What is Light Academia? Styling & looks for everyday wear
If you often find yourself lost in the aisles of the library; in the poems and the worlds of the past; if you dream of making the essence of your daily adventures to the bookstores, cosy cafes & parks a part of your wardrobe, you might want to consider dipping your feet into Light Academia aesthetic! Light Academia (also similar to Librariancore), as the name suggests, is a brighter, warmer sister to Dark Academia. Imagine vanilla lattes instead of black espressos or a soft beige trench coat instead of something a little more Victorian. If you’re with us on this one, come with us and meet Light Academia up close!
What is Light Academia?
Both aesthetics - Dark & Light - are rooted in the love for literature, academic lifestyle and romanticising the pursuit of knowledge. They also share their ideal scenes, such as museums and art galleries, libraries, ancient castles and palaces, cafes, nature and the outdoors. However, Light Academia, compared to its darker sister, favours lighter colours, softer fabrics, and an overall brighter, more optimistic feel. It’s about embracing the simple joys of life and overall appreciating the human experience.
Reach for the lighter side of your wardrobe
To perfectly create the Light Academia look, you should pay more attention to neutral and light colours (light blues, light greys, dusty colours, beige, creamy yellows, pinks, light purples, whites, khakis, chocolate browns.) Light Academia focuses on optimism, sensitivity, joy, gratitude, friendship, motivation, and happy endings, and we need our wardrobes to reflect that! Natural, desaturated, washed-out-looking colours will do just fine.
The fun part – fabrics, prints & patterns!
When we think of Light Academia & Libariancore, we think of our scholarly days, and when we think of our scholarly days, we think of uniforms – plaids, tartans, ginghams and many more! For daily wear, think of subtle patterns like plaids and stripes. They evoke a scholarly and timeless aesthetic, without overwhelming the simplicity of the outfit. However, houndstooth, tattersall, madras, argyle and flannels are totally welcome as well if you’re able to balance them out. As for the fabrics, look for linen & silk for the sunny seasons, and opt for cashmere, leather & wool during the colder days. These look sophisticated and studious.
Accessories are your friends
Let your outfit shine! Accessorising for Light Academia or Librariancore aesthetic is pretty much the same as for Dark Academia, except we’re looking at a warmer colour palette. Anything vintage, like leather satchels, watches, tortoiseshell glasses or minimal design belts can brighten up your outfit. If you’re a fan of hats, berets can be a great way to show off that studious charm or try hair bows if you’re going for a cuter look. Tote bags are great as well, mostly because most of us have them and they can fit all our library goodies!
As funny as this may sound, we definitely recommend that you don’t forget about this one simple thing, that can take your outfit to a whole new level – socks! High-ankle socks paired with loafers or boots can add so much charm to any Light Academia look!
Layer up!
Here are some ideas:
High-neck top + Pinafore dress
Crop Sweater + Midi Length Dress
Discover Son de Flor’s Light Academia Closet!
Each Son de Flor garment is beautiful in its own way and we know it can get quite overwhelming to try to choose just one, that gets to become your new wardrobe favourite! Take our hand and let us guide you through pieces, that are the best match for Light Academia aesthetic!
Wrap Skirt in Espresso Brown is perfect for layering on every season, but fall is absolutely ideal! It’s a great wardrobe staple that will be easy to mix and match with the rest of your pieces.
Clementine Shirt in Latte Grid is another irresistible piece that speaks Light Academia and Librariancore. The grid pattern on this soft, beige-toned shirt with black laces has quickly become one of our community’s favourite garments this season.
Classic Dress in Black Tartan perfectly embraces Light Academia’s and Librariancore’s scholarly charm with our iconic Peter Pan collar and uniform-like tartan print. It also features pockets for all your pencils, notebooks, and perhaps a little film camera, too!
Elaine Pullover in Charcoal Grey made of 100% Merino wool, will keep you warm whether worn by itself or layered. In addition to the many benefits of Merino wool, such as breathability and temperature regulation, this pullover will be a lovely addition to your Light Academia wardrobe because it’s easy to style with anything – skirts, dresses, pants, or even a pair of jeans.
But besides clothing… what else?
Now that we’re all dressed up, it’s only natural to raise the question - what else? Aesthetic is not the same as style, it’s almost more synonymous with lifestyle rather than just the preferred sense of fashion. What are the places to be? What are the books to read? What are the shows to watch?
