Light academia, inspired by the aesthetic trend of the same name (as well as dark academia), is a social and cultural approach that values creativity, intellectual curiosity, and a love of learning. It is based by my 10-year experience in academia, i.e. the institutions involved in the pursuit and dissemination of knowledge, like universities. This approach pursues a more relaxed and casual approach to the academic lifestyle, in contrast to the rigorous and intense atmosphere often associated with science and scholarship.
Originally, light academia was a popular aesthetic trend that gained traction on social media platforms. Characterised by its romantic, dreamy, and intellectual qualities, it draws inspiration from the classical and neoclassical eras. the light academia aesthetic is often associated with classic studies and is characterised by its focus on soft and muted colours, vintage clothing, and a romanticised view of the world.
This visual representation helped me develop ‘Light Academia’ as a movement that celebrates learning and encourages to explore the world with an open mind and heart. It is related to the love of literature, poetry, and art, as well as an appreciation for music and the study of languages. It promotes personal growth, slow living, and self-care. It emphasises the pursuit of knowledge for its own sake rather than for professional achievement.
The Origins of Light Academia
Light academia primarily gained popularity as an aesthetic trend on several social media, including TikTok, Instagram, Tumblr, and Pinterest. On these platforms, users share content related to the light academia aesthetic, such as photos and videos of classic literature, poetry, and art, as well as fashion inspiration and lifestyle tips. The content often features a romanticised vision of an academic lifestyle that emphasises intellectual pursuits, creativity, and natural beauty.
Many users also share tips on how to cultivate a light academia lifestyle, such as by creating a study routine, practicing self-care, or exploring nature. Overall, the content on these platforms encourages embracing a more relaxed and joyful approach to learning and personal growth, while celebrating the timeless beauty of classic literature, art, and fashion.
Light Academia Playlist
The Aesthetic Elements of Light Academia
The light academia aesthetic is characterised by a number of key elements, including soft colours and vintage clothing. As opposed to dark academia, which uses dim and somber tones, light academia uses nude and muted colours, with shades of beige, cream, brown, and pale pink being particularly popular. These tones are often used in combination with dark or vivid shades to create a sense of depth and contrast, for instance emerald green or gold. This aesthetic is used to create visuals, mood boards, outfits, or even room decor.
Vintage clothing and upcycled decor can be an integral part of creating a cohesive and stylish Light Academia look. In addition to being aesthetic statement, incorporating vintage items into one’s home can also be a way to connect with the past and live a sustainable life. Each vintage garment has a story to tell, and wearing it can be a way to honour the craftsmanship and design of previous generations. Similarly, natural and sustainable elements are a key feature because they are in line with more community-centred mindsets that understand the important role of Mother Earth and its sensitivity to our behaviour.
Light Academia Books
Light academia books are stories that revolve around learning journeys and usually include themes of education, self-discovery, and literature. These books are often make references to nature, travel, and extraordinary experiences, creating a whimsical atmospheres and instilling creative imagination.
Light Academia as a Socio-Cultural Movement
Light Academia is a socio-cultural movement that places a high value on critical thinking and a growth mindset. In the Light Academia community, the pursuit of knowledge and beauty is not limited to a specific age, stage, or area of study. Instead, it is an ongoing and dynamic process that allows diverse individuals to grow and expand their understanding of the world around them. This way of life is not just about acquiring information but also about developing critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills. The Light Academia community encourages individuals to take risks, try new things, and embrace the unknown. This growth mindset allows us to approach challenges with a sense of excitement and curiosity rather than fear and anxiety.
Light Academia places a high value on diversity. It encourages individuals to appreciate different cultures, perspectives, identities, and experiences – and to seek out opportunities to learn from them. Diversity should not only be seen as a moral imperative, but also as a simply smarter approach to progress. By embracing diversity, Light Academia fosters a sense of community and belonging that is grounded in mutual respect, understanding, and empathy. This way of life not only enriches individuals’ personal growth but also contributes to a more just, equitable, and harmonious society.
The Light Academia community encourages individuals to take risks, try new things, and embrace the unknown.
Finally, Light Academia promotes a growth mindset, which is the belief that individuals can learn and grow throughout their lives. This mindset encourages individuals to embrace challenges, take risks, and view failures as opportunities for learning and growth.
