Imagine yourself in a bright, vast library, its walls lined with bookshelves that reach up to the soaring ceiling. The scent of coffee and the excited chatter of other students fills the air. You hoist your heavy backpack over your shoulder and descend the wide limestone staircase, ready for a cosy afternoon spent studying under the trees.
If you search for “light academia” on social media platforms such as Instagram, Pinterest, or TikTok, you will be greeted by many scenes just like this, featuring beautiful architecture, books, nature scenes, and elegant fashion styles.
What is Light Academia?
Light Academia is an online subculture and fashion aesthetic that romanticises the pursuit of knowledge, the arts, and literature. Visually, it is characterised by elegant academic outfits, books and poetry, romantic art, soothing nature scenes, and baroque or neoclassical architecture.
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Themes in Light Academia
Some of the common themes that can be found within this aesthetic include:
- Studying and personal growth
- Subjects like music art, philosophy, and literature
- Vintage styles
- Books
- Candles
- Nature
- Warm/ neutral colours
- Optimism
When was light academia first created?
According to Google Search trends, Light Academia became popular online starting in 2019, with the highest levels of interest in January 2021. This growth paralleled that of the more well-known Dark Academia aesthetic.
However, the principles of Light Academia have been in existence for centuries, long before the trend became popular on the internet. For example, the belief that education is a source of optimism and hope is a timeless one, transcending cultural and generational boundaries. Here are some quotes from different eras about the importance and joy of academia:
“Learning is the only thing the mind never exhausts, never fears, and never regrets.”
-Leonardo da vinci (1452-1519)
“Education is the key to unlock the golden door of freedom.”
– George Washington Carver (1896)
“Oh, it’s delightful to have ambitions. I’m so glad I have such a lot. And there never seems to be any end to them– that’s the best of it. Just as soon as you attain to one ambition you see another one glittering higher up still. It does make life so interesting.”
– LM. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables (1908)
Aesthetically, Light Academia is a blend of various bygone eras, influences, and cultures. It takes inspiration from clothing styles from the Regency (1800-1820), Pre-Raphaelite (1848-1910), Edwardian (1901-1910), and Preppy (1950s and 1980s) eras. Additionally, photos and videos for this aesthetic are often captured in locations that mirror historical architectural movements such as Baroque, Romanesque, Gothic, Beaux-Arts, and Neoclassical styles.
Light vs Dark Academia
Light Academia is an offshoot style from the more popular aesthetic Dark Academia, which is similarly focused on scholarly settings. Dark Academia is moody and mysterious, like reading an old book at night with the help of a flickering candle. Light academia, on the other hand, reflects the joy and optimism of study and intellectual growth. It’s like sipping on herbal tea as the sun streams in over your desk filled with sheets of music or poetry.
Light Academia Fashion
As a clothing style, Light Academia is bookish and business casual. It draws inspiration from the fashion tropes one might expect to see at highbrow academic institutions, like blazers, smart plaid trousers, chunky knit sweaters, and airy blouses. The silhouettes of shirts and dresses in this style are similar to those of cottagecore, with puff sleeves and loose, floaty fabrics. However, Light Academia outfits often feature more structured pieces like A-line mini-skirts, chunky boots, and dress jackets.
Overshirts and skirts in thicker materials like flannel, corduroy, or velvet are popular choices. For example, the medium weight of this houndstooth shirt by Llacademia creates a classic and sophisticated look. Alternatively, you prefer the romantic side of Light Academia fashion, opting for pieces made from lighter fabrics like chiffon can help you create flowy, whimsical outfits.
Colour Palette
Another defining feature of Light Academia fashion is the use of neutral, subdued colours. This style feels like sipping on a warm, fluffy latte or laying under a sky filled with magnificent clouds. Common choices for light academia colours include:
- White
- Taupe
- Brown
- Dove gray
- Seafoam green
- Dusty pink
- Umber
- Caramel
- Cream
- Gold
What to search for when looking for Light Academia clothes
Need some advice on what to search for when looking for Light Academia clothing? Try the following search terms:
- Puff sleeve blouse
- Corduroy trousers
- Turtleneck sweater
- Trench coat
- Pleated skirt
- A-line skirt
- Sweater vests
- Mary Jane shoe
- Oxford shoe
- Pinafore dress
- Ruffle sock
How to live a Light Academia life
To live a Light Academia life is to embrace challenges, pursue lifelong learning, and find beauty in the everyday. Any hobby that cultivates your knowledge, strength of character, or skills can be regarded as light academia.
This aesthetic is a great way to encourage and reward yourself as you work towards your academic or personal goals, because it turns personal development into a lifestyle rather than a task. Seeing learning as more than just textbooks and revision can help you stay motivated longer and enjoy the process more.
Light Academia Hobbies
Studying
For students and lifelong learners, approaching studying through a Light Academia lens can help you stay on track even on tough days. It adds a little romanticism to the process of learning difficult skills, tedious revision, or reading complex texts.
To bring the light academia aesthetic to your studying, focus on developing a positive and growth-oriented mindset. Make sure you’re speaking kindly to yourself and noticing your accomplishments, even if your progress feels slow. You may also want to consider decorating your study space to make it more inviting and calming. Here are some unique ideas from independent businesses:
Reading
Embracing the light academia aesthetic is a great way to reignite your love of literature and books. You could incorporate reading into your nightly routine, or – if you already love to read – start new activities related to reading. For example, you could collect vintage books, make notes with study books, or start a book journal to track your favourite quotes.
Music or art
Light academia also encompasses music and art, which are great ways to express yourself creatively and learn new skills. There are many different instruments and mediums to choose from, so there’s something for everyone. You could try watercolour painting, playing guitar or piano, doing pottery, or mixing music. You could also visit art galleries or start a band with friends.
Vintage shopping
Light Academia is heavily influenced by trends from previous eras, meaning that vintage shopping is a great way to find unique pieces that fit the aesthetic. You could look for unique décor pieces like vintage postcards, lace curtains/ tablecloths, wicker baskets, gold picture frames, crocheted blankets, easels, books, and delicate teacups.
If there aren’t any vintage shops near you, there are lots of fantastic Light Academia vintage stores online to choose from. Adriancompany on Etsy, for example, offers a range of beautiful unique blouses, jewellery, and knitwear.
The future of light academia
Since Light Academia is rooted in timeless fashion, décor, and intellectualism, it is likely to be an enduring trend. Many of the silhouettes and décor styles associated with it are very timeless and unlikely to go out of style quickly. While it is possible that another term will eventually be used to describe Light Academia, its core values and principles will remain relevant and appreciated for many years to come.