Aesthetic goes beyond clothing. In reality, it shapes how we experience the world. It's in the coffee shops we frequent, the art we admire, the films we resonate with, and even the way we decorate our homes. So how do we curate the world in the Light Academia way?
Cinema:
When browsing through the endless sea of options, try to look for shows or movies that feed curiosity and are a perfect blend of knowledge and entertainment. Here’s what we recommend:
Dead Poets Society (1989)
This classic shows the beauty of literature, learning, looking for the meaning of life and self-expression in the setting of an elite boarding school. This one is especially good if you’re looking to explore the Librariancore aesthetic!
The Queen’s Gambit (2020)
A stylishly intellectual show about a chess prodigy Beth. Set in the 1960s, it was made with a beautiful set design and focuses on individual brilliance, strategy, and refinement.
The Crown (2016 - Present)
The series delves into the political, social, and personal challenges faced by the British royalty over decades, capturing pivotal moments in British history. With stunning cinematography and meticulous attention to detail, it’s a deep dive into power, duty, and the human side of royalty.
Downton Abbey (2010 - 2015)
Although more period drama, this show features stunning architecture, old-world charm, and classic values. It’s a nostalgic and romanticized view of the past that keeps the Light Academia viewers hooked.
Literature:
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
Little Women captures the lives of four sisters as they navigate family, love, and personal growth during the Civil War era. It's an inspiring tale of self-discovery, creativity, and sisterhood that is inseparable from our growth. This one is a true classic, that you simply can’t go wrong with.
The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
The Secret Garden follows a girl named Mary Lennox as she discovers the doors to a hidden garden, slowly transforming her’s and the lives of others. This book celebrates love, friendship, and the profound beauty of nature, that fills us with hope. Save this one for a cold winter day when you’re longing for the awakening of nature and relive the magic along with Mary.
Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
A beloved classic, Anne of Green Gables delves into the vulnerabilities, aspirations, and dreams of childhood while beautifully portraying time, place, family, and most importantly, love. This story is about an 11-year-old Anne Shirley, mistakenly sent to live with Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert, two middle-aged siblings who had planned to adopt a boy to help on their farm, not a feisty little girl, who manages to win over their hearts.
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
A fresh breath of air among time-honoured classics in this list, The Midnight Library explores themes of life choices, regret, and the infinite possibilities of different lives. Nora Seed finds herself in a mysterious library, where she can explore different versions of her life by undoing past regrets. With the help of an old friend, she tries to create her perfect life but soon realizes that her choices come with unexpected consequences.
Leisure time:
Besides watching TV Shows, all cosied up in your favourite blanket (yes, we’re really excited for the long evenings of fall!), there’s plenty of stuff to even in the rainiest season!
Visiting Museums or Art Galleries
Explore the knowledge spots around you! Museums and galleries are great places to visit when the weather outside isn’t ideal but you're still committed to going out. Whether you bring friends or enjoy your own company, take the opportunity to curiously stroll through these places of learning.
P.S. You can even turn this into a weekend tradition or an adventure to visit every museum in your city! Check if your city offers free museum and gallery visits (or relevant discounts), and you’ll always have something fun to do on weekends! Take this bingo sheet by Museum Minute for extra activity.
Hunt for gems in your local thrift shops
Thrifting is great! It's a more affordable and sustainable way to add something new and exciting to your wardrobe without relying on fast fashion. Head to your local thrift shop and see if you can spot any hidden treasures for your Light Academia/Librariancore closet. You might be surprised to find high-quality, limited-stock, natural fiber clothing at way less of the usual retail price – and even unique goods for your home!
If you’re curious about introducing more eco-friendliness to your life, check out our 14 Zero Waste Tips: Make Earth a Better Place.
Books + Coffee Shops + Journal = perfection!
On days when you feel like stepping back and taking a breather, but the weather isn’t exactly pleasant for an evening walk, grab your favorite book, a pencil, and a journal, and head to a coffee shop. Enjoy the atmosphere and a cup of something warm while reading, or better yet, journaling. Ease your heart through your hand by jotting down thoughts about your day and reflecting, all while surrounded by the cozy buzz of the coffee shop.
Here’s a short letter from the Son de Flor girls on Being Honest With Yourself to inspire your today’s journal entry ❤️
