We have Tiktok to thank for some of the sartorial trends we’ve seen in recent years. First, there was the resurrection of the Y2K era characterized by fun pieces like platform heels, baguette bags, and low-waisted jeans. Then there was the cottagecore aesthetic that had us donning smocked dresses and long flowy skirts that are reminiscent of the prairie lifestyle. And in case you haven't noticed yet, this time around, the new fashion trend that's been taking over our FYPs is none other than the "academia aesthetic."
What Is the “Academia” Trend?
Made popular by the Gen Z crowd, the “academia” trend is just as its name suggests. It refers to a style that’s influenced by European academe. Think preppy boarding school somewhere in England but with a chicer spin on it. Typical pieces associated with this aesthetic are anything with a plaid pattern, woolen knits, neutral tones, plaid skirts, turtleneck sweaters, and the like. To really drive in the “academia” aspect of the aesthetic, Instagram accessories would usually include a stack of books of even a mug of coffee!
There are several sub genres of the academia style, ranging from romantic academia, to chaotic academia, to even art academia, but the two most common are light and dark academia. The main differences lies in their color palette. Both utilize neutral tones of browns, blacks, and grays, but light academia errs on the brighter side with shades of creams and beiges. On the other hand, dark academia falls somewhere in the moodier spectrum with prominent colors of black and espresso hues.
Filipina Celebrities Trying Out the Academia Aesthetic
The beauty of the academia aesthetic is how timeless the style is. Below, we list down some of our favorite academia OOTDs we spotted on a number of local style influencers. Keep on scrolling!
1. Heart Evangelista
Heart definitely channeled academia vibes with her head-to-toe Dior outfit during Paris Fashion Week. Sporting a long grey wrap coat, we can see a peek of her collared button-down shirt underneath, which she embellished with a black bow.
2. Blazer + Cropped Button-Down + Skort + Loafers
While Ashley is known more for her playful Y2K style, the influencer isn't afraid to take on the academia aesthetic. We found her in a chic cream blazer that she styled over a white button-down folded inwards for a cropped effect. She then chose to don a black skort and loafers with white ankle socks.
3. Long Coat + Turtleneck Sweater + Trousers + Sneakers
If there’s one stylista that’s worth becoming your travel style peg, it’s Sofia. Known for her timeless and elegant style, it doesn’t come as a surprise that the 24-year-old unknowingly rocks the academia aesthetic at times. Here, the actress sported a monochromatic OOTD comprising of a black turtleneck top that she tucked into a pair of trousers and threw a dark coat on top. Of course, no outfit of hers is complete without a handbag and her plaid Saint Laurent purse truly tied her whole dark academia ensemble together.
4. Sweater Vest + Jacket + Mini Skirt + Boots + Handbag
Sisters Ciara and Bianca have tried their hand at the academia aesthetic and needless to say that they nailed it! While out and about in New York City, the duo wore coordinating OOTDs featuring sweater vests, mini skirts, and small handbags. However, Bianca chose warmer colors of browns and greens while Ciara kept it mostly monochromatic in blacks and white.
5. Cropped Blazer + Button-Down Shirt + High-Waisted Trousers + Sunglasses
Follow Bela’s foolproof style formula to successfully pull off the light academia aesthetic. As seen here, the star shows us that all we need is a button-down shirt, a pair of high-waisted trousers, and a cropped blazer in light neutral tones.
6. Sweater + Mini Skirt + Backpack + Platforms
Aika channeled school girl vibes but with a modern twist by styling her brown sweater and pleated mini skirt with a pair of white platform heels. For her bag of the day, the influencer carried a chic iteration of the randoseru, a traditional Japanese school backpack.
7. Sweater Vest + Button-Down Shirt + Turtleneck Sweater + Long Coat + Trousers
One of the keys to nailing this aesthetic is effectively layering. Taking style cues from Kathryn, she started her ensemble with a black turtleneck sweater and added a white button-down shirt on top. She then threw on an oversized sweater vest and completed her layered look with a black coat.
8. Sweater Vest + Button-Down + Boots
If you're drawing blanks on how to achieve this aesthetic, then take style cues from Andrea who created a makeshift dress with an extra large button-down shirt. To add some layers, she topped her oversized shirt with an argyle sweater vest and stepped into a pair of black boots.
9. Long Coat + Turtleneck Sweater + Shorts + Boots
Charlie's academia-inspired ensemble while enjoying the sun out in California was totally unplanned yet fits the aesthetic down to a T. Her turtleneck and coat both exuded cozy vibes which she teamed with high-waisted shorts. Lastly, her thigh-high black boots injected an edge to her overall look.
10. Cropped Button-Down + Pleated Mini Skirt + Handbag
When in doubt, a co-ord set has got you back! Rocking this trend so effortlessly is Maris in a coffee-colored set of coordinates featuring a cropped button-down and a pleated mini skirt. While a steaming cup of coffee would've been more accurate, an iced latte like hers also does the trick.
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