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Dark Academia 3 - de vestibus agamus - the conversation continues

840 replies

highlandcoo · 02/10/2024 22:17

Hello again to everyone from the last thread, and welcome to anyone who enjoys talking about this aesthetic .. and if you have photos to share even better!

Now that the season of mists and mellow fruitfulness is upon us, it might be time to start considering our autumn and winter wardrobes.

Last year as well as discussing leather lace-up boots, vintage handbags, antique brooches and many other desirable items, we pondered how to successfully pursue a DA aesthetic at work, at the theatre and generally out and about (without straying into Carry On Librarian territory, as one PP memorably commented) Grin
I learned about the Wrong Shoe Concept, and the Third Thing Rule .. every day is a school day!

However DA is much more than clothes, and we also shared our favourite childhood books .. memories of robins leading us through gates into secret gardens, the fiery red-haired independence of Anne of Green Gables, and our longing to go to boarding school, get into scrapes and partake in midnight feasts.

Thanks to our erudite posters, we learned about romantic Scottish history exploits recorded in 18th century documents, and considered the injustice of male family members being able to lock up women whose emotions became inconvenient, as well as discussing many inspiring women both in RL and in film.

And we debated the most DA place we've ever visited .. Oxford and Edinburgh featured strongly; in fact there was a suggestion that a perfect place for our DA AGM would be The Witchery in Edinburgh ..

If curling up in a wing-backed chair in front of a log fire, with candles flickering, sipping tea from a china mug while reading Pride and Prejudice or A Room of One's Own sounds appealing, this thread might be for you. Or if you just like the clothes, that works too.

OP posts:
Thread gallery
71
Somethingsnapped · 24/07/2025 20:42

CoubousAndTourmalet · 18/07/2025 11:48

You sound like me @Somethingsnapped

Boots all year round, like Stevie.

I'm a little bit DA, a little hippy, a lot of witchy goth. Always dark or muted tones of black, grey, purple blue, sludgy greens and browns.
Ankle length skirts and dresses, always, and long lace-up flat boots. I have Oxygen Taff boots in many different colours.
Layers. Dress over skirt and t shirt, trousers underneath. In cold weather a cardi over the top and a handknitted lace shawl of some sort.
We're northern, we keep the house cool because we have big woolly dogs, so boots and layers makes sense all year.

I wear black jeans for dog walking in wet weather, but once back at home I swap them for the frock. Long and dark is my thing these days.

I was far more DA in my youth; teens and twenties was tweeds, cords, waistcoats, fairisle cardigans, lace up ankle boots, long wool scarf, duffle coat and a big leather satchel.

That all sounds absolutely marvellous, and I'm a little envious of your northern location (I used to be northern too) and big woolly dogs. If I saw you in real life, I'd be taking a mental snapshot to 'look at' later. I still have images in my head of people I've seen out and about in the last few years whose style I loved. Please feel free to share favourite outfits!

Off to Google Oxygen Taff boots...

TressiliansStone · 26/07/2025 12:01

Off to Google Oxygen Taff boots...

+1

weareallcats · 14/08/2025 18:53

Hi everyone! Counting down the days to
jumpers and boots - I’ve created a kind of fake autumn by eating cottage pie with a fan on.

Possibly heading up to Edinburgh - with my teens - the week after next so looking for recommendations of places to see and places to eat!

Notsosecrethistory · 14/08/2025 21:18

I literally logged on to see if anyone was as impatiently waiting for autumn as I am 😅
@weareallcats go to the Witchery for afternoon tea! It was the highlight of my Edinburgh trip last year, and I'd love to go again!

MurdoMunro · 14/08/2025 21:44

‘Cottage pie with the fan on’ brilliant 😆

I’m sorry to all of you but I have to say my truth…I love summer. I’m still in my ‘academic in the long holidays visiting the classical antiquities’ season.

Arraminta · 14/08/2025 22:20

Notsosecrethistory · 14/08/2025 21:18

I literally logged on to see if anyone was as impatiently waiting for autumn as I am 😅
@weareallcats go to the Witchery for afternoon tea! It was the highlight of my Edinburgh trip last year, and I'd love to go again!

I'm still here. Drumming my fingers waiting for September 1st. In anticipation, I've just bought the viral, long black kilt from TU which is pretty decent quality for only £25! Will be wearing with a grey, v-neck cashmere sweater and the biker boots I treated myself to in Paris.

I'm going to Edinburgh with DD this Autumn and tea at The Witchery is top of the list. We're going to sit in coffee shops, and drink our Pumpkin Lattes whilst watching the (hopefully) rain outside. I have raised her in my own image and she's obsessed with all things Autumnal too.

Notsosecrethistory · 14/08/2025 22:29

@MurdoMunro I can appreciate your love for summer, and I never want to wish time away... but I'm too hot! I am not ok! 😆
I have just bought a velvet midi skirt from Le Vinted and I am wondering if I can get away with yet...

MurdoMunro · 15/08/2025 07:25

Oo that’s nice @LivingDeadGirlUK

weareallcats · 15/08/2025 09:00

Arraminta · 14/08/2025 22:20

I'm still here. Drumming my fingers waiting for September 1st. In anticipation, I've just bought the viral, long black kilt from TU which is pretty decent quality for only £25! Will be wearing with a grey, v-neck cashmere sweater and the biker boots I treated myself to in Paris.

I'm going to Edinburgh with DD this Autumn and tea at The Witchery is top of the list. We're going to sit in coffee shops, and drink our Pumpkin Lattes whilst watching the (hopefully) rain outside. I have raised her in my own image and she's obsessed with all things Autumnal too.

