Dark academia is one of my favorite aesthetics, especially in winter. I love the idea of short skirts, knee high socks, doc martens and a white collared shirt – it’s classy, sexy, preppy and sensual. That description extends beyond its style and into the whole vibe and energy of dark academia, which is why I love it so much.

It’s the style, the studious vibe and how it brings you back to memories of school days or dreams of boarding school and Ivy League.

I love being able to see all of that on screen. It really hits every box for max satisfaction for me. Sooo, I’m sharing four shows I recommend if you enjoy dark academia.

Here are 4 shows that give the best sexy preppy mysterious dark academia vibes

1. Pretty Little Liars

It’s the small town, high school setting with a touch of mystery that makes this one fit the dark academia category. I remember watching the first season in high school, becoming obsessed and then reading all the books. I especially love Aria and Spencer’s characters for their passion and style.

2. Tell me Lies

I love this show so much. I feel like it’s so underrated – it’s so good. Set in a university, I love how real it is, like it almost seems unscripted. The main relationship in it is so toxic but I’m here for it and loved the steam and chemistry . There’s a murder, and a mystery around that. Lastly I like that the characters are all striving for something.

3. Vampire Diaries

I feel like this show emphasizes on the dark part of dark academia. There’s hot vampires, lot’s of murder, romance and it’s set in a small town and a high school. I love the costumes when they do flashbacks, the Daemon and Stephans library esque home and affluence.

4. Gossip Girl

Lastly my favorite, I consider this one a mix between dark and light academia. It mostly takes place in high school and college. There’s high society, preppy uniforms, sorority and lot’s of mentions of Paris, boarding school, Audrey Hepburn and other classics. I love how Blair was always going after her goals, secret societies and the fashion of course. Her and Serena are forever legends after this one, if you know, you know.

If you’re into dark academia like I am check these shows out If you haven’t already. I hope you enjoyed this post. And I’d love some more recommendations if you have any.