20 Dark Academia Outfits! *with a vintage twist*

[@bernadettebanner]

WHEN I TELL YOU I RAN HERE SO FAST

[@thewonderlander1372]

*S P E E D*

[@caitlinowen7023]

Same

[@jamie7920]

She showed the explanation clip and I immediately went, “oh ok, we cosplaying Bernadette today”.

[@LookingGlassLetterbox]

(For anyone who has read the Paper Magician Series by Charlie N Holmberg...if you haven't, I implore you to please do so.) I'm thinking they could both be the daughters of Emery Thane and Ceony Twill.

[@sunshine-b3m5o]

I thought of you immediately when I saw the notification 🤣

[@KC-mo8do]

Would love to see “casual pirate” outfits! (For those of us who want the pirate look but can’t do a full Jack Sparrow transformation on the daily)

[@bibliophilecb]

+

[@celine-vg7yo]

YES

[@OrthodoxMidwife]

YAAAAAS

[@HetSchatkamertje]

Yes please

[@Trashfire_Nee]

floofy or loose white long sleeved top and some tighter trousers would probably be a great base look there. Add some good boots, especially if they're tall boots. Maybe a gold medallion on a long gold chain?

[@lilydi7302]

Ah, yes. Dark academia, or as I like to call it "History teacher... With a secret".

[@0meAcat1]

Who is she

[@OrontesRM]

history teacher..who has just murdered someone

[@analuciasoares9585]

The fact that I am a history student makes it even funnier

[@VinellAngel_111]

(Sorry that I’m late) Totally didn’t teach the Dark Arts

[@QWXRTYYY]

So Indiana Jones 😅

[@maddlylyb9589]

Is no one going to talk about how flattering that black top she’s wearing throughout the video is on her?? Stunning!

[@christawright3500]

I was thinking the same thing she looks so pretty in this video! Loose bangs, long hair no make up, glasses, slim fit top! 😍

[@lena-beamish]

I *think* it might be the Bishop Blouse from La Femme En Noir...but yes she looks amazing in it!

[@56freckles]

@@lena-beamish Thank you so much for this link!! Rachel looks incredible and I'm drooling over the stuff on this site.

[@jacintasart6902]

@@lena-beamish yes I was wondering if it was the bishop top!

[@GDMiller419]

Most definitely!

[@myiamurphy8949]

Also, Rachel. Girl. You look INCREDIBLE in this video.

[@iheartmusic41]

that black top she's wearing between the outfits is AMAZING

[@catherinejustcatherine1778]

Agree, she looks wonderful in this video.

[@pheebee6294]

First thing i said to myself when i clicked on play button - she looks gorg 👌

[@bibliophilecb]

Right? Goals honestly

[@zoedean6504]

She always looks incredible. But yes, wholeheartedly agree.

[@_inhisbluegardens]

I cannot explain the scream-laugh that escaped my face when you accidentally said "high-waisted" socks instead of knee-high socks. Visions of me at 12 in my school uniform, sprinting for the school bus in a Scottish winter with my socks pulled up to my buttcheeks. Amazing.

[@Danae78]

#highwaistedsocks Can you imagine socks going to your waist? Lolll I think that's called tights.

[@xdorothy]

Lmao I was so confused on what the heck was high waisted socks 💀🤣

[@razielcordova5497]

That last dress made me say “holy shit” out loud, you look absolutely stunning. YES THAT IS HAPPENING

[@zucchinigreen]

Same. It looked stunning, hot and gothic all at the same time.

[@deejustdee1234]

Yes Dress number 20!

[@kiwillamas]

that shop owner is going to get FLOODED with orders omg

[@helpiamstuckonthismanshead3385]

I feel 18 1 9 3 and 4 8 are the best

[@JustJennyKelly]

YUH loved that last black dress Omgggg

[@soficaso]

18:40 the moment Rachel realizes she looks like a witchy snacc in that dress ✨ IT'S STUNNING ❤️

[@rfldss89]

"oh shit I've got tiny corsets on my arms"

[@HeyCuteEarrings]

Idea: dark academic disney princesses. Another idea: LOTR characters, but they're your college professors. Another idea: if fictional heroines were Gibson girls. Another idea: steampunk marvel characters. Another idea: but make it medieval - if fictional character were in GOT. Just throwing around the content ideas I would watch 1,000%

[@janellkendall12]

👏👏👏

[@lunadriel6113]

All of those ideas YESS!