I’d really like to go in autumn but I’m feeling slightly desperate about escaping the heat for a bit! Dh and I went years ago in the winter and it was incredibly moody and spooky!

weareallcats · 15/08/2025 09:02

@MurdoMunro your username always makes me smile - my dh’s great grandfather was called Murdo McDonald! He was a fisherman on Lewis.

weareallcats · 15/08/2025 09:03

Is it midgey in Edinburgh? I’ve never been in the summer!

weareallcats · 15/08/2025 09:12

I have discovered an amazing place for jumpers - it is US based though so not very eco friendly.

https://kieljamespatrick.com/collections/womens-sweaters-1

Another amazing discovery:

https://oliviaannabelle.co.uk/

Deeply whimsical but some incredible pieces - check out the sample sale. I got the Dorian coat and the Cecily dress in ‘arsenic gentleman’.

A Slow Fashion Fairytale | Shop Historical Heirlooms

Deeply inspired by rich tapestries of the past, Olivia Annabelle weaves a spellbinding narrative through an exquisite collection of garments and accessories.

https://oliviaannabelle.co.uk

weareallcats · 15/08/2025 09:13

Also, The Winter’s Tale at the RSC is the best thing I’ve seen for a long time - it has Bertie Carvel in it - if you can get to Stratford.

Arraminta · 15/08/2025 09:57

weareallcats · 15/08/2025 09:00

I’d really like to go in autumn but I’m feeling slightly desperate about escaping the heat for a bit! Dh and I went years ago in the winter and it was incredibly moody and spooky!

I'm with you on this bloody heat! DD and I are hoping for really dark, stormy weather in Edinburgh. Preferably cold too, maybe even snow?

weareallcats · 15/08/2025 10:24

Arraminta · 15/08/2025 09:57

I'm with you on this bloody heat! DD and I are hoping for really dark, stormy weather in Edinburgh. Preferably cold too, maybe even snow?

When we went, in December, it was so cold that the frost just stayed and it never really got fully light, so everything had this pinkish tinge to it. We really spooked ourselves and had to leave our South Bridge tour as we were so scared 🙈. It was gloriously atmospheric - I’ve loved Edinburgh ever since.

MurdoMunro · 15/08/2025 11:20

Murdo McDonald is a fantastic name - I have a clear picture of him in his overalls and knitted hat!

There used to be a Viz style zine back in the day, sold around the Highlands, for hikers, climbers and Munro baggers. One cartoon was ‘Murdo Monro He’s a Bugger of a Bagger’. That’s where I got my name from.

triggers34 · 15/08/2025 11:45

How did I miss this 3rd thread ! I’ve just read it all ! Mentioned at the start Walker slater , so I’m straight onto Vinted and found a navy knitted tank for £5 . Mens but should be ok .
I’m really looking forward to Autumn but I do love summer too , my clothes are a bit boring I’m mainly in ancient shorts and tees. Today I’m visiting my sister and have opted for a sleeveless vintage dress (charity shop) very Toast, Seasalt and Birkenstock clogs .

NonHighStreetClothes · 15/08/2025 12:23

https://femkit.de/en?srsltid=AfmBOoqhtvbtho85Ggikc6pPP62SzAJH4ZiHApqq8B2Vp2p50unMvLUf

I came across this brand & thought of this thread immediately! It might have already been shared so apologies life that's the case.

I lurk on this thread & have shared other links under a different name in the past.

I adore that Dorian coat shared earlier!

Femkit Fashion

FEMKIT's looks & design are feminine and classic. The clothes have a touch of yesterday and touch the present. The design impresses with its pure femininity and cool elegance and makes every woman's heart beat faster.

https://femkit.de/en?srsltid=AfmBOoqhtvbtho85Ggikc6pPP62SzAJH4ZiHApqq8B2Vp2p50unMvLUf

IlovetoKnitandRead · 15/08/2025 15:06

As a knitter I am excited to cast on my first autumnal beanie and I have a wool and mohair vest in a chocolatey brown ready to cast on for my September holiday to Norway next month. Along with a good book and some cooler days I can't wait!

weareallcats · 15/08/2025 17:29

IlovetoKnitandRead · 15/08/2025 15:06

As a knitter I am excited to cast on my first autumnal beanie and I have a wool and mohair vest in a chocolatey brown ready to cast on for my September holiday to Norway next month. Along with a good book and some cooler days I can't wait!

I’m already knitting a rusty orange scarf - why wait?!

weareallcats · 15/08/2025 18:23

NonHighStreetClothes · 15/08/2025 12:23

https://femkit.de/en?srsltid=AfmBOoqhtvbtho85Ggikc6pPP62SzAJH4ZiHApqq8B2Vp2p50unMvLUf

I came across this brand & thought of this thread immediately! It might have already been shared so apologies life that's the case.

I lurk on this thread & have shared other links under a different name in the past.

I adore that Dorian coat shared earlier!

Wow! Love the Wednesday collection!

weareallcats · 15/08/2025 18:33

weareallcats · 15/08/2025 17:29

I’m already knitting a rusty orange scarf - why wait?!

Gosh! I was so focused on knitting that I missed Norway! Tell all - where are you going?

IlovetoKnitandRead · 15/08/2025 18:56

weareallcats · 15/08/2025 18:33

Gosh! I was so focused on knitting that I missed Norway! Tell all - where are you going?

We are off on a 2 week cruise to the fjords but also Copenhagen and Oslo. I love planning a holiday knitting project and book. I am going to knit Petite knits slipover in a Norwegian yarn. So excited.

weareallcats · 15/08/2025 19:31

IlovetoKnitandRead · 15/08/2025 18:56

We are off on a 2 week cruise to the fjords but also Copenhagen and Oslo. I love planning a holiday knitting project and book. I am going to knit Petite knits slipover in a Norwegian yarn. So excited.

Sounds perfect!

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