30 Ways To Embrace Dark Academia This Fall
There’s something about autumn’s overcast skies, falling leaves and black coffee that conjures up Dark Academia vibes.
That first chill in the air always gets me in the mood to pick up a thick Penguin Classics edition of a Bronte novel.
The moody clouds mean the end of a lazy summer.
And they always remind me of those first days of school rushing to find your lecture halls while wrapped in a scarf as thick as a blanket.
If you’re been feeling burned out lately – and if your days feel like an endless stream of errands and emails – then harness that reflective, studious atmosphere of Dark Academia to slow down this autumn.
Whether it’s flipping through some magazines at your local library or attending the opening of a bold new art exhibit, here are some incredible ways to embrace Dark Academia this fall.
1. Embrace the power of scent
Dust off those bottles of woodsy French perfumes you’ve been saving for a special occasion.
Because life’s too short and many perfumes spoil over time.
Dab on a heady oriental from Serge Lutens or a classic Guerlain for an enveloping gourmand treat. Or pick up a Middle Eastern perfume oil for a more budget-friendly powerhouse.
Light your favorite scented candle, incense or oil diffuser and let the fragrance envelop the whole room.
Scent is the most evocative of the 5 senses. And it can instantly lift your spirit and brighten your mood.
2. Research a niche topic
Dive into a niche topic and learn all you can about it from books, blogs and documentaries.
Whether its Renaissance art or Shetland lace knitting, research a subject you’ve always been curious about.
Nurturing your curiosity is a catalyst to building a slower, more engaged and fulfilling life.
Self-guided learning also puts you in control of the information you’re consuming. It’s the perfect antidote to passive, mindless scrolling.
Start a notebook dedicated to your niche topic and fill it with notes, sketches and observations. Fill it without thinking about how it will look on your social media feed.
3. Write a poem
Writing poetry is tricky because it’s easy to feel silly when you’re reading back your amateur verses.
But that’s also the beauty of it: writing poetry lets you conquer your own perfectionism and let go off the need to make sense.
Writing poetry lets you remember the importance of expressing yourself and enjoying the process. It’s a small release from a world obsessed with appearances.
Set a timer for 10 minutes and write a free-flowing poem that describes your day. Let yourself play with structure, rhyme and rhythm and don’t worry about editing.
Writing poetry is an incredible way to reduce stress and anxiety, build self-awareness and boost your creativity. And it’s quicker and easier than long-form journaling.
4. Thrift for vintage knits
Bundle up this autumn with cozy vintage knits that make you feel like a character in a Donna Tartt novel.
Oversized sweaters are perfect for slow evenings at home curled up with a cup of Earl Grey and a long novel.
And thrifting lets you experiment with new styles and patterns that you might not normally wear.
Vintage knits provide the comfort and warmth needed for solitary artsy pursuits and long hours of study.
They also have a timeless, classic appeal that fits perfectly with Dark Academia’s focus on collegiate fashion.
5. Learn calligraphy
There’s nothing as meditative as learning the strokes of a foreign alphabet with an elegant calligraphy pen.
Calligraphy is a beautiful way to escape the keyboards and touch screens that rule our modern lives. And it improves your fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination, which are probably rusty after years at the computer.
Languages like Mandarin, Arabic and Persian lend themselves beautifully to calligraphy. With their sweeping curves and patterns, they’re considered revered art forms in their own right.
Try your hand at calligraphy to learn a new language and produce something beautiful enough to frame.
6. Explore small art galleries
Learn to view art with a critical eye that picks up themes, symbols and techniques. A whole new world will open up to you.
Visit the well-known museums in your city and read up on art history. Then dive into your local art scene and explore the niche art galleries in your neighborhood.
Attend exhibit openings for a chance to meet the artists and chat with other art lovers.
Visiting art galleries fuels your inspiration and gets your creative juices flowing. It also hones your personal style.
By exposing yourself to a plethora of different art, you’ll soon learn what you love and why.
And when you have a strong sense of personal style, you’ll live better.
You’ll surround yourself with beautiful things that bring you joy – instead of making impulse purchases and following trends.
7. Make a classical or jazz playlist
Explore new genres of music and build moody playlists that inspire you to relax on long autumn evenings.
Play some baroque music in the background as you work. Its steady rhythm has been linked to increased attentiveness and improved memory.
Or put on some smooth jazz in the evenings in the kitchen as you cook a hearty soup.
Music builds atmosphere during even the most mundane tasks. It adds that Dark Academia drama to an otherwise ordinary Tuesday.
8. Paint an abstract watercolor
Who has the energy or focus to sketch at the end of a long day?
If you’re like me, sometimes you’re tempted to pick up your brushes and watercolors. But you don’t always have time for a composed and technical painting.
I love to paint small watercolor abstracts as an effortless (and satisfying) way to relax and get creative.
And here’s the best part: you only need about 15 minutes to do a quick painting.
Start with a simple concept, like a circle or a series of lines, and then see what emerges from there.
9. Read at your local library
There’s a reason why so many Dark Academia novels are set around libraries: libraries are meditative spaces where you can explore countless new worlds.
But don’t just drop in, browse and check out.
Spend a few hours at your local library to enjoy the quiet space and absorb the studious atmosphere.
Flip through some magazines and pick out a few books to read the first chapters. If there’s listening rooms, pick out some new music and listen attentively without doing anything else.
Many local libraries host discussion groups and book circles you can join for some accountability and inspiration to read more books.
10. Watch black & white movies
Old black & white movies from the 1940s and 50s have a slower pace and richer, wittier dialogue than most modern mainstream movies.
Watch the classics from the golden era of Hollywood cinema (from the 1920s through the 50s) to retrain your attention span and enjoy a more thoughtful form of entertainment.
Make it your autumn project to watch all the films with your favorite classic actress, like Audrey Hepburn or Elizabeth Taylor. It’s a great chance to connect with the culture and history of the past.
And there’s something very heartwarming, nostalgic and comforting about watching a classic movie where sparkling dialogue trumps fast-paced action.
Here are a few more ways to embrace Dark Academia this autumn:
- spend an afternoon browsing antique shops
- take photos with an analog camera
- join a book club
- host a literature-themed dinner party
- take a long bike ride through the countryside
- make a sketch of a historic building
- add cinnamon and spices to your coffee
- watch art and history documentaries on YouTube
- make a Dark Academia themed board on Pinterest
- write a haiku on a typewriter
- start a junk journal
- read the complete works of a classical author
- sketch 10 trees in 10 days
- visit a new indie coffee shop
- learn to play an instrument
- sign up for an online class
- learn to play chess or backgammon
- shop for used books and old magazines
- go to the theater, ballet or opera
- listen to a history podcast and take notes
Read next:
14 Inspiring Vision Board Ideas To Manifest Your Dreams
40 Powerful Morning Routine Ideas For More Energy
What Is A Bullet Journal? (And How To Best Use It)
Reclaim your life from the digital noise.
Join my one-day Analog Workshop to get practical resources and interactive sessions to help you close the screen, defeat distraction and design an intentional life.
