Masterpost Of Free Gothic Literature & Theory

Summer Dark Academia Fashion

The forecast says it’s going to be almost 80 degrees this weekend. It is time to leave your cave. You go to your closet and open it to find racks of wool sweaters you have collected over the past eight months. There is a single t-shirt balled up in the corner. You are me. 

Tops

Turtlenecks are no longer an option.

Suit vests. You don’t need the oppressive heat of a button down to wear suit vests. If your vests are a little more low-necked then you’d like, wear a tank top or something with short sleeves underneath. I’m wearing a suit vest in this post, if you want to see styling ideas. 

Silk button downs. Obviously short sleeves are preferred, but long sleeves are still possible in the summer. With a material like silk especially, because it feels cool and also helps to keep your skin safe. You just need loose sleeves. That is the theme with this post: loose. If you want to continue dressing long sleeves or long pants in the summer, tight clothing is not an option. You need to be able to get airflow to your skin. 

Cotton. Cotton is a great material for heat; tops or bottoms. If you have a long sleeve button down, you can roll up the sleeves and tuck it into something high waisted. Add suspenders (optional, but highly recommended), and that’s summer dark academia right there you mad lad. Short sleeves or no sleeves work just as well.

T-shirt or tank top. Yes, even a basic t-shirt can be “dark academia” if styled right. Granted, you’re likely going to end up looking more like a “Milo Thatch from Atlantis” kind of academia, that’s hardly a bad thing. (Look up Cole Sprouse dressed as him and thank me later) A simple white top in black bottoms is reminiscent of a suit, while tan bottoms looks more “Lara Croft on an archaeology dig”, which is fun. 

Camisoles. If you want as little fabric on you as possible, silk camis are the way to go. Plus, you can find tons for super cheap in the pajamas/underwear section of most thrift stores. Is it weird to wear shirts people probably had sex in? Kind of. But if you’re cheap like me, you move past that quickly. Tuck into a pair of high waisted, loose pants that are black or tan, and you remain dark academia and without heatstroke (drink water). 

Bottoms

Unfortunately, they must be worn.

Shorts. Best material is linen, and you can find a lot of options and styles on Etsy and more high-end online stores. However, they’re also more expensive, so here are some other keywords for shorts: pleated, high waisted, paper bag. Look at ASOS, Express, or SHEIN for cheaper options. Jean shorts can also work, but they should be dark and definitely not cutoffs. A belt can also help to make the outfit seem more together. And, as always: high waisted, unless you want a more masculine fit, in which case avoid high waists.

Trousers. It’s trouser time baby. Suit pants are out. Skinny jeans are (unfortunately) out. We want loose, flowy material. Pleats are excellent. Actually, pants like these are pretty easy to find these days, and not just on the internet. Straight leg trousers look more streamlined and put together, whereas wide-leg are a bit more roguish. Tuck in a white top of your preference, add some suspenders, and drink water. You’re set.

Skirts/Dresses. Oh to be a wandering poet, running through fields and wildflowers in a flowing linen dress as the sun casts a crown above your head, and the wind gives you countless kisses on cheeks and hair. Wait! That can be you! Stop fantasizing and start doing- get a pale dress, linen or cotton is best. Pale colors are preferred for summer. Find a field. Frolic.

Shoes

Please put away your oxfords.

Mary Jane sandals. Mary Janes are pretty much the oxfords of summer shoes. Especially if you can get them in leather with low heels, it looks very classy.

Gladiator sandals. When in Rome. Or, when you’re into an aesthetic that really likes latin. Either way, these shoes are pretty much string and a sole, so they’re about as cool as you can get, temperature wise. 

Ballet sandals. I mentioned these in my unique dark academia fashion post, but I’ll do it again for summer. They’re similar to gladiator sandals in style, but I think they look fancier. Plus, you can tie them in little bows, which is adorable.

Accessories 

You know what I’m going to say. Say it. Out loud. 

SUSPENDERS. Ten bucks on amazon, and I promise they’re the best investment into your wardrobe you could make. They’re magic- take your boring shorts and shirt, add suspenders, and POOF. It’s dark academia. So classy. 

Sun hat. Cottage core and dark academia have pretty much moved from distant cousins to siblings at this point, might as well embrace it. Get something with a black bow out in. Have a picnic and read Keats.

Watch. I feel like a nice classy watch would be a great accessory that doesn’t involve adding fabric to your body. I mean, I don’t have one, but I feel like it would. 

Hair. If you have long hair, do yourself a favor, buy a french comb, and learn how to do a french twist. It takes a few tries to get right, but there are youtube videos and it is one of the easiest hairstyles that looks like it takes so much effort. I have pretty much switched ponytails out completely for french twists, and especially for the summer it’s great to get all your hair up and off your neck. If you have short hair, feel free to gloat. 

