When you get changed into new clothes, are you thinking about your mood at the same time? It’s likely that your outfit may be put together quickly, opting for comfort or a uniform rather than experimenting with a new style.
By taking a moment in your day to plan your outfit according to your mood, you may be actively taking steps to encourage yourself to have a positive day.
Dress to impress (yourself)
‘Dopamine dressing’ is the trend of intentionally wearing bolder, brighter colours to make us feel happier, more confident and empowered to make stand-out fashion choices.
The psychological literature around the topic recognises this as ‘enclothed cognition’, where the symbolism we give to different clothes can influence our emotional connection with them.
‘I am a colourful maximalist, with a mix of second-hand, vintage and high street,’ shares content creator and graphic designer Martha Bromley working with Abbott Lyon. ‘I'm drawn to anything bright and colourful, with bold prints.
‘Growing up, I was quite shy and wanted to hide, so as I grew in confidence, I wanted to dress more expressively. Wearing colour made me feel happy, so I kept going from there.
‘Start by introducing accessories, a colourful bag or a bright-coloured jumper paired with neutrals. Start small until you feel more confident and find your personal style. Also, don’t be afraid to wear bold jewellery. Match it with a colour or style in your outfit so it feels cohesive.’
This fashion trend shouldn’t have to break the bank either. You can find plenty of bargain items by shopping second hand, as Martha does.
‘I mostly shop second-hand, so Depop, charity shops, vintage shops in London like Rokit Vintage and Beyond Retro. Jayley Collection is great for colourful coats, and ASOS is good for colourful basics,’ she says.
How reliable is the science?
It’s not necessarily that bright colours will immediately give your mood a boost – it’s down to the meaning we attribute to different colours.
A bright piccalilli yellow may have a positive effect on your mood if you associate the colour with sunflowers or sunrises, but this is down to the individual.
For example, wearing green may make someone feel calm – and like they're sitting peacefully in a park or forest. For another person, wearing green may make them feel excited or energetic if it’s their favourite colour.
While brighter colours may more commonly have positive effects, the effectiveness of these fashion choices may be impacted by cultural beliefs and personal preference.
Rather than seeing bright colours as the only route to dopamine dressing, see them as a springboard for building a wardrobe that makes you happy.
Dopamine dressing is all about wearing items that speak to you – be it a sequin skirt, bright graphic t-shirt or colourful fur jacket. Find clothes that express your personal style and enjoy the happiness they bring.
‘There’s no such thing as too much,’ encourages Martha. ’If it makes you feel good, then wear it! I like to coordinate my colours, though.
‘There are no rules or mistakes in fashion. Personal style is just that – personal. If you like it, WEAR IT.’
Layer up your happiness
And your clothes aren't the only thing that can give you a boost – your jewellery and accessories can too.
‘As a maximalist, I like to wear lots of accessories,’ shares Martha. ‘I put earrings on first, as they really tie in a look – I feel bare without them.’
Choose your jewellery when you're planning an outfit, rather than having it be an afterthought. Try wearing jewellery in new colours and styles to make your existing wardrobe feel refreshed, Martha suggests.
‘I choose jewellery to complement an outfit. Most of my jewellery is from charity shops, and I have many colours and styles to match my outfits.
‘I use it to either match my outfit, so if I wore a pink top, I might wear a pink necklace, or I use it to bring in more colour and contrast. I gravitate towards bold jewellery in fun colours and interesting beads to bring joy.’
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