[@ellynsoup4724]

Yesyesyesyesyes

[@annassteyn]

My brain read "fictional Hermiones were Gibson girls.", and it seemed super legit, because I could see it with her hair...

[@k1tkat-kate]

These are genius. I want to dress like a dark academia Disney princess now...

[@automaton-in-love]

Anyone else want a video of Rachel casually telling art school stories while she sews or does makeup or something? 🖌🎨

[@TheEplestugas]

Yes, please!!!

[@soficaso]

yessss!

[@marievenezia4929]

YASSSS!!

[@agimagi2158]

Yess me!

[@alexia3552]

Hell yeah

[@lokokoko925]

rachel is like a personilised google add except she actualy shows stuff i like

[@julienowakowski9718]

This helped me figure out a work appropriate costume better than the two hours I spent on Amazon🥰

[@ilahjarvis]

Rewatching this after the “Dark Academia” mystery box fail. This is basically a line up of all the clothes that WOULD have been acceptable in the box, rather than the sad yellow scrunchie and the white boat neck tee.

[@catthestitchwitch1200]

Dark academia is basically "Student at Oxford University in the 40's" and I'm here for it

[@yeosangsgirl9686]

Dont forget the roaming of dark libraries reading about how true love felt 😩🤍

[@angelanamkorw1015]

I think Rachel’s style is “ Hobbit Academia.”

[@annaradcliffe]

"Harvard Hobbit"

[@katherinemorelle7115]

I should have scrolled before I commented. I also said Hobbit Academia. Great minds?

[@andrewrobinson4019]

*Points with both hands* Yes! This!

[@linasroom]

i literally thought 'rachel's style is the lovechild of hobbitcore and dark academia' lmaoooo

[@papercupuniverse1]

Dude this is the first thing I thought when I started watching

[@Prismatic_Truth]

This was my signature aesthetic for most of the last two decades. I called it my _eccentric country squire_ look most of the time, because the "dark academia" label hadn't been invented when I started dressing this way. Recently my aesthetic has evolved into an ecelectic mashup of academia + natural-kei + cottagecore.☺️💕

[@thevintagewo6007]

Okay so Rachel, I've had this idea for a while; and if I was a KZbinr I would do it but, I am not.🙃 so am I handing it off to you, to do with as you please. 👍 so the idea is you take pieces of paper, you put aesthetic keywords on them; such as Edwardian, dark, light, goblin, cottage, whatever they are put them on paper. Separate them into nouns and adjectives, then put them into two different hats. you pick one from each of them, combine them into a name of an ✨aesthetic✨, then make an outfit inspired by it. It's similar to your made-up aesthetic video, just a bit more controlled I guess.😅

[@toxxicrose]

love this idea!!

[@ebunni5862]

That's a cool idea! Might be fun to do by yourself. A good way to convince yourself to get dressed in the morning. Or is that just me?

[@8FakeTears8]

@@ebunni5862 Def not just you!

[@katerrinah5442]

"Edwardian Goblin"

[@hshandmakes]

this would be fun'!

[@amylempkowski9887]

my girl said “high waisted socks” and it made me love her even more

[@kroselavy]

I’ve been using this video as a guide for my own style so here is all the timeline for the outfits 4:03 - outfit one (green vest with checkered jacket and white blouse) 6:06 - outfit two (black blouse with beige pants and greenish coat) 6:34 - outfit three (black blouse with mustard pants and long brown coat) 6:56 - outfit four (adorable brown jumper with white col and cute brown skirt) 9:10 - outfit five (clueless school teen high socks) 9:54 - outfit six (cozy jumper pants boots) 10:35 - outfit seven (cute stripped top pants long coat) 11:12 - outfit eight (simple white blouse and pants) 11:51 - outfit nine (scarf glasses hanged long brown coat) 12:11 - outfit ten (black blouse brown coat and skirt) 13:02 - outfit eleven (transparent black blouse) 13:46 - outfit twelve (bralette with checkered jacket and pants) 14:52 - outfit thirteen (checkered long skirt with van helsing coat) 15:19 - outfit fourteen (mustard skirt with black top) 16:14 - outfit fifteen (cute M jumper with brown pants) 16:30 - outfit sixteen (green turtleneck with pretty pattern skirt and long brown coat) 16:44 - outfit seventeen (cute redish cardigan with brown pants and white blouse) + bag tutorial 17:20 - outfit eighteen (Jo from little women vest with Tirana long cream skirt) 17:59 - outfit nineteen (mustard skirt with cute brown jumper) 18:48 - outfit twenty (idodeclare’s gift Jeanne d’Arc transparent black dress)