Feel free to add your own in the tags, and stay hydrated! 

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

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

wholesome student life things that we should collectively start romancizing

waking up and being genuinely thrilled to go to class because today is THAT CLASS you love so much you’d like it to never end

coffee breaks with friends, chatting and joking about this particularly hard essay and the prof’s mannerism

coffee breaks on your own, as you absent-mindedly watch the people around you, while thinking about what you’re working on

finding this book you’ve been dying to read for so long, and borrowing it from the library

the feeling of excitement that goes through you whenever you remember The Book is in your backpack

understanding everything during demanding classes and being genuinely interested in the subject

buying a New Special Pen and taking colorful notes that look super pretty

not being able to shut up about your school projects (no your friends dont really care about the intricate details of what you’re working on, they don’t even have the same major as you, but they’re happy to hear you rant with such a burning passion)

actually doing the extra reading and having your curiosity so piqued by what you’re reading that you go on and on and suddenly its 1am and what happened

printing the project you’ve spent so much time and energy on and feeling the paper’s warmth

actually submitting that project without feeling awful about it because you know you did your best and aren’t responsible for what happens next

when you finally finish this Super Hard And Important Essay at like 3am, open the window and feel the cold night air on your burning cheeks and everything is dark and quiet and you can see the moon and you’re at peace with everything for a few minutes

when this professor you admire says you did a great job and/or that you’re talented!!!!

realizing two concepts that seemed so far away from each other and that you discovered in wildly different contexts are actually interlinked, then Realizing™ things and linking concepts/works/articles to each other at the speed of light & being super excited about it

being so deeply immersed in your work that you didn’t realize two hours have passed

finding the Perfect Spot at the library

that Pure Joy moment when you FINALLY understand that super obscure sentence/text

when you feel anxious because you’re not done with your homework & the deadline is super tight & your friend tells you they aren’t done yet either

same but with an even more intense relief feeling when you realize you both haven’t even started yet

when the professor starts a new reasoning and you can predict what the next idea/the final conclusion will be

when the professor mention your favorite novel/author/fictional character in class and you feel like your internal screech of joy could shatter glass

the Academic Salt™ that has you like 👀👀

when the professor tears apart an author or scholar you hate and you’re like YES I WANT BLOOD GIVE ME BLOOD

when you learn that Cool New Fact that makes you reconsider your whole life

leaving the library after a long productive day and feeling like nothing is real but experiencing everything more intensely

leaving the library at night after a long study session and everybody has left already and its just you and the long neon-lit corridors then stepping outside and smelling the crisp night wind

feel free to add your own!!!

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!

Unique Dark Academia Fashion Ideas

By now I think we all know that silk shirts, oxfords, and old blazers are staples of Dark Academia fashion. Here are some ideas for fitting your wardrobe to the aesthetic that I haven’t seen a lot of. 

Tops

Silk button downs are great, but if you want something perhaps less fancy and simple, here are some ideas:

Cardigans. Specifically, tighter button down cardigans. While they are very similar to silk shirts, they aren’t quite as eye catching, and usually not as bright. I have a cream silk blend cardigan that I’ve been wearing under blazers instead of silk; it’s warmer, for one, and doesn’t make me feel so pretentious when my classmates are all in sweatpants.

Cotton. Especially for warmer months, a good cotton shirt looks great tucked in a pair of high waisted shorts or trousers. I would suggest one with buttons as an accent, to avoid it being too plain. You can also roll up the sleeves for peak “disgruntled professor/lawyer” look. 

Sweaters. I don’t just mean a black turtleneck here. Turtlenecks are of course great for winter and fall, but other sweaters are great also. I especially would suggest sweaters with interesting weaves or embroidery, as without the turtleneck they often need a little something extra to dress it up. There’s also the classic look of putting a button down underneath and pulling the collar out. For colors, jewel tones are always best in my opinion: deep reds, emerald greens, midnight blues. But you know yourself best, and if your hair looks great with cream, or light blue makes your eyes pop, go for it. Be sure to tuck over sized sweaters into your bottoms to avoid losing your figure. 

Bottoms

Bottoms are a little easier, as they’re usually not the statement piece of an outfit, especially in dark academia. Still, high waisted, pleated, 100% linen trousers are hard to find in thrift stores, so here’s some alternatives: 

Black jeans. Personally, I avoid low waisted pants like the plague. Unfortunately, it’s hard to find high waisted suit pants in thrift stores, especially ones with the tighter fit that I prefer. Often, I go for my pair of good quality, 100% cotton, extremely high waisted black skinny jeans instead. Avoid jeans with rips or that aren’t a uniform color. I definitely would suggest black if you’re going to wear jeans, though that may be my inherent dislike of blue jeans talking. 

