Dark Academia Outfits for Winter 2024 (& the Pieces You Need to Create Them)

Over the past few weeks, we’ve covered different aspects of the dark academia aesthetic, from cute dark academia outfits for fall to how to rock the aesthetic in warm temperatures.

Now, we’re looking ahead to the winter season. Dark academia translates so well to the cooler months with a few styling tricks. The key is to search for winter textures and fabrics, cozy layers, and the darkest of dark colors.

This kind of wardrobe will keep you looking stylish during the wintertime while also ensuring you stay warm throughout the season!

So, if you are interested in upgrading your wardrobe, keep reading for some dark academia winter outfit ideas and styling tips.

Key Elements of Dark Academia Outfits

Winter Textures & Fabrics

To make the dark academia aesthetic cold weather-appropriate, you will want to search for textures and fabrics that are a good fit for the wintertime.

For example, seek out plaid or houndstooth clothing made of natural fibers like wool, cashmere, or thick cotton. In addition to adding interesting texture to your outfits, these fabrics will help keep you warm in winter.

Cozy & Stylish Layers

Of course, you will also want to consider other ways to stay warm during the winter while looking stylish, such as adding layers to your looks.

By adding extra layers to your existing dark academia outfits, you can create stylish outfits that will add something different to your looks while ensuring you stay extra warm.

For example, layer a turtleneck under a dress and add a wool coat on top, or add thick knit tights and socks to a fall mini skirt and sweater outfit.

Dark Color Palettes

You should also be considering the colors that you are using to create your outfits. While dark academia is already about dark tones, choose the darkest colors in your palette for the winter season.

For example, dark grey, deep brown, and black clothing should be your go-tos in the cold months.

Dark Academia Winter Outfit Ideas

Outfits with Textures & Fabrics

Plaid Collared Dress

You definitely need a few go-to dresses in your dark academia wardrobe. It helps if the dresses have turtlenecks or a high neckline to give you extra warmth in winter.

If you are looking for a cute winter dress that fits the dark academia aesthetic, check out this plaid collared dress.

You could wear this dress as an everyday look when you pair it with a cute pair of sneakers or loafers. Or, if you need a fancier outfit, you could also dress this look up with some heels. Don’t forget to layer with tights and your favorite coat for winter.

Houndstooth Jumpsuit

Another outfit that incorporates some cute winter textures/fabrics is this houndstooth jumpsuit. This jumpsuit comes with a houndstooth pattern and is made of woven fabric, making it a great winter option.

This look will fit the dark academia aesthetic when paired with a dark shirt underneath, such as this dark burgundy long-sleeve top.

Pairing this jumpsuit with a turtleneck will also make this a great outfit for the winter that will keep you warm.

Plaid Midi Skirt

If you want something more girly to add to your dark academia outfits for the winter, you should consider checking out this plaid midi skirt!

The plaid design and dark color palette of the skirt make it a great choice for the dark academia aesthetic. Also, the length will help you stay warm and also give you a stylish look.

And, to finish this look, I recommend pairing it with a sweater or turtleneck in a darker shade, such as this darker burgundy sweater.

Outfits with Layers

V-Neck Button Vest

Layering is also key when putting together your dark academia winter outfits. This v-neck button vest is an excellent layering piece that will be super versatile in your wardrobe.

It looks fantastic with a long-sleeve top underneath, such as this white collared shirt.

You can also totally pair this vest with a skirt or trousers to complete the look! Make sure to go for darker shades to fit the dark academia aesthetic, such as the dark brown shade of this vest.

Two-Piece Sweater Dress

This sweater dress is another great example of how you can get the dark academia aesthetic by layering pieces.

What you will love about this dress is it comes as a two-piece set to make sure you have everything you need to create the look.

Also, you will definitely achieve the dark academia aesthetic with this outfit because of the plaid pattern and darker color palette.

Wool Coat

Coats like this plaid wool coat are also a good option when styling dark academia winter outfits.

A coat like this one will give you a stylish way to add layers to your look while helping you to achieve the dark academia winter aesthetic.

To finish this look, pair it with a turtleneck and skirt like these in darker shades to go with the outfit. Add stiletto boots or heels if you want a fancier look!

Outfits with Dark Color Palettes

Coat & Pants

If you are looking for outfits with darker color palettes, seek clothes in dark brown, black, or dark grey shades. If you want a color that makes your outfits stand out more, you could also go for dark green.

For example, these pants would be a great addition to your wardrobe to help you create dark academia aesthetic outfits for this winter.

Just pair these pants with a coat and a sweater for a warm look that’s also super cute.

Wool Pencil Skirt

You can also search for darker-colored skirts to create dark academia winter outfits.

This pencil skirt is made out of wool, which will make it the perfect skirt for the winter, and it comes in a nice dark navy shade to help you achieve this aesthetic.

So, to complete this look, pair this skirt with a sweater or long-sleeve top! And, if you want to add some layers to make this look more cozy for the winter, you totally can with a cute coat.

Pleated Wide-Leg Trousers

These pleated wide-leg trousers are another great wardrobe addition to help you achieve the dark academia winter aesthetic.

These trousers come in a dark grey shade, which makes them a great fit for this aesthetic and a good piece to pair with a long-sleeve top and matching dark grey vest to give you a finished look for this winter.

Styling Tips for Dark Academia Outfits

Adding Layers to Your Looks

As mentioned earlier, to achieve the dark academia aesthetic in winter, you need to add layers to your looks, such as coats, vests, sweaters, etc.

Want to see how to put those together? Just check out this video to get some ideas of what kind of layers you can add to your looks.

How to Feel Cozy & Stylish

To make sure you stay warm and cozy this season, you should be checking out clothing that fits the dark academia aesthetic but also functions for winter weather.

This means you will want to be looking for long-sleeve clothing and lots of warm fabrics.

And, to help you in your search for the perfect dark academia clothing for wintertime, make sure to check out this video, which will give you examples of the winter essentials you need.

Shopping on a Budget

Finally, just a reminder that you can totally achieve the dark academia aesthetic while on a budget! The key is thrifting your outfits.

Dark academia, in particular, is an aesthetic that is easy to thrift, and this video has tons of tips on how to find the best pieces for the winter.

Which dark academia outfits will you be wearing this winter?

Which dark academia outfit is your favorite? How will you be styling your dark academia outfits?