Hello there, young chaps! Are you ready to guide you through the fascinating world of Old Money Dark Academia style?
As men’s stylists with over three decades of experience, we’ve helped countless young men like you achieve this refined, intellectual look without breaking the bank.
So, let’s dive in and discover how you can embody Old Money Dark Academia’s timeless charm!
What is Old Money Dark Academia Style?
Old Money Dark Academia style draws inspiration from the classic Ivy League and British preparatory school aesthetics, combined with a love for literature, art, and vintage elements.
It’s a nod to the sophisticated, intellectual lifestyles of the wealthy elite in the early to mid-20th century. Think tweed blazers, leather-bound books, and a touch of mystery.
Wardrobe Essentials
- Tweed or wool blazers
- Oxford shirts in white, light blue, or striped
- Tailored trousers or chinos
- Cable-knit or V-neck sweaters
- Leather shoes (oxfords, loafers, or brogues)
- Overcoats or peacoats
Colors and Fabrics
To achieve the Old Money Dark Academia look, focus on a color palette of deep, rich hues like burgundy, forest green, navy, and brown.
These colors exude sophistication and pair beautifully with the style’s key fabrics: tweed, wool, cashmere, and corduroy.
Don’t be afraid to mix textures and patterns for added depth and interest.
Accessories
Accessories are the perfect way to add a touch of old-money sophistication to your look.
Invest in a quality leather watch with a simple, classic design.
A leather satchel or briefcase is practical and stylish for carrying your essentials.
Other accessories to consider include silk scarves, leather gloves, and a well-crafted umbrella.
There you have it, chaps—your comprehensive guide to achieving the Old Money Dark Academia style. Remember, it’s not just about the clothes; it’s about confidence, intellect, and lifestyle.
Embrace this timeless aesthetic, and you’ll turn heads and impress minds wherever you go. Until next time, stay stylish and keep learning!
Hairstyles and Grooming Tips
Pay attention to your grooming to fully embody the Old Money Dark Academia aesthetic.
Opt for a classic, clean-cut hairstyle like a side part or a slicked-back look.
Keep your facial hair well-maintained, whether you choose to be clean-shaven or sport a neatly trimmed beard.
Don’t forget to take care of your skin and nails, as attention to detail is crucial.
Old Money Dark Academia by Occasion
Casual Daily Wear
For a casual Old Money Dark Academia look, pair a crisp oxford shirt with tailored chinos and leather loafers.
Layer a cable-knit sweater or a tweed blazer for added warmth and style.
Complete the outfit with a vintage watch and a leather satchel for an authentic, scholarly vibe.
Special Occasions
When it’s time to dress up, reach for a well-fitted wool suit in a dark color like navy or charcoal.
Pair it with a white or light blue dress shirt, a silk tie, and polished leather oxfords.
For a touch of Old Money flair, add a pocket square and a vintage tie bar.
Remember, the key is to look polished and put together without being overly flashy.
Master the Old Money Academic Style
Ready to elevate your style and embody the refined, intellectual persona of Old Money Dark Academia?
The VOU’s expert styling packages for men can help you curate the perfect wardrobe and master the nuances of this timeless aesthetic.
Invest in yourself and experience the confidence that comes with looking your absolute best.
Find your unique style with The VOU’s fashion style analysis today and take the first step towards transforming your style and life.
Softcore for me. I think most of the outfits in these pictures are just preppy or just too mainstream. Where’s the hardcore dark academia, with gothic s..it and stuff?
I tend to agree, I also feel that the looks presented here are a bit too preppy and light-colored, at least for my taste. As a former 80s hardcore goth, I have a view of what the “Dark” aesthetic of “Dark Academia” should look like. I wouldn’t be caught dead (pun?) in any of the clothes shown here. 😉
And it’s mostly LIGHT academia. :<
I’m a guy (24), but since the available articles on fashion – and especially subculture fashion like this – are very sparse, I rely on sources like this.
And, am very thankful for them! (I am actually writing a bachelor thesis on “the Edwardian fashion in current popular culture”, so to me, reading this article is TECHNICALLY my schoolwork, lol)
I personally love my waistcoats, I have 2 from thrift stores and one from my grandfather (talk about true vintage!), also double-breasted blazers, and TWEED FOREVER!
I can HEAVILY relate to the trouble with summer, even before dressing like this I hated summer, nowadays it’s a nightmare.
I personally try to solve it by wearing 100% linen stuff.
It lacks the gothic vibe, but at least you don’t sweat so much.
Good luck to everyone, especially during these tough times!
Hey, any chance you’re done your thesis by now? I’d love to give it a read if that’s possible! Sounds like a super interesting topic!
This was a very interesting read.
For summer, I found that the (minimalistic) Mediterranean/Provençal fashion style fits well with Dark Academia.
Think: (off-)white linen shirts, blouses, and dresses. Brown leather shoes, sandals, and heels. Brown leather handbags or a woven straw bag. A dark linen pants, sand colored trousers, and straw hats, etc.
It also fits thematically because for one it draws further on the classical, Greek influences, and two because in Art History I’ve learned that a lot of great artists moved or traveled to the South of France for various reasons.
There was even a moment in British history where the people were sort of cut off from mainland Europe and because they couldn’t travel to France anymore they started to go on vacation to the south of the UK. Apparently, there is a place there that sort of looks Mediterranean and people could pretend they were in France.
Anyway, I’m getting off-topic… The Provençal style also uses a lot of natural fabrics like linen, silk organic cotton, and wool.
So you can have pieces in your wardrobe that works for both seasons.
I recommend looking on Pinterest and Instagram for inspiration for this summer style. That’s how I found out about it.
PS: English isn’t my first language so I apologize for any spelling mistakes.
Putting on checkered pants and a shint doesn’t mean its dark academia. I’ll politely tell you to stop.Ps. Not gatekeeping, this is embarrassing and a bad look for the actual genre.
I couldnt find the “Geminnorum” instagram account you have mentioned… could someone please send me a link ?!
Whenever I hear or see dark academia aesthetic, Harry Potter comes to mind.
I run a leather jacket company and I put my link in lots of blogs and after looking at the pics (can’t read for too long) and seeing you don’t have l;either jackets I wonder if there’s leather jackets designed for this style, and if I can help you to improve the article by sending over some of our jackets? Let me kmnow