I’ve been meaning to fill a major reading resume gap for years, and I’ve decided this fall is the time: I’m finally going to read Donna Tartt’s The Secret History, which is THE flagship “dark academia novel.” I’m actually planning to select it as one of our autumn book club picks — why not read a classic together?! Especially one perfectly attuned to the season. Other books of a similar vibe that might be good to dog-ear for the impending fall season:
LILY KING’S HEART THE LOVER
EMILY BRONTE’S WUTHERING HEIGHTS
SALLY ROONEY’S NORMAL PEOPLE
SALLY ROONEY’S INTERMEZZO
And, if you’re looking for a witchy playlist to suit the mood, try this one (on Spotify here). I love it for long autumn runs.
But — what other books do you like to read in the fall in this vein?
Inspired by the the dark academia literary vibe, I put together a fun dressing guide for ambiance. So many of these pieces nail micro-trends from the season (as well as classics that simply never go out of style).
BARREL LEG PANTS // LOAFERS // BOAT TOTE // UMBRELLA // BLUE BUTTON DOWN // BELT
01. The coolest cropped tweed blazer. Also swooning over the ones from Blaze Milano. Several of you have reported that you invested in one of these blazers and have loved every minute of owning!
02. Barrel-leg pants in toffee. I ordered these! Can’t wait for them to arrive (they’re pre-order only).
03. Embossed croc penny loafers. A CLASSIC. Use code MAGPIE10,
04. Chic tortoise shell frames. Work so well on petite faces!
05. Wardrobe workhorse. The softest, most broken-in oxford material — like something you inherited from your brother!
06. Classic leather belt — everyone needs one in their closet.
07. These signet rings are the perfect glossy, academia-chic accent.
08. Forever the best tote, for infinite uses. This is probably my most-gifted gift — it’s my go-to for high school and college grads, the newly engaged, and thank yous!
09. The covered knot buttons on this perfect cashmere sweater somehow add to the librarian-chic vibe.
10. Dare I say this is the perfect heathered espresso color for fall?
11. A Barbour is absolutely part of the formula here.
12. Tailored wide-leg pants. Smart as hell!
13. Seeing lots of rugby shirts for fall, and the look is collegiate. (Look for less here.)
14. This coat somehow does a lot with very clean lines. It’s a striking simple car coat, but it’s also a hooded trench. It’s dramatic but it’s also understated. J’adore j’adore.
15. Umbrellas for those misty, foggy days running through the Gothic buildings on campus.
16. An iconic double-breasted blazer. This is the one I’ve had for years. Worth the investment — you’ll wear it forever. I find it can be thrown over almost anything in the fall and makes you look a little more professional. It’s my Doctor Indiana Jones trick — ha.
17. The buttons on this sweater are somehow meant for this aesthetic and I can’t explain why.
18. Handsome leather bag for toting essentials. I own this in a dark green and she’s perfect.
19. Elegant everyday watch — looks like something you might have inherited from a grandfather.
Styling A Literary Fall Wardrobe.
BARREL JEANS // SWEATER // J.CREW JACKET // LOAFERS // RING
BUTTON DOWN // FLATS // PANTS // PRADA PURSE
SHORTS // WHITE TOP // BOAT TOTE // CARDIGAN
P.S. Everyday pants in on-trend silhouettes.
P.P.S. Vive la shirtdress.
P.P.P.S. On getting out of your own way.
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I’ll be a defender of the Secret History! Tartt is somewhat polarizing, but I personally love that book, I think the writing is amazing and it’s very atmospheric and suspenseful. I will plan to join along for a re-read for book club. It is the perfect vibes for fall. Rebecca is another all-time favorite and the gothic vibes also lend themselves to fall.
I’m really trying not to get ahead of myself and wish away the summer which is so short here, but I am getting very excited about fall clothes and general coziness. I am really looking forward to firing up our gas fireplace for the first time since we moved in and soak up the ambiance.
Mia, I’m so in your same boat! You know I’m typically very focused on living where my feet are, enjoying the current season before it’s gone, but I keep thinking about fall with a little thrill of excitement. I guess not bad to look forward to something :). The fall last year was SO BEAUTIFUL here in Bethesda — like the trees were truly popping off, unlike any previous year. I’m hopeful for a repeat.
Glad I’ll have a fellow Tartt read-along friend!
xx
It’s been more than a decade since I read either, but I found The Secret History hard work and I enjoyed Red Leaves by Paullina Simons more.
Gaudy Night and The Late Scholar by Dorothy L Sayers are both Oxford based. Death on the Cherwell by Mavis Muriel Hay is a little lighter, but Oxford based too. Those are vintage crime novels.
I love a country house hotel with a library in autumn or winter, with a fire roaring and a glass of something.
You might like the All Souls trilogy by Deborah Harkness too.
These are great! Thanks! Keep them coming! xx
I love Gaudy Night so much!
I’m looking forward to hearing what you think of The Secret History – I have mixed feelings about it, but I think it’s worth reading! As another commenter mentioned, Babel by RF Kuang is my ideal dark academia novel. What a stunning achievement. I’ll read anything she writes. (And she’s a fellow Hoya!)
Ooh la la, thank you! Can’t wait to share thoughts on both of these! x
Books! The Incandescent by Emily Tesh, Babel by RF Kuang. And my move is going to be getting my husband a rugby shirt from our alma mater (and then stealing it).
Ooo thanks!