[@rileylittleraven]

Thank you! This must’ve been at least a bit tedious - I really appreciate it 🧙🏻‍♀️🧝🏻‍♂️

[@kroselavy]

@@rileylittleraven thank you, not that much ! What’s been tendious is to find the beautiful boots she wears on every video 😭

[@strawberrysoup420]

@@kroselavy oh please do tell! iv been searching for them as well!

[@kroselavy]

@@strawberrysoup420 i did my research and she bought those on amazon a couple of years back, you can see the brand in one of here video, but i couldn't find the EXACT same model unfortunatly :/ But you can still find similar ones

[@CathyHay]

"This too shall pass"

[@ellendunn559]

My color palette is different than Rachel’s, but the aesthetic here is a more put-together version of how I dressed in middle and high school (1972-78). I now think I was cooler than I gave myself credit for back in the day!

[@helenascribe210]

Omg, same!🤣

[@audoldends6799]

Fashion IS a cycle after all

[@Eilanah100]

Ahh, the Annie Hall days. My father did not like it when I asked for one of his neckties. We've come a long way, I think.

[@ArtemisScribe]

All these looks are iconic, and I feel like the "Rachel Masky Twist" on Dark academia is that all your looks are the characters who are the protagonists of their stories fighting everyone else's Dark Academia lookbook characters who are the villains.

[@Anemone_Productions]

CHALLENGE: ✨light✨ academia outfits, literally the same as this but more lively, earthly, nature-inspired

[@0meAcat1]

This would be super fun - re: hobbit academia from above. Maybe like an academia accessories thing? Making or showing together with etc

[@x_sushirolls_x716]

Yes plz I love green

[@chaples_]

I think you may be mixing up green academia and light academia

[@sugarfairieprincess]

Dark academia is basically the younger whiskey grandpa

[@annapettit8045]

Hillary Thevenin whiskey grandchild

[@bec3057]

Omg 😂😂😂

[@joan_28]

Whiskey Grandpa in his College years😂

[@junkabella6324]

Yeeeeeeesssss x)

[@emmad4308]

Vodka youngster

[@raelynfey]

Came here from Rachel and Jun's page. I'm also a redheaded Rachel and never knew the Academia trend was a thing. I looove it! I may have to start thrifting now to look like I'm a mysterious heroine researching a way to save the world

[@Kasia_Luna]

I want ALL OF THESE OUTFITS!! These outfits have a very archeologist/egyptologist vibe. Like you're getting ready to travel to Egypt to find the latest ancient relics...or.. to prevent ancient demons from rising from the dead and bringing back deadly plagues!!!

[@HaHaHaLMFAOtv]

So what you're saying is.. What would Evie wear? 😉

[@christinalinadingdong9566]

I swear I wanna own every single thing she has

[@Kasia_Luna]

@@HaHaHaLMFAOtv haha exactly!

[@theaargent7056]

There's Rachel making herself look like she's ready to study anthropology or witchcraft. Then there's me currently writing my master's thesis in sweats, t-shirts and fuzzy socks.

[@audoldends6799]

Big mood my dude 🙃

[@kaymac7849]

But....sweats, t-shirts and fuzzy Socks are the official uniform for writing any thesis, not to forget the panic sweat and existential crisis now and then. 😉

[@damlakaratekin5016]

Damn i thought for a second it was ABOUT sweats, t-shirts and fuzzy socks and got really excited :/

[@MoodyMooMoo]

Can I ask what subject? I am not looking forward to when I do mine....*cold shivers run down my spine* Good luck with your thesis!

[@theaargent7056]

@@MoodyMooMoo Thank you first of all. My thesis is about Influencer marketing and it's "hype culture". Every company uses it and tries to be consumer friendly in the process but if it actually is, remains to be seen. That's the basis of it. I should use that in the abstract.

[@sollxbx]

I love how you break gender roles with clothing. Like most of these outfits would have also looked fine on a boy and the use of pants is absolutely stunning on you. It's like a cross between masculine and feminine clothing.