High waisted pants of any kind. When it comes to tucking shirts in bottoms, you want a high waist. I can tuck the bulkiest of sweaters easily into my jeans, because they are high waisted and made of a thick material. Thin, flimsy material is hard to hide the lines of your tops in, and lower waisted pants often can’t hold the hem long before the top gets untucked. 

Skirts. I prefer more masculine clothing, but I do have quite a few skirts that I wear on occasion. And good lord, if they aren’t the most comfortable pieces of clothing I own. Specifically, long flowing skirts made out of 100% silk, cotton, or wool. Wool is great for winter months, and adds an extra layer of protection from the cold. Cotton and silk is best for the hot summer time, and if you’re having trouble with staying in dark academia fashion when you’re sweating out of your fingernails, consider skirts. A long skirt can dress up something like a t-shirt if you do it right. Sandals, a long breathable skirt, and a tied up or tucked in shirt is a great go-to when the sun is sucking away your soul. 

Shoes

I still don’t own a pair of oxfords. 

Boots. I’m a boot person. For dark academia, I would avoid taller boots; ankle boots or calf-length boots are the way to go. Go for leather, and tighter fits. A great way to pull your outfit together is to match your shoes and your belt or bag, and well as the hardware. If your belt is black with a silver buckle, go with black boots with silver accents. Try to avoid mixing metals (silver with bronze, etc.) if at all possible.

Ballet shoes. I don’t own any, but personally I think they’d be a great alternative to simple flats; especially if you lace the silk ribbons up your shins a bit. These are definitely best for summer months though, I would not recommend during the winter.

Accessories

A single accessory can completely change your outfit and aesthetic. Personally, some of my most used clothing pieces are not what you’d call dark academia. My go-to jacket is a bomber jacket with patches, and my usual boots are heavy Harley Davidson biker boots with metal caps. Here are some accessories that can turn your everyday outfit to something more dark academia-esque. 

Suspenders. I would recommend suspenders for everyone honestly. I was having trouble with a pair of trousers, because I needed to keep them high on my waist and tight to tuck in my shirt, but they had no belt loops. Suddenly I realized someone had solved the issue centuries ago, and used my suspenders. It worked perfectly, and also added a whole new level of dark academia to my outfit. I like using them in a subtle way though: under a jacket or blazer usually, that I might take off if it gets hot and just so happen to show off the suspenders underneath. Or, never even take the jacket off and just let people get subtle looks at them. Drawing attention to suspenders makes me feel like a douche for some reason; maybe it’s the images of fedora tipping that flood in. 

Satchel or book bag. I know this one is a staple, but listen. Buying leather satchel changed everything for my look. I might have a bomber jacket, skinny jeans, and biker boots but a satchel thrown over one shoulder shifts everything about my appearance. If you are able to buy one new, Amazon has some great options under $100 dollars. If not, keep your eye out whenever you go to the thrift store.

Hair accessories. Try silk ribbons. Pull your hair back with them, braid them into your hair, or use them as headbands. Learn how to braid metal cuffs into your hair if you’re up for a challenge.

Scarves. Scarves are such an easy way to dress up an outfit, as well as keep you warm. I would suggest long, silk scarves that have enough width that you can style it around your head/hair, which I think is a great look that also keeps your ears warm. Jewel tones are definitely suggested here, especially if you’re wearing all black it’s a great statement. 

Jewelry. If you’re religious, I would highly suggest jewelry with some sort of religious symbolism. Religious imagery is something I defiantly associate with dark academia. If you have any jewelry pieces that were passed down to you, try them. I like rings a lot, but for my right hand I cover all my finger with heavy steel rings that cover my knuckles (for punching purposes). On my left hand, I have rings from my family. I would again suggest not mixing metals, though it can look eclectic if that’s a look you like. 

That’s all I could think of at this moment, but feel free to add your own or message me!  Go forth and dress to make yourself confident, whatever that may look like. 

“it is only a bruise”

— Leo Tolstoy

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 

Adding dark academia and scholarly items into my day to day

-Attire-

Button downs (red, black, white)

Turtle necks (beige, red)

Sweaters (dark blue, black, white)

Overcoats (Black, beige)

Belts (black)

Oxfords (Rockports)

-Beverages and snacks-

Homemade Cheeseboards

Coffee sweetened with condensed milk

Tea (earl grey, green, chai)

Pomegranates

Apples

-Hobbies-

Vocabulary studies

Journal entries (once a day)

Read music

Full sketch pages

Organize books

Book hunt in thrift stores

Documentaries

Novel ideas poorly written down

-Miscellaneous-

Notes only in black ink

Four+ journals

Hanging flowers from the wall

Staying in a study hall for hours

Mixtures of print and cursive, both sloppy

Hands smudged with ink

Letters to your past self, future lover or no one, all with wax seals

Attempting your instrument in an apartment

Bake small treats to eat while working

thrift haul from the past week or so

i’m feeling like francis abernathy, which is my goal in everything i do