The rise of ‘dopamine dressing’ - how what you wear influences your mood
We often dress according to our mood, with brighter colours and bolder prints signalling an upbeat demeanour and darker, more muted choices when you’re feeling down in the dumps.
But what if the roles were reversed and your fashion choices could influence your mood? The effect your clothes have on your overall mood can be significant, and some people are jumping on the trend known as "dopamine dressing" to reap the benefits.
The trend stems from colour psychology, which is the study of how colours affect people’s emotions and behaviours. Different colours can evoke specific feelings; for example, the colour red is associated with passion, energy and excitement, but also anger and power, while the colour blue is associated with calmness and trust, as well as loyalty and serenity.
Colour psychology is used in almost all areas of our lives. From advertisements choosing certain colours to attract customers, to brands and organisations choosing logo colours that reflect the impression they want people to have about them, we are surrounded by colours that influence the way we think, feel and behave.
So it makes sense to use your wardrobe to your advantage and allow it to make you feel happier and more positive, even on the days you don’t feel like smiling. We speak to the experts to discover how the colours of your clothes can make you happier, and how to start dopamine dressing.
How do clothes affect the way I feel?
Alison Lowe MBE, who is the course leader for MBA Fashion Entrepreneurship at the University of East London, explains to Yahoo UK that daily fashion choices are "deeply connected with our moods".
"What we choose to wear can be influenced by how we feel, or in turn, change our mindset," she says.
"What we wear reflects our moods, so when we are in a positive mood and feel more upbeat, we may choose more colourful attire and bold prints and designs.
"Whereas when we feel less confident, introspective or generally feel down, we may choose more muted colours and seek comfort clothing which soothes us."