[@craftystreet6994]

I will now add dark academia to the blender that creates my asthetic smoothie

[@caroline7420]

Honestly, same though.... **Facepalm**

[@nyangata7278]

My aesthetic is ✨potato✨

[@In_TheMoonlight]

same here lmao

[@emmad4308]

Ah, you too subscribe to the Aesthetic ™ of "whatever I feel like on the day lol"

[@Jules5599]

hi rachel, why don´t you do "outfits inspired by famous paintings" since you mentioned that artwork? As an art history student I think that would be great!

[@genksmith]

Ooooh yes, this

[@sarabarnes7049]

Why did I immediately think of Christina's World?

[@elisa.llew-send]

OOOH, outfits inspired by famous architecture!

[@aussieauntynette6892]

Ohhhh, yessss pleassse! 😁 What a great idea 🧐🖼️🤔💡🥻 Inspired by famous paintings .... not many limits there. Some are totally gorgeous, but then again, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Umm the paintings that is. Rachel would be regarded as a totally gorgeous beauty in any era 😁

[@annbrookens945]

I vote for dressing like paintings/art works!

[@dianatorok8871]

I would love to see you tackle cottagecore too since i feel like it's very much in your wheelhouse! Maybe for a spring video :) Bonus points if it has cute mushroom fairy make up Rachel but not a requirement

[@IonIsFalling7217]

"I'll spend an hour turning myself into Gandalf, but will I mend a simple elbow? Let's be realistic." RELATABLE

[@florriefightingale5161]

I would totally watch a long chatty Mending With Maksy video!!!! I have mending I could do alongside it....

[@Hildegardvonblingin]

Your story about art history exams is identical to my experience of art school. Do I still remember any of those names or dates? No. None.

[@fAEtusDeletus]

what about the old men's wieners?

[@rachelmaksy]

Hahahaha EXACTLY. The method is only good for memorizing it for a span of oh, say 24 hours then POOF, gone 😂

[@therussianprincess7036]

I also had art history in high school, and I had to cram too. Just, for two weeks before the test instead of a day, bc my tests had not only the title, date and author, but also authors affiliations and patrons, symbols and sources, period-specific terms and techniques and the city the piece is in/comes from. Aaaaaand a test could cover anything from 500 to 3500 pieces (paintings, drawings, architecture, sculptures, installations) at once. I loved those classes to bits but I am still shocked that I actually crammed about 9000 artworks into my brain over those three years.

[@calla3084]

the fact that i went to art school but never had an art history class and somehow took a theater history class instead lol

[@melizma22]

When your chip breaks coincide. #twinning

[@yohik.9604]

Man, I thought Dark Academia was a series or anime, but it's actually the perfect aesthetic !!

[@nixisurdad]

I believe what you had in mind was the anime ‘My Hero Academia’

[@todorokisfavouriteobject9109]

You probably thought of My Hero Academia or Witch Academia

[@laurenr7372]

Haven't even watched it yet but it has "Dark Academia" and "Vintage" in the title soooo I'm EXCITED!!!!

[@alotofbooksalittletime7087]

I would love to see a Narnia inspired lookbook or a series of unfortunate events! Both of them have different vintage vibes 😊

[@fandomlovergirl12]

Same. I absolutely love Narnia!!!

[@returnoftheromans6726]

Yes! That would be absolutely superb! 👌

[@luvrdelreyy]

Yesss asoue is my favourite programme ever!!!

[@jessicawilson8240]

I swear to god I just always thought that the M sweater was meant to be a take on the weasley sweaters but with an M for Maksy lol

[@hayleyrose97]

Yessss, this is everything I need for this hot summer Australian day. Wish I could dress like this everyday (cries in sweat).

[@GALAXIE262]

Lmao. It's 5° F here in northern Illinois, USA.....also known as..."fucking cold" 🤣

[@josefafalkner8329]

@@GALAXIE262 that's -15° C for any non Americans

[@J_Kwan]

Don’t let your dreams be memes. I work in the Sydney metro area and I dress like this every day haha. My little sister says I look like a cross between an Edwardian detective and a video game character 👍🏽✨

[@mariblue72]

@@J_Kwan You're living my dream.

[@kirstieKABOOM]

I sweat it out in Sydney too. It's horribly uncomfortable but goddamn I'm committed to my fashion. Australian or not. HEAT BE DAMNED.

