My Style: Pantone Autumn/Winter 2024 NY Palette - Fern, Adventurine, and Dark Gull

I wanted to continue the Pantone color series, but I also wanted to stick to my monthly posts, so for today’s look I am combining three of the Pantone NY palette colors into another style I like, but haven’t as much experience in: Dark Academia.

Academia fashion draws their ideas from university influences both real and imagined. Think of looks combining plaids, tweeds, cozy sweaters, pleated skirts, houndstooth patterns and other vibes associated with higher education. Dark Academia (click on the links to see a few of my pins on Pinterest) uses the darker, moodier end of the color spectrum, while Light Academia chooses pastels, and lighter shades, but in similar textures, styles and patterns. While some looks may include preppy, these are not specifically prep school leanings. I think of Dark Academia as outfits with a Detective Noir slant, but with more fun accessories like back packs, boots and plaid skirts.

This is my take on the Dark Academia style using the colors Fern, Adventurine, and Dark Gull.

To start off, I chose this thrifted, Old Navy, tiered Fern skirt. Tiered skirts are not really part of the academic vibe, but at the current moment I don’t have anything green in pants or a skirt that would have fit both the color and the style. However, I think this worked pretty well. You can see how I styled this skirt before on the blog with a colorful kimono, with a sheer floral top, and with a colorful fall jacket.

This second hand, Old Navy green top I chose is a tad darker than the Adventurine color, but it is pretty close. I found this gauzy piece recently at the second hand shop around the corner. I have always loved gauze tops. They are so pretty, comfortable, and while we often think of them as warm weather pieces they are perfect to layer a jacket or sweater over.

This thrifted, Mossimo, Dark Gull blazer was a hand-me-over from my daughter. I have always liked a dark gray, better than a light gray, so I am naturally drawn to pieces this color. To me they are classy looking, but aren’t black, so a good choice when you don’t want to go as formal as black.

On Pinterest most of the accessories revolving around academic fashion are simple pendant necklaces, leather, or faux leather boots, loafers and oxfords and back packs or bags. There are also scarves, but our weather is still too hot for those. I decided to focus on silver as the belt over my shirt has silver links and buckles. I also chose a thrifted pair of shoes, a brand called Enzo Angiolini, that are like loafers, but also like oxfords. Ha, ha. And yes my collar is crooked in the first two pictures. Ha, ha.

What do you think of these three Pantone colors? Do you like the Dark Academia vibe? How would you change this type of outfit to make it your own? I’d love to hear your thoughts, so leave me some love in the comments below.

I’m including a few shopping links for pieces that would fall into the Dark Academia style. These are affiliate links brought to you at no extra cost. All opinions are my own.

Kickin' It with Kimonos - White Print

Today’s outfit features a longer kimono with the more traditional rectangular shape with sleeves. I have styled this pretty Sonoma kimono one other time on the blog. You can see it styled for a casual look with ankle jeans and a silk sweater top. I found this piece on the Kohl’s clearance rack last summer. Speaking of Kohl’s, I got a 40% off coupon in my wallet that I need to use before the day is over. Plus, my hubby had gotten me a Kohl’s gift card for our anniversary, so I guess I will be doing a little online shopping today. Ha. ha.

I have shown you how to wear kimonos and ruanas with skirts, shorts, white pants, short dresses and jeans. Today I thought it would be appropriate to show you, that you can also wear a kimono or ruana with a maxi dress.

I have had this navy, column type maxi dress from Christopher & Banks for a few years. It is a medium weight knit, so no need for a slip. It drapes nicely and can be dressed up or down, depending on where you want to wear it. The heavier knit has stayed fresh over the years, so the dress never looks worn or faded. The dress has its own elastic waistline and came with a simple cloth, tie belt. I typically use other belts to jazz it up a bit, but you really wouldn’t have to use a belt at all. You can see how I styled this sleeveless piece before in my Marvelous Maxis series.

When I chose my accessories, I wanted to keep the look slightly more casual, so I opted for browns and a little blush in my jewelry to pull out the very light pink along the front edge and neck line of the kimono. My sandals are Croft & Barrow, Ortholite brand and they are very comfy. The bag was a thrifted Aldo piece. I really like how the earth tones of the bag, sandals and belt really compliment the whole outfit.

Here’s a few twirling pictures. What little and big girls don’t love a good twirl…but not too much, or I’ll get sick. Ha, ha. The joys of aging!

I do like how this outfit turned out. What do you think? Have your worn a kimono with a maxi dress? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Your comments do help my blog grown and they also help me to know what content you enjoy reading, so if you have a moment, leave me some love.

I am including a few shopping links for you to look over. Have fun shopping! All you clicks give me a little bit of money. These are affiliate links. All opinions are my own.

Photo credit Rebecca Trumbull.