Fashion-forward: Designer bags help you create a light-and-dark academic aesthetic
Dressing like a nerd used to be ostracized by your peers in the past. Now, many Gen Zers have discovered the beauty of books and have turned them into a unique style.
With more than 16 million views on TikTok, the retro “academic” look is another fashion trend and subcultural lifestyle that’s gaining popularity among Gen Zers. It is favored by those who share their love of learning to the point of romanticizing receiving an elite liberal arts education.
Adopters of this trend idealized intellectual curiosity or a fascination with the humanities; this produced a subculture that combined the fashions of American and British prep schools with the humanist values of the 17th and 18th century Enlightenment Age.
Like members of the earlier European movement, Generation Z “scholars” view the pursuit of knowledge as akin to human happiness and place a high value on their own levels of academic achievement.
Lovers of the academic style often pursue one of many obscure interests, such as studying neoclassical art, collecting leather-bound books, or practicing calligraphy
Check it out with some staple bag styles
The overall style is quite preppy, but more retro elements are added. The ideal attire is almost uniform, with oxford button-downs, wool coats, pleated skirts and knitted sweaters being popular staples. More grown-up looks can sometimes be seen on celebrities like Emma Watson.
Like the E-girl aesthetic, this style comes in two versions: light and dark.
The light academic atmosphere is soft and gentle, surrounded by elegant cultural atmosphere. Clothing is usually made of delicate materials in white or warm neutral tones, often decorated with small bows, ruffles or simple pearl accessories.
As far as I can tell, the goal is basically to make you look like you’re at a very prestigious music school in Paris, enjoying your leisure time studying classical poetry and prose in the soft light of the 5pm golden hour.
Or as if you could be a character in a Jane Austen novel. (I’m personally a big fan of the more polished take on this look.)
Dark Academia, on the other hand, is more about looking like a good pair of gothic shoes. This version is even more mysterious, taking many cues from various dark visual art movements throughout history.
It’s all about corduroy, black coffee, and a genuine enjoyment of dark Victorian literature and suspenseful Greek tragedy. You are basically the English teacher’s favorite student.
I know that many in the world of luxury fashion like to look sharp and sophisticated, so here are some tips for those looking for the best bags to complement a dark and light academic aesthetic:
Brainiacs package
For the most part, there was an overlap between the preferred bag styles for both looks. Since style is centered around looking like an intellectual, it’s best to opt for messenger bags, satchels, totes, backpacks.
If you really want to dress to impress, there’s nothing better than a briefcase. (It also makes men’s fashion styles easy to replicate.)
If you’re going for a clean, sophisticated vibe, stick to smooth structured leathers; softer pasty leathers are better for a full vintage look. Bonus points if the leather has started to develop a patina.
For colour, try sticking to classic black, tan or cognac brown. You can also add a rich burgundy or dark green if you need extra color.