[@lizzielogemann6422]

Living for the fact that Rachel said "high-waisted socks" at 8:40. So cute!

[@annbrookens945]

Right! Although I think if she used dark tights there, the outfit would be what she was hoping for.

[@monkiram]

LOOOL I didn't even think twice about that, my brain was like yeah high-waisted socks makes perfect sense

[@musicadictor]

Alternative title, what Milo Thatch would wear (if he wore skirts).

[@bonaboter6405]

he would totally wear skirts

[@vannieleigh]

Rachel - “High waisted socks” Me- “Have I been saying it wrong this whole time?”

[@rebekahzammit6482]

Ahhhh! My knees just rolled their eyes at me!

[@Butterflier00]

are knees just not the waist of your legs...

[@easilystartled2203]

@@Butterflier00 you made me choke on my coffee lol

[@rebekahzammit6482]

@@Butterflier00 Precisely why they rolled their eyes

[@danielletobin9480]

Me too honestly, I had to go back and listen again to be like, wait....

[@ansleyvangorkom9491]

Somehow I forgot that Fridays meant Rachel, so this was the best surprise I’ve had all week!

[@carolann811]

I thought today was Saturday so this was an extra special reminder that it was, indeed, Friday.

[@xdperrinette]

Same, I was so busy with a project for school, it completely slipped my mind !

[@wildwoodspiderling3068]

I love how any time you have a long coat on you look like a glamorous pirate

[@caitanddot7017]

Dark academia is a style I'm really trying to get into, so seeing someone else do it and not just on some instagram post makes it a whole lot less daunting :)

[@MuseAndDionysus]

Dark academia said: Add a little bit of... ✨ Spice✨ Rachael: puts on outfits, looks amazing, brings the spice

[@emdavis]

Immediately paused to spend 15 minutes trying on every satchel I own as a backpack. SO GENIUS.

[@nyangata7278]

She looks like the main character in a detective movie and that's a vibe I wish I had.

[@joewalter8158]

coat or skirt: has swish-able long fabric Rachel: don't mind if I do...

[@kennaabelle2807]

If you don’t like turtlenecks, I’ve found mock neck tops make a good substitute. They still have that vibe without going as high up on the neck.

[@zucchinigreen]

I know everyone is going to be talking about "the dress", but I really do like your basic white shirt and pants. The fit is perfect. Makes me want to get a tailor like yesterday.

[@candlerunner]

suggestion: literally any more of this kind of video! these water my crops, feed my children, exfoliate my skin, and cure my ailments. The literal peak of drawing inspiration lol 🧡

[@rfldss89]

Yup yup:) I'm a guy, but even i can draw some inspiration from these videos, especially when it comes to syles as androgynous as dark academia (lots of sweaters, fitted pants, wollen coats, etc, so classics for every gender:))

[@candlerunner]

@@rfldss89 me too! I’m trans ftm but men’s clothes are really boring lol

[@rfldss89]

@@candlerunner yeah in a lot ways yeah. Women get to wear all kinds of dresses and blouses and tops with all different shapes and frills, meanwhile ans men get is a three piece suit, and if you want to change it up, you use a different handkerchief 😒

[@candlerunner]

@@rfldss89 😂 😂

[@gabyv.4627]

Rachel is always pretty but she looks extra extra pretty in this video. All the outfits suit her so well

[@manicmuffin]

I could imagine each outfit as a different character with their own personality, set in an east coast or old world college in the late 40's or early 50's, maybe there's a little magic, maybe there's a little murder mystery, I want to read this novel.

[@haleysmith1501]

The last dress gave me Bellatrix at Hogwarts vibes.

[@abbeyross8014]

Yes!!!! I was thinking of that!!!

[@livelongandprospermary8796]

I must know where to acquire such a garment

[@boojebee]

"drawing old man weiners" is literally just art school tings. I really thought "life drawing" was just drawing landscapes not naked people. oh was I in for a treat the first day...

[@alyssepurcell9153]

I LOVE THE HAND BELT THING Just saying.

[@lapisgrey301]

same!! i wonder where she got it lol

[@miathemuse653]

@@lapisgrey301 Im not sure if its the same one she has but an artist on tiktok makes them at @inherbones Hope that helps!

