Timeless Classic

Dark Academia

As if studying at Oxford in 1940.

ScholarlyGothicVintageLiterary Timeless Classic

About this aesthetic

Tweed, plaid, leather, and the atmosphere of candlelit libraries. Collegiate in structure, gothic in mood. Browns, blacks, and forest greens with a worn-in quality.

Dark Academia coalesced as a subcultural aesthetic on Tumblr in the mid-2010s, centred on a romanticised vision of classical learning and Oxford/Cambridge architecture.

Source: The Guardian, 'Dark Academia: the TikTok aesthetic', 2020

Colour Palette

The signature Dark Academia colour story.

Chocolate

Forest

Burgundy

Cream

Charcoal

Key Pieces

The wardrobe essentials that define the Dark Academia look.

✦ Plaid trousers

✦ Fair Isle knit

✦ Oxford brogues

✦ Trench coat

✦ Corduroy blazer

✦ Turtleneck

Shop the Look

Curated pieces from our catalogue.

Clarks Womens Bayla Rae Pumps by Clarks (US) — Clarks (US)

Clarks Womens Bayla Rae Pumps

Clarks Womens Iridessa Sling Pumps by Clarks (US) — Clarks (US)

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Clarks Mens Bowburn Cap Shoe Oxfords

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Clarks Mens Lockton Lace Shoe Lace Up

Clarks Mens Bowburn Tip Shoes Oxfords by Clarks (US) — Clarks (US)

Clarks Mens Bowburn Tip Shoes Oxfords

Clarks Mens Bowburn Lace Shoes Oxfords by Clarks (US) — Clarks (US)

Clarks Mens Bowburn Lace Shoes Oxfords

Clarks Mens Newick Lace Sneakers Lace Up by Clarks (US) — Clarks (US)

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Clarks Mens Brantin Loafer Loafers,Slip-Ons by Clarks (US) — Clarks (US)

Clarks Mens Brantin Loafer Loafers,Slip-Ons

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