Perhaps in direct response to the dark-academia [1] trend that's been dominating our social media feeds, there's a new look du jour: the light-academia aesthetic. As the name indicates, this trend is a gentler take on dark academia, with a crop of softer colours — think cream, brown, beige, and white — in lighter fabrics. While it draws inspiration from the same academic institutions as the darker trend, light academia is warmer and more optimistic. Nonetheless, both niche trends place an emphasis on education, and their members share a passion for visiting art galleries and spending time studying at libraries or coffee shops.
As Tumblr trend expert Amanda Brennan told Nylon [2] in an interview, "Light academia still embodies the love of learning, but with an airier, less doom-focussed feel that shows that knowledge brings light and happiness in the outdoors rather than a gothic darkness seen curled up in a corner." Brennan drew similarities between the light-academia aesthetic and cottagecore [3], which is also rooted in small pleasures — though not exclusively deriving from education.
As spring approaches, light academia is poised to see renewed interest, as many of the signature pieces pair well with warmer weather. So, what items constitute the perfect light-academia wardrobe? A mix of turtleneck tops, cardigans, button-down shirts [4], tweed blazers, corduroy jackets, cable-knit sweaters [5], and knitted vests [6] in the aforementioned colour palette. Ahead, we've curated a versatile array of pieces you'll find extremely wearable. What's more, you'll have no problem wearing them from the office to afterwork hangs, on weekend adventures, and wherever else.
Vince Windowpane Plaid Cashmere Turtleneck
Vince Windowpane Plaid Cashmere Turtleneck [8] ($263, originally $275)
& Other Stories Cable Knit Mini Dress
& Other Stories Cable Knit Mini Dress [9] ($119)
Free People Ashby Plaid Blazer
Free People Ashby Plaid Blazer [10] ($168)
Velvet Kierra Sweater
Velvet Kierra Sweater [11] ($147)
Mango Turtleneck Knitted Sweater
Mango Turtleneck Knitted Sweater [12] ($36)
Theory Kick 5 Pants
Theory Kick 5 Pants [13] ($235)
Veronica Beard V Neck Cable Knit Sweater
Veronica Beard V Neck Cable Knit Sweater [14] ($378)
H&M Knit Sweater Vest
H&M Knit Sweater Vest [15] ($25)
River Island Bouclé Mini Dress
River Island Bouclé Mini Dress [16] ($71)
J.Crew Cotton Poplin Shirt
J.Crew Cotton Poplin Shirt [17] ($55, originally $80)
UO Andi Blazer
UO Andi Blazer [18] ($50, originally $99)
Mango Turtleneck Knit Sweater
Mango Turtleneck Knit Sweater [19] ($40, originally $80)
& Other Stories Collared Knit Mini Dres
& Other Stories Collared Knit Mini Dres [20] ($119)
Treasure & Bond Mini Corduroy Shirt Jacket
Treasure & Bond Mini Corduroy Shirt Jacket [21] ($58, originally $89)
J.Crew Double-breasted Alfie Blazer
J.Crew Double-breasted Alfie Blazer [22] ($228)
J.Crew Silk-blend Cardigan Sweater
J.Crew Silk-blend Cardigan Sweater [23] ($65, originally $98)
Madewell Linen-Blend Peter Pan Collar Shirt
Madewell Linen-Blend Peter Pan Collar Shirt [24] ($88)
Endless Rose Tweed Dress
Endless Rose Tweed Dress [25] ($130)