G becomes obsessed with her and jealousy flares up in the other girls.
visually speaking, this film is stunning - set on the coast of England it perfectly captures youthful innocence.
disclaimer: although you never see any assault that is violent, this movie does insinuate and depict a sexual relationship between a teacher and student of which the student is not consenting of. there is a scene where, whilst the young girl is unconscious, her teacher removes her top and takes advantage of her. nothing is “violent”, and the camera cuts before you really see anything, however; it is worth being aware of this should you be upset by this type of depiction.
“the most important thing in life is desire”
The History Boys (2006) - rated age 15
oh the love I have for this movie
the story follows a group of rough edged boys who are brilliantly intelligent and wish to study history at Oxford and Cambridge. Two teachers with opposing view points on how the education system should be run are trying to prep the boys for the biggest moment of their lives.
I adore this film - the cast is wonderful, including; Richard Griffiths (Harry Potter) Dominic Cooper (Mamma Mia), James Corden (just… all of British culture??) Stephen Campbell Moore (Goodbye Christopher Robin) and many other familiar faces.
the story shows personal growth, how cruel boys can be, coming to terms with ones sexuality, and hard work
“history is a commentary on the various and continuing incapabilities of men”
Whiplash (2014) - rated age 15
a masterpiece. the story follows Andrew (Miles Teller), attending one of the worlds greatest music schools and intent on becoming the next greatest drummer. when he gets the opportunity to play in the schools most prestigious band, he finally thinks he has made it. However, the band in mentored by the infamous Terrence Fletcher (J. K. Simmons) who uses unconventional teaching methods to push Andrew to the brink - in the hope that there he shall find success.
this movie is so intense you will not breathe throughout. It tackles the question of “how far is too far?”. If a teacher sees potential, they should push a student to achieve that potential, but when have they pushed too far, and what are you willing to sacrifice to achieve what you want?
“I’d rather die drunk, broke at 34 and have people at a dinner table talk about me than live to be rich and sober at 90, and nobody remember who I was”
Black Swan (2010) - rated age 15
Black Swan follows the story of Nina (Natalie Portman), a ballerina, who has got the opportunity to dance the lead role in Swan Lake. the movie watches her mentally unravel as obsession with perfection and the pressure to be the best unpicks her mental state.
visually stunning and mentally haunting, this psychological thriller will leave you utterly speechless and terrified.
“you could be brilliant, but you’re a coward”
The Devil Wears Prada (2006) - rated age PG
this is a bit of an unconventional Dark Academia movie, but I do think it fits in a more lighthearted way.
the story follows Andy (Anne Hathaway), a young aspiring journalist, who becomes an assistant to one of the biggest fashion magazine editors, the ruthless and cynical Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep). the movie shows perseverance and determination, whilst showing the darker side of the fashion industry.
“Oh, don’t be ridiculous Andrea. Everybody wants this life. Everybody wants to be us”
this took so long please don’t let it flop
Dark Academia Lookbook “Fashion is what one wears oneself; what is unfashionable is what other people wear.” - Oscar Wilde I’ve noticed that a lot of dark academia inspired fashion uses brown and beige as neutrals - which looks great, however they don’t always go with all skin tones (like mine). Here are a few outfit ideas that use black/grey/white as base tones! Remember, you don’t have to be rich to afford the aesthetic: Tartan skirt - vintage, charity shop Green corduroy trousers - vintage, depop Burgundy paisley shirt - vintage shop Ugly blue shirt - charity shop And the burgundy suit was from my y11 prom, which I’m still wearing!
𝐃𝐀𝐑𝐊 𝐀𝐂𝐀𝐃𝐄𝐌𝐈𝐀 / 𝒄𝒂𝒔𝒖𝒂𝒍 𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒌𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌
just me
Alright pal, fill me in. What's dark academia?
Okay so Ill try my best to give you the rundown.
A Very Brief History:
Dark academia was originally a book/movie genre. The common tropes where murder, friendships, rebellion from social norms, and social class differences. Some of these tropes are now apart of the dark academia aesthetic as we know it today. Now here is Where things get tricky. There has been a lot of disagreements about what the dark academia community does and does not agree with. We obviously have human decency and never shame or make less of anybody but, there has been a lot of people not liking and complaining about the pretentious and dark parts of the community, so they decided to make there own academia communities. Those communities being light and grey academia.
Now to the fun part.
The Aesthetic:
Clothes:
Anything plaid or tweed
Warm and neutral colors
WaistcoatsBlazers
Turtlenecks
Dress shirts
Dress Pants
Oxfords
Doc martens
Music:
I personally enjoy classical and jazz music, but if your not into that i will list some artists that i think fit into the dark academia aesthetic below (I apologize for not knowing more):
Regina Spektor
Hoizer
The Correspondents
Vampire Weekend
Lana Del Ray
Borns
Florence + the machine
Books:
The secret history
Dead Poets Society
Maurice
The Goldfinch
The Picture of Dorian Gray
Honestly anything by Oscar Wilde
Anything considered “Classic Literature”
Poetry
Shakespeare
Movies:
Dead Poets Society
Black Swan
Maurice
Kill Your Darlings
Dorian Gray
The Look/Feeling:
Sleepless nights from studying
Multiple cups of black coffee
Sipping tea while listening to music and reading a book
Ink stained hands
The smell of cigarette smoke on your clothes
The sound of frantic clicking of a typewriter
Dramatically draping your body over a chair
Messy hair
Crying in your bathtub thinking of your ex lover
Kisses among strangers
Wine stained lips
Staring at an art piece for much to long
Having heated discussions with friends
Rushing to class with stacks of books in your hands
I hope this is slightly helpful, feel free to ask more questions if you wish. I also apologize if this was too long of an explanation.
Kindest regards,
- A.B.
dark/light academia style board
|| photo creds to @etherealacademia
let me know if the other photos are yours or if you know who’s they are, i never want to seem like i’m stealing credit :)
Dark Academia Style Inspiration
“All that we see or seem is but a dream within a dream.”
— Edgar Allan Poe, A Dream Within a Dream
“it is only a bruise”
— Leo Tolstoy