Key Insights
- Dark academia style: This aesthetic combines vintage fashion with a love for classic literature.
- Footwear essentials: Key shoes include timeless loafers, leather oxfords, romantic Mary Janes, and ankle boots.
- Seasonal appeal: Autumn 2025 is the ideal time to embrace muted tones and classic styles.
- Affordable options: Many shoes in this aesthetic start at just $27.
Autumn 2025 is bringing all the moody, intellectual dark academia vibes.
Dark academia is a romantic, vintage-inspired style rooted in classic literature, old-school fashion, and a love of learning. Fall is the perfect time to lean into its muted tones, prep-school looks, and moody library vibes. Are we in 2025 or 1985? Who can say!
Of course, no dark academia outfit is complete without the right footwear. You won’t find trendy brown sneakers here. This aesthetic calls for something classic, refined, and a little mysterious.
We fell deep into the dark academia rabbit hole on social media and uncovered the best shoes to complete the look. Think timeless loafers, leather oxfords, romantic Mary Janes, and ankle boots that could pass as part of a literature professor’s uniform.
These shoes pair effortlessly with tweed blazers, pleated skirts, high socks, or wide-leg trousers. Whether you’re sipping coffee in an old bookstore or walking to class under gray skies, these shoes will complete your fantasy. Plus, they start at just $27!
