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Plaid pleats, cream and brown knits, long coats and a leather bag: 11 pieces to build a dark academia fall wardrobe, all rated 4.3 stars or higher.
Shop the picks ↓
Start with the layers
1. Plaid pleated mini skirt
The statement
A high-waist pleated skirt in classic plaid is the heart of the look. Add tights and boots once it gets cold.
2. V-neck sweater vest
Layer
A knit vest over a turtleneck or collared shirt is peak academia. It also works over a plain tee on warmer days.
3. Cable-knit turtleneck
The base
A fitted cable-knit turtleneck goes under vests, coats and pinafores. It is the easiest way to add texture.
Add the academia pieces
4. Double-breasted long coat
Outerwear
A long double-breasted coat gives everything underneath a polished, walking-across-campus finish.
5. Wool-blend cardigan
Cozy layer
A button-front cardigan is the soft layer for library days and chilly classrooms.
6. Platform loafers
Shoes
Chunky platform loafers ground a pleated skirt and add a little height without feeling sporty.
7. Cable-knit knee socks
Set of 3
Folded over loafers or boots, knee socks are a small detail that reads very dark academia.
8. Knee-high boots
Cold-weather shoe
When it gets colder, swap the loafers for knee-high boots and keep the same skirt and knit.
Finish with the details
9. Plaid blanket scarf
Wrap it up
An oversized plaid scarf doubles as a wrap on cold commutes, and it is an easy low-cost add.
10. Black knit beret
Topper
A warm, lined beret is the quickest way to make a basic outfit look intentional.
11. Leather satchel bag
Carry-all
A structured satchel-style bag holds your books, laptop or lunch and looks the part.
Make it yours
You don’t need all 11. Start with the plaid skirt, the turtleneck and the loafers. Those three carry the look. Then add the coat, scarf and beret as the weather turns.
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