Dark/Light Academia: A life centered around mystery, learning, discovering and adventure. It romanticizes history, education, quality and passion. And the academia culture is primarily expressed through aesthetic. 

1. Wear earth tone colors and quality fabrics

Dark academia includes more natural textures and colors like beige, brown, hunter green, and black. It has more of a vintage vibe and the fabrics are usually things like wool, cashmere, tweed, and linen. A good over the shoulder leather bag or backpack is also a good addition.

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2. Go to school. Have goals or a purpose around learning

This could be going to school, studying a topic you’ve always wanted to know about, taking a course on aromatherapy (just an example of something I’m interested in) or anything like that.

3. Spend time in libraries, colleges and coffee shops

You can go to these places to read, explore, journal and enjoy a warm drink. These places are quintessentially dark/light academia because they are places where books are and lots of studying happen.

4. Visit Castles, parks, museums and ancient classic looking buildings

Do it for the mystery, the adventure, the aesthetic and the feeling. Visiting places like this puts you more in the energy and vibe of the academia culture. It takes you away from our modern every day world and makes you feel expansive, grounded, like you’re in a world full of depth and magic.

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5. Practice Hygge

I could say so much for this one but I’ll just share a few ways to incorporate hygge… Use lots of candles in your house, put up fairy lights, collect lots of books, soft blankets, pillows. Also cooking more meals at home so lots of soups and baking yummy sweets and breads. Being present reading a book while you enjoy a cup of tea wrapped in your favorite blanket. I love this so much. To me hygge and dark/light academia compliment each other so well. You can also check out my post on how to create the hygge experience here if you want to learn more.

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6. Play badminton, archery, tennis, fencing or climbing

There are more sports that you could do but these are my favorites for the academia lifestyle. I like them because they’re reminiscent of the past and they’re always played in those preppy movies at boarding schools (so dark academia, love it).

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7. Partnered dancing: Ballroom/tango/waltz

This one makes me so happy because I love dancing. It’s classic, connected, mysterious and sensual… which all goes well with the essence and allure of the academia culture.

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I hope you enjoyed this post! You can share your academia vibe tips down below in the comment section.

Alex

Founder, The Serene Alaskan Bliss