[@katemorell7363]

I'm not certain but I think it might be from I do declare

[@frayacinth]

@@miathemuse653 omg thank you for linking to the artist I need that belt in my life

[@gothdad94]

from what i know or have seen online, they're mostly vintage 1970s/victorian inspired and can fetch $300-500 :( i've got the nicoletta carlone version, which is a decent reproduction belt...but this exact belt is definitely my holy grail vintage item rn

[@AnnekeKT]

Did you just... “high waisted socks”??!

[@stmali5]

I thought exactly the same!

[@imhannahs]

But also now I need it....?

[@thebeautyoflife327]

I can’t get over this why is it SO FUNNY

[@button4631]

High waisted socks = tights

[@daphneazimuth]

rachels said before that she gets self conscious when people point out when she mixes up words... so like, why did u...?? lol

[@rhiannonloveskittens]

That final dress is what dreams are made of omg

[@GuilhermePalacio]

If Rachel Maksy and Bernadette Banner had a love child, they would be this.

[@khufuhollyjr4577]

The fact that Bernadette's comment is right above this makes it ten times better

[@luciasoosova2182]

I ship it respectfully

[@matrixiekitty2127]

Ah your style is so fabulous!! It’s really given me more confidence to incorporate more “masculine” elements and silhouettes into my wardrobe!

[@sarahnoble6852]

Please do “Potter Core”! There are so many characters to choose from: the main trio, Molly, Lupin, Luna, Mad Eye, Sirius, Bellatrix, Dumby (bring out the Gandalf wig!!!), McGonagall, PEEVES, Fleur, etc. Bonus points if you do Dobby and wear mismatched socks. 👌🏻

[@katiriafigueroa9339]

Wait... Is that a thing now?! Where have I been!!! I have failed as a potterhead. 😭

[@sarahnoble6852]

@@katiriafigueroa9339 I don’t know if it’s an official thing, but I think we (and Rachel Maksy) can MAKE it a thing! ⚡️🔮🧹

[@katiriafigueroa9339]

@@sarahnoble6852 Definitely! 😁

[@GoudaGirl]

The way she looked at herself in the dress at the end was just so wonderful and heart warming.

[@missjoshemmett]

Rachel and Jun sent me here!

[@writingwiththeresa]

The fact that you watched Dead Poets Society before hand *chef's kiss*

[@Emm_Er]

Rachel, this kind of fashion is my DREAM wardrobe, but I literally wouldn't know where to start. Seriously, how did you start curating this wardrobe? What pieces to you grab first? Have you already made a video on this and I'm just super oblivious?

[@tearez13]

I _know_ Rachael has talked about this in a few videos, but of course I can't remember which ones XD so I will pass on what what I remember/my own personal thoughts: when it comes to making drastic changes to your style start small, pick up a few cheaper outfits that have the vibe you're going for from a local thrift store/charity shop/consignment shop/or even the clearance rack at a store like Kohl's or Walmart. One thing that everybody I have ever heard talk about this say is: "don't spend a lot of money on actual vintage clothes until you have a good idea of the look you're looking for." which I also second. The 'starter pack' of sorts for Dark Academia is basically a button up or polo shirt, a sweater, and a either a pair of trousers or a skirt that is more on the pleated/flow-y side. Once you have that you can slowly incorporate those elements into your daily wardrobe. I hope this helps! 💗

[@KayCustom]

I'm definitely not qualified for this specific style, but I think it would be a really good idea to start with the basics? So like start by getting like the plain button up shirts, some neutral/plain sweaters, and basic pants/skirts etc. Then you can move onto looking for more curated/stylized/unique pieces, because you'll already have basics to pair them with and will actually be able to wear them, instead of having something great sitting in your cupboard because you have nothing to pair it with. Essentially, get basic pieces for a good foundation, then build out from there. Hope this was helpful

[@rachelnicole934]

honestly i think that mid-calf wool skirt, a simple classy button up, and a sweater the wear over the button up are the perfect place to start. then you can start building from there! i started out with the wool skirt (i literally searched wool skirt on depop till i found the right one) and i built my style from there! another good staple (but more expensive) is a nice coat in this style. it honestly classes up any outfit and can make the outfit look more this style than it really is. and it doesnt have to be expensive, i got mine on deep discount at old navy for $25 and i wear it everywhere.

