Dark Academia A Comprehensive Guide to What's on TikTok
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The "Dark Academia" aesthetic movement, embraced by TikTok users, represents a wise and melancholic lifestyle that celebrates Gothic architecture and engages in conversations about literary greats. It gained popularity during the pandemic as a way to romanticize learning. However, it has been criticized for its potential elitism and lack of diversity. New creators are trying to make it more inclusive by centering books and films with black protagonists. Despite the criticism, Dark Academia's appeal on TikTok continues to grow, offering comfort in its virtual community.
1 Introduction
The Dark Academia style is an aesthetic movement and subculture on the internet that focuses on higher education, art, and literature. It includes traditional clothing, calligraphy, and writing, with fashion style inspired by the 1930s and 1940s. Gothic architecture, candlelight, and autumn imagery are common. The style gained popularity on social media, especially during the pandemic. The subculture is influenced by classic literature and films such as Dead Poets Society. While it is praised for its accessibility, it has received criticism for Eurocentrism, lack of diversity, and glorification of unhealthy habits. Despite this, Dark Academia remains popular and offers an alternative to the mainstream university experience.
2. The Dark Academia Aesthetic
2.1. The origins of the Dark Academia aesthetic
The term "Dark Academia" first emerged on social media, particularly TikTok, where users began sharing videos of this unique style. It finds its roots in a fascination with classic literature and films like Dead Poets Society. This aesthetic has been particularly comforting to many students during the pandemic as they faced school closures and cancellations.
2.2. The main features of the style
Dark Academia is characterized by elements such as classic clothing, wool cardigans, button-down shirts, suit pants, long skirts, tweed jackets, leather loafers and accessories such as bow ties and vintage watches. The colors black, brown and green dominate this style.
2.3. Influence of classical literature and films
Dark Academia draws inspiration from classical literature and writers such as Shakespeare, Edgar Allan Poe, and Oscar Wilde. Films such as Dead Poets Society also played an important role in popularizing this aesthetic.
3. The Dark Academia Aesthetic in Social Media
3.1 The rise of Dark Academia on TikTok
TikTok has become the ideal platform for spreading the Dark Academia style, with many users sharing transformation videos, book recommendations and fashion tips to adopt this unique look.
3.2. The virtual community and consolation
The Dark Academia aesthetic has created a strong virtual community on TikTok. Followers of this style support each other and find comfort in this online community, especially during difficult times like the pandemic.
3.3. Criticism and efforts towards inclusion
While Dark Academia has been praised for its accessibility and unique style, it has also been criticized for its lack of diversity and Eurocentrism. Still, new creators are trying to make this aesthetic more inclusive by highlighting books and films with black protagonists.
4. The Dark Academia clothing style
4.1. Inspiration from the 1930s and 1940s
The Dark Academia clothing style is heavily inspired by the 1930s and 1940s, giving it a retro and elegant look. Followers of this style love to incorporate classic pieces into their wardrobe to achieve a sophisticated look.
4.2. Key clothing items
Key Dark Academia pieces include wool cardigans, button-down shirts, dress pants, long skirts, tweed jackets, leather loafers, and accessories such as bow ties and vintage watches.
4.3. The popularity of Dark Academia in autumn
The Dark Academia style is especially popular in autumn. The warm tones and textures of wool or tweed fit perfectly with the autumn atmosphere.
5. Dark Academia: More than just a style
5.1. The alternative university attraction
Dark Academia offers an alternative to traditional fashion by placing a focus on intellectuality and learning. It appeals to those who wish to express their love of classical literature and the arts while adopting an elegant style of dress.
5.2. Inclusivity and gender fluidity
While Dark Academia has been vulnerable to some criticism, it has also been praised for its openness and gender fluidity, bringing together a diverse community of people with shared interests.
5.3. The LGBTQ+ community and Dark Academia
The LGBTQ+ community has found a significant place in the world of Dark Academia. The style has been adopted by many queer people as it offers a unique way to express their individuality.
6. Mastering the Dark Academia Style in 2023
6.1. A Dark Academia Mode Guide
To embrace the Dark Academia style, start by incorporating classic pieces like cardigans, blazers, button-down shirts, and long skirts into your wardrobe. Complete the look with accessories like bow ties and vintage watches.
6.2. Options for people of all ages and sizes
The Dark Academia style is accessible to everyone, regardless of their size. There are clothing options for people of all ages who want to adopt this unique style.
6.3. Other related aesthetics on TikTok and Instagram
In addition to Dark Academia, other aesthetics such as Light Academia and Cottagecore are also gaining popularity on TikTok and Instagram in 2023. Each of these aesthetics offers a unique fashion experience and lifestyle.
7. Conclusion
The Dark Academia style is much more than just a fashion aesthetic. It represents a strong online community that finds solace in classical literature, the arts, and intellectualism. Although it has received criticism for some, it has managed to unite people from all walks of life who share a common love of knowledge and elegance. If you are looking for a style that reflects your passion for learning and creativity, Dark Academia could be the perfect choice for you.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
8.1. What is the Dark Academia style?
The Dark Academia style is an aesthetic movement and subculture on the internet that focuses on higher education, art, and literature. It includes traditional clothing inspired by the 1930s and 1940s, as well as elements such as Gothic architecture and calligraphy.
8.2. How to master the Dark Academia look?
To master the Dark Academia look, start by incorporating traditional pieces like cardigans, blazers, button-down shirts, and long skirts into your wardrobe. Complete the look with accessories like bow ties and vintage watches.
8.3. Is Dark Academia only for university students?
No, the Dark Academia style is open to everyone, regardless of their level of education. It is appreciated by people of all ages and from all walks of life.
8.4. Does Dark Academia have a connection to Harry Potter?
Although the Dark Academia style is often associated with the Harry Potter world due to its gothic and intellectual atmosphere, it is not exclusively limited to these aspects.
8.5. What other aesthetics will be popular in 2023?
In addition to Dark Academia, other aesthetics such as Light Academia and Cottagecore are also gaining popularity on TikTok and Instagram in 2023. Each of these aesthetics offers a unique fashion experience and lifestyle.
