Dopamine dressing. Odds are you may have heard of the term before, it definitely has garnered some buzz-worthy attention over the last year or so, and all for a very good reason.
The idea that dressing a certain way to boost your mood isn’t that crazy if you think about it. Anyone can tell you that wearing an amazing outfit, or your favourite colour combo can improve your day.
But surprisingly, dopamine dressing even has the science to back it up. And as we enter the new year, what better time to dress to impress…yourself.
Here’s everything you need to know about dopamine dressing!
What does dopamine dressing mean?
Dopamine dressing is the belief that dressing in certain colours can improve your mood.
But it’s not just about attention-seeking colours and bold clashing prints, it’s about understanding the power of different hues, and most importantly, understanding the power of feeling good in clothes you love.
“Dopamine dressing refers to a person’s motivation to dress in a way that will result in a positive outcome, like feeling more confident, competent, or happy,” explains Dr. Carolyn Mair.
What are dopamine colours?
“There are some interpretations of colours that are universal,” Shakaila Forbes-Bell, a fashion psychologist, consultant and founder of website Fashion Is Psychology told Harpers Bazaar.
“Cold colours like blue induce feelings of calmness and creativity, while warm colours like red can cause feelings of excitement and arousal, but happiness is too subjective an experience to be pinned down to one colour.”
So in reality, dopamine dressing isn’t really about wearing only one colour. It’s about understanding the effect different colours can have, and using those to boost your confidence.
Who started dopamine dressing?
The idea of colours and emotions overlapping is nowhere close to being a new idea.
“Colour therapy and chromotherapy have long been of interest to cultures dating back to ancient Egypt and have been integrated into interior and environmental design,” Maria Costantino a lecturer in cultural and historical studies at the London College of Fashion told Harpers Bazaar.
“For example, cool hues are used to enhance concentration, or pale green to enhance quietness. Colour is closely associated with emotions; it colours our language – we say we are ‘feeling blue’, ‘seeing red’, ‘green with envy’ or ‘in the pink’.”
RELATED: How the covid pandemic influenced maximalist fashion
What is the dopamine look?
The dopamine look is truly different for everyone. Yes, brighter colours may evoke a sense of joy in the majority of people, but that doesn’t really mean that everyone will feel great wearing the same bright print.
To harness the power of dopamine dressing, it’s important to understand how you personally respond to colours, styles and materials. Wearing an amazing pattern in a fabric that itches you will not make you feel great. It’s important to take into consideration all aspects of clothes to dress for success.
Dopamine dressing will look different to everyone, but at its core it’s about being fun and creative, whilst finding ways to dress in feel-good looks.
Shop the look
Looking for that extra boost for your workout? Try this summer orange set from Lorna Jane for some enthusiasm and excitement.
Yellow is associated with sunshine, hope, laughter, warmth, happiness, and energy – who doesn’t want to harness that energy?
This yellow knit top and matching is the perfect way to set your intentions for summer, without looking like a crazy neon light!
Runaway The Label The Knit Top: RRP $89.00 AUD
Runaway The Label The Knit Skirt: RRP $69.00 AUD
Peaceful and calming, light blue is associated with trustworthiness and reliability.
Give an all-blue fit an exciting flair, with this sparkly sheer number.
Runaway The Label Sequin Shirt: RRP $119.00 AUD
These green faux leather pants are the perfect way to boost feelings of hopefulness, forgiveness, comfort and energy.
NA-KD Faux Leather straight-leg pants: RRP $81.00 AUD
You can never go wrong with a matching suit. Release your inner Legally Blonde with this cute pink set to harness love, kindness, and femininity.
In The Style relaxed wide-leg pants: RRP $63.00 AUD
In The Style oversized blazer: RRP $95.00 AUD
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