[@spottedstar1123]

Just adding on to what other people have already said, but gather inspiration, make a Pinterest board, and look for trends in the outfits that you're drawn to! E.g. you may notice that many utilize dark warm tones, or a button-up tucked into high-waisted trousers, or a turtleneck tucked into a pencil skirt, or a dress that cinches the waist but has a full skirt! Once you figure out what styles/outfit formulas/etc. then spend some time looking for pieces that you can mix and match together

[@hiffahyphae6707]

If you still haven’t found off where to start, there’s this guy Jack Edwards here on KZbin. He has this one video where he tries out the dark academia aesthetic and there’s some articles of clothing that look good for starters.

[@MeLeisure]

The M could stand for Miskatonic, make it a little Eldritch Academia

[@kelleyt9869]

Rachel trying on clothes made me realize she's the Barbie doll we really need.

[@lucie4185]

As someone with Giant shoulders and negative hips I completely agree.

[@aliciacarr9899]

"I don't wear as much black as I would like to." Me: looks to my closet that could be confused for a cave opening it's so dark in there 😂 Also, the last dress 😍

[@annbrookens945]

That last dress, yes! Also the black plaid skirt outfit was my favorite!

[@lana_blu6884]

Girl I NEEEED your skirts😭😭

[@jayc9345]

Rachel: "what says cool more than I'm about to go hunt vampires?" Me: Buffy, but make her vintage

[@TabbyeLynne]

So Nikki Wood?

[@jayc9345]

@@TabbyeLynne ..... the 80's are vintage now?

[@TabbyeLynne]

@@jayc9345 pretty sure it was the 70's. And I'm afraid so 😬

[@emmalottie3346]

Um missing the obvious, Giles

[@onxcall]

Outfit nine: when “dark academia” meets “doctor who”

[@NutzerWurdeGeloescht]

My thoughts exactly!

[@murdermcmurderface]

Fantastic!

[@mnels5214]

IKR?? LOVED

[@kristintindall7585]

^came here for exactly this

[@joakescarnival8303]

BEST

[@GAMEBEATER6000]

As a tomboy I’m full on into shoulder tees, cargo pants etc. but I’m also OBSESSED with vintage looks with outfits and I just love this video because of it 😭😭😭 thank you

[@maryp3052]

Rachel: Dark Academia! ....proceeds to dress like Molly Weasley's much cooler lesbian cousin.

[@cori0420]

Yes! This was exactly my thoughts!

[@kathj2972]

jhsdvfjhsvfjs, DID SHE LIE THOUGH JHjhgahsfgkahgsf, love you for giving me this image

[@hannisimone]

“What would Tom Riddle’s girlfriend wear?”

[@amandacoffey9345]

Nothing. He’s incapable of love

[@lsage6275]

@@amandacoffey9345 But during his years at Hogwarts he'd probably date the daughter of an important wizard for social gain and inside knowledge, as he is a manipulative, charming, and ambitious person. You don't need to be capable of love to date, especially if you have no morals like Tom Riddle. You can get so much out of dating without having any love for the person if you play your cards right, though it is not at all a good or acceptable thing to do.

[@lilyfileti7830]

@@lsage6275 damm your right-

[@coffic]

Dignified witchy pride and despair

[@nervengewitter]

Well I guess I just found my new "what to sew / add to my wardrobe" list condensed into only one video! Nice!

[@giuliavictorya2125]

this is dark academia: archeology professor edition

[@SuperPooped]

Re: art school clothes. For every lecture during my time at Camberwell I would sit at the back and do a tally chart of striped tops and checked flannel to see who had won that lecture. Usually whilst sitting in a stripy top (or occasionally flannel check).

[@ashkay2512]

RACHEL YOU GOTTA DO A COTTAGECORE ONE!!!!

[@loniyarnold9704]

I'm in a vintage repro buy swap and sell and someone came on looking for clothes to make her dream closet. She supplied photos to support her request and it was just you and Stevie Nicks. *Chef's kiss* (Also your way of remembering the artist and year was STUNNING.)

[@marymills3581]

that's so cute 😭 I wish I knew people who loved Rachel IRL!

[@cbrisco]

My 3-year old asked to watch a video of "the lady with the gorgeous face". He meant you.

[@helenascribe210]

Awwww

[@makaylahaverluk667]

ooh you know what would be fun? a "but make it vintage" series but where you use your massive wardrobe to make vintage outfits based on different characters like the Scooby Doo gang or Phineas and Ferb characters or so many others!

[@caseygreyson4178]

I was a little disappointed that thredUP did not have any men’s clothing, but nevertheless I used your code to purchase a lovely dress for my partner :) Great outfits as always, Rachel!

