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Saying hello to the autumn season is quite a breath of fresh air, especially with the air cooling down and all fall-themed goods returning to the shelf. And if you’re looking for a new style to help you with the seasonal shift, the light academia aesthetic is an excellent contender. 

What Is the Light Academia Aesthetic?

The light academia aesthetic is a subculture that entails a passion for learning and positive emotions. Think beige, cream, tan, light brown, pale white, and other desaturated colors that simultaneously exude elegance and sophistication. Color palette aside, the aesthetic can be a beautiful representation of maintaining vigor for life, literature, the arts and more. 

What Is the Difference Between Light and Dark Academia?

Light and dark academia are similar in that they celebrate learning and prep school culture. However, some dub dark academia the more original subculture and say that the former was simply derived from it. It tends to focus more on higher education and the exclusivity of being a scholar. Its color palette is more brown, navy, and deep green, making it feel more brooding. 

Why Does Light Academia Fit the Fall Season?

Light academia’s aesthetic coincides with certain fall themes, like prioritizing coziness and appreciating vintage things. Their color palettes are also similar since anyone who likes autumn also likes to lean into the earthy tones that the subculture is known for. There is heavy emphasis on the browns and creams, which mimic the lattes that the autumn season is best known for. 

Getting Into the Light Academia Aesthetic

Light academia aesthetics can take many forms. Let’s break it down for beginners into clothing, interior design, and media. 

1. Dress the Part

Creating light academia aesthetic outfits is a lot simpler than you might think, and there are several routes you can take with it. Here are a few examples:

• The preppy freshman: The preppy freshman is probably the most classic light academia look, and you’ll start with a feminine-looking blouse. Bonus point if they have a built-in bow. Throw on a lovely cardigan on top and wear a pleated plaid skirt on the bottom. For footwear, a pair of Mary Jane pumps should complete the look. 

• The classy librarian: The classy librarian is an upgraded version of the preppy freshman, which is ideal for older women. For the top, try to think of sweater vests and collared button-down shirts. A plaid skirt can still work for this, but you’d have to add stockings or get a pair of flared slacks. 

• The vintage maiden: If you’re thinking about Peggy Carter’s outfit in the first Captain America movie, you’ve hit the nail on the coffin. Look for a khaki jacket or a complete trench coat to feel cozy. Pair that with a silk blouse tucked into a pencil skirt. Find a vintage hat to tie everything together. 

• The dressed-up doll: This is one of the easiest light academia aesthetic outfits since you mainly need to look for one piece. If you want a more whimsical vibe, a mesh cocktail dress with embroidered accents would be gorgeous. For something more traditional, think sleeveless tweed dresses. 

2. Redesign Your Room

Moving on from outfits, you can also set up a light academia aesthetic room or two inside your home. A few excellent touches can make such a difference, like:

• The luxurious bedding: When you look at light academia aesthetic bedrooms, you’ll tend to notice some of the most gorgeous bedding. It still stays with that same warm neutral color palette, but the textures can range from cotton to silk and more. There are also throw blankets for maximum comfort. 

• The open and dreamy counter: If you want to sprinkle some light academia into the kitchen, consider having an open counter. It would ideally have a vase full of fresh white flowers and a set of books that you can’t wait to dive into. The scene can provide you with the perfect fall breakfast this coming season. 

• The secretary desk study area: In the spirit of light academia’s love for learning, you must have a study area. Secretary furniture is an iconic option that first appeared in France and is still widely used thanks to its concealed compartments. Hide all of your notes and writing materials underneath. 

• The cozy reading nook: You also need a reading nook to stay with the theme. Ideally, you would have a nice shelf where you can store all of your favorite titles nearby. You should also look for a comfortable stool or couch that you can spend hours reading on. A throw blanket is preferred. 

3. Have a Movie Marathon

Another way to get into the spirit of light academia is by searching for movies within this aesthetic. Here’s what most enthusiasts of this subculture are sure to recommend to you:

• Pride and Prejudice: The movie adaptation starring Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen is so well-written. It stays true to the novel and brings that tension to life. Watch it with your real-life Mr. Darcy or call in the girls for a watch session. 

• Little Women: Another movie adaptation gone right. Little Women is a fantastic period drama that deserves to be watched by anyone with a complex yet beautiful relationship with womanhood and growing up. 

• Call Me By Your Name: Call Me By Your Name is often seen as a light academia film because of the stunning visuals that maintain the essence of the subculture. It’s bright, it has depth and it has many raw emotions. 

• Moxie: Moxie is another movie that champions feminism. It showcases how a young, shy teenager publishes a zine that inspires all the girls to stand up for themselves and the beauty of community-building. 

4. Read a Couple of Books

You can’t have light academia without literature. You can head back to the movie list and read the originals. If you want some extra title suggestions, here are some great ones:

• Anne of Green Gables: Anne of Green Gables is a classic novel that follows the story of an orphan who is wildly imaginative and creative. While it is a children’s story, its quaint details make for a lovely read. 

• Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland: Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland is another gripping read. As you may know, there were multiple amazing adaptations on stage and screen in the 19th and 20th centuries because of the fantasy world’s vibrancy. 

• Paper Towns: Paper Towns is a lovely read, especially if you focus on the female protagonist’s desire to live life to the fullest. It details all the wondrous things about growing up, as well as the subtle heartaches that come with it. 

• Eleanor and Park: If you want a modern love story, pick up Eleanor and Park. It showcases how two people are drawn to one another due to their intelligence and quirks, but how life simply has to happen. 

Recreate the Light Academia 

The light academia aesthetic can be such a fun style to get into during the fall season, and honestly, all year-round. Flaunt your looks at a museum, library and other academe-like spaces or invite your loved ones into your home to give them a taste of the style.