As we are approaching fall weather, I begin to notice all over my social media feeds a certain aesthetic that is correlated to the changing season. So many women show off their wardrobe that mimics “old money” and classicism. Sure, there is a hit of modernism in certain staple pieces that are showcased but it’s hard not to wonder why this tends to be the trend. 

What is the “Academia Aesthetic”?

This aesthetic is visually and philosophically appealing to many. The love of learning and literature with the values of Romanticism which includes the celebration of individuality, emotion, focus on beauty and nature and the rejection of social convention make this style popular within the female community especially. 

Common influences that enhance the visually appealing “classical” side of it include more modern representations of Shakespeare and Jane Austin novels. Most of these references include melancholy and forbidden love and the desire of self discovery. 

What you also notice is that there are a lot more European influences. It exhibits more neoclassical features. I notice that foreign-speaking music is common in over lay of short reels related to the aesthetic. Italian and French music is heavily romanticized as being associated with lovers. A common song that has been popping up over reels is “ Sunday, Monday, Tuesday” by Teddy Phillips and His Orchestra. A very much lesser-known artist and especially song, it is appealing as it is classically jazzy and orchestral. Operetta music also highly influences the types of music associated. Music from “Rigoletto” is often sampled. 

Other major influences that make up the aesthetic are period pieces. Films especially play a key role in how the style appears to look. Film noirs shape the more dark academia style in terms of romanticizing dangerous love and the “damsel in distress”.  Films like “In A Lonely Place” (1950) and “Leave Her To Heaven” (1945) are two good examples of dark romanticism. Other films that lean more to the lighter romanticism are “Pride And Prejudice” (2005) and “Gilmore Girls” (2000-2007). 

Why Do People Like The “Academia Aesthetic”?

Specifically with women, this aesthetic leans more toward idealism and fantasy. The soft color palettes of the Light Academia inspires feelings of joy, beauty and femininity. It meshes well with the appeal of the “Romeo and Juliet” effect which is often fantasized by many women. What dreamy little girl wouldn’t like to envision herself drinking out of little European tea cups and writing love letters and making daisy chains with her best friend? 

Dark Academia references gothic themes that can be appealing to women who don’t find themselves relating to the more “cottagecore” aesthetic that Light Academia represents. It ensures academia endeavors through mystery and enigma. This motif can be more present in those that enjoy the Harry Potter books. 

When it comes to a more “romanticism” aesthetic, it bends on vintage and fantasy that can be inspired by the “old money” style. This can be defined by the videos on social media that include mature and “business” oriented clothing choices that are deemed “classy”. We perceive these style choices in a way that feels like a mystical illusion of happiness, days gone by and the luxurious and carefree lifestyle that we all deep down wish we could obtain. The idyllic life of young, yearning love running away together and stepping into a time of freedom and joy and adventure is appealing to a lot of people. 

This was written by our contributing writer and co-founder, Gabrielle Thompson.