[@psychoticpercy6479]

Oh no, i was gonna check them out, but no use now :((

[@8FakeTears8]

Well, then your partner is really lucky! I wish my boyfriend watched Rachel

[@joshuadouglas2962]

Sent them a message on Instagram, let's see if we get a response🤔

[@Wednesdaywoe1975]

Ebay! And thredup has been promising a men's section for two years.

[@96fuzzypickles]

This makes me want another "made up Aesthetics" video sooo much because you are just in your creative element when you are putting together outfits! I loved every single outfit and I can tell how much fun you had planning these! Keep on rocking it!

[@noortjeblokland4943]

I have a *very* strong appreciation for Rachel's layering skills! Anyone else? :)

[@ladyrepunsel4567]

I really want her to do some Nancy Drew cosplay! Think about it, Nancy is described as having redish hair and has been around forever so some of the earlier books she is already dressed vintage! The old ones have really cool vintage cover art that would be so neat for her to recreate

[@franmateyko8926]

Yeah, the first books were written in the 1930s, perfect for her style.

[@bitterbat1952]

ok but just nancy through the ages like from vintage to modern just a whole video dressing as nancy drew would

[@Wednesdaywoe1975]

YAAAAAAAaaas! I will send her my vintage Nancy Drew looks from a 1989 magazine for inspo. Brilliant.

[@gothdad94]

ooh and there were also some really cute nancy drew movies that came out in the late 30s that could serve as further inspiration!! love all her outfits in those movies and i'm sure rachel would too

[@MaryLaFaye103]

That last dress, though. Had a very Yennefer from The Witcher feel to it and I dig.

[@TheKikimouse]

Outfit 2 is basically Dark Academia Kim Possible and I'm here for it.

[@niccyknickers]

That last black dress reminded of Satines black lingerie outfit in Moulin Rouge - so, perhaps do a Moulin Rouge inspired video?

[@mikececconi2677]

Not many ladies can make "dressing like my great-grandfather" look good but you are one of 'em.

[@ps1hagridoufofcharacter]

69th like nice

[@wildoctober1513]

“I will spend hours turning myself into Gandalf.. but will I mend a simple elbow... let’s be realistic” 😂

[@humansarehilarious9239]

more dark academia content plssss💖🥺

[@scorchedroseproductions3266]

This could also be titled "A Bunch of Outfits Evie O'Connell would wear". LOVE IT

[@PerryPictures]

Yesssssss ❕❕ ❕

[@RoseKB22]

Something I love doing with full skirts, is layering them with cotton petticoats underneath. It adds that satisfying poof and fluff, and adds to the spin factor a lot. Ntm they are great in the colder months for extra warmth! Although, they aren't too bad in summer either, depending on the climate and humidity

[@davidmoreno5690]

Rachel to me always looks like that one archeologist who's just drunk enough and is just over whatever findings they get.

[@moniemonie48]

I kept hearing and thinking "Dark Macadamia". How nutty! :D I'll see myself out, now. lol

[@emilydavies9012]

My two favourite ginger Rachel's on the internet sharing my fashion taste ace

[@AnastasiaR]

I feel like some Queens Gambit inspired outfits would be a natural fit for your channel and I know you have a pinafore or two somewhere in there 🧐

[@rachaelayers5591]

Great call!

[@AzzyC25]

Rachel: *Shows dark academia asthetic images of libraries* Me: Ah.. where I'm supposed to be.

[@Aelinnai]

SAME.

[@peggyr9623]

I loved this video as this is how I dressed for work each day in the 80's and 90's!! Almost always a very long skirt, a shirt or turtleneck, a vest and a jacket, loafers or 2" heels! The skirt at 16:38 is almost a match to one I had and wore it until it fell apart! The beige one that almost hits the floor is very similar to the ones I wore. Thank you for the travel back in time fun for me!

[@chikenchilichiss]

that looks like a vintage university of Minnesota sweater actually! university of Michigan has the same yellow M as university of Minnesota, but paired with navy blue instead of burgundy.

[@ZezeMimi]

I have been searching for this comment! I was also thinking about maybe a school in New England. Maybe MIT? Or UMass?

[@FrankieFreakShow]

I'm living for the Dark Academia content!!! I often joke that my aesthetic is Dark Hobbit Academia, lol!