By adopting a growth mindset, individuals can develop the skills and knowledge needed to navigate the complexities of our world and contribute to a more just, equitable, and sustainable future. Rather than viewing education as a means to an end, Light Academia celebrates the intrinsic value of learning and encourages individuals to explore a wide range of topics and disciplines.
In sum, light academia is an aesthetic trend (muted vintage) which inspired my socio-cultural approach that values creativity, intellectual curiosity, and a love of learning. It celebrates critical thinking, holistic solutions, and promotes a more inclusive, open-minded, and diverse approach to education and personal development.
My Personal Take on Light Academia
As an academic and writer, I have chosen to adopt a lighter and more slow-paced approach to work. This decision has been largely influenced by my personal and travel experiences. Having spent many years traveling to different parts of the world, I have come to appreciate taking time to slow down and enjoying the small things in life. Getting to know different cultures and backgrounds, I felt incredibly lucky and privileged. There is also something magically powerful about the beauty of nature: it reminds you of how insignificant everything is. It puts it all into perspective. Suddenly, the little things seem primordial, and the big things are delusional.
My experiences have taught me that life is not just about achieving milestones and ticking boxes, but also about finding joy and purpose in our daily lives. After an unfortunate accident which left me bed-ridden for several months, I realised how lucky I was to be able to walk again, to dance, to jump, to move freely. I realised life could change in an instant and I better be making the most of it, now. Quickly, I started projects that I had always dreamed of but never really took on – like this blog. I stopped taking hormone-filled birth control and felt freed of a cloud on my emotions. Over time, I started enjoying my workouts, for real. I started travelling more and somehow found love in the process. It’s almost as if, after one of my lowest points in life, everything was slowly re-aligning in perfect harmony.
My experiences have taught me that life is not just about achieving milestones and ticking boxes, but also about finding joy and purpose in our daily lives.
This is why I have chosen to focus on quality over quantity in my academic work and in my life more broadly. I strive to adopt a more thoughtful and deliberate approach. I prioritise balance, health, and learning for purpose, instead of deadlines, output, and writing for X project or company. Increasingly, I take time to make meaningful decisions before getting into new projects. In my calendar, I plan time for play, rest, and discovery.
By doing so, I hope to bring more depth and nuance to my work, and to inspire others to embrace a more mindful and purposeful way of living and working. With time, I have noticed becoming more creative and starting doodling again, something I had not done since my high school years! I feel more confident, healthier, and happier. I realised I could become more environmentally conscious, and started adapting my daily behaviour.
In a world that often pushes us to do more, faster, and with less regard for the consequences, I see my decision to embrace a more intentional and mindful approach as a rebel act. A reminder that we can and must create spaces for reflection, contemplation, and deep engagement with the world around us, if we are to build a more just and equitable society for all.
Conclusion
This article explores the concept of Light Academia, which is a social and cultural movement that values creativity, intellectual curiosity, and a love of learning. It is an inclusive and diverse approach to academia that celebrates personal growth, slow living, and self-care. This post also discusses the Light Academia aesthetic, which is characterised by soft colours, vintage clothing, and a romanticised view of the world. I share my personal experiences and how I have adopted a more mindful and purposeful approach to my work and life.
Light Academia Activities
📖 read a book that inspires your creativity or intellectual curiosity (see my favourites here)
🌳 walk in nature – without music, just listening to the sounds around you
🚂 plan a trip to a new destination and learn about its history
🥧 prepare a dish from scratch
🪴 re-pot a plant or grow one from seeds
🔮 create a vision board
📔 let your mind run free: grab a notepad and write, doodle, sketch anything that comes to mind
🖥️ watch an educational video on YouTube (see my favourite channels here)
👡 look for new vintage shops around you
🛁 take a bath with magnesium salts
Hi! I’m Sophie
I was born in Belgium, educated in Europe, and now exploring the world with the objective to better understand how we can make it a better place.
Currently, I work as a doctoral researcher (PhD candidate) in The Hague. I hold a Masters degree (MPhil) from the University of Oxford and have 7+ years of experience as a consultant in public diplomacy, strategic communication, and global peace and security.
Surpassing physical and psychological trauma, I learned to embrace challenges and keep a positive mindset rooted in life-long learning. There’s always a valuable lesson to take.
My academic philosophy is rooted in authenticity, empathy, and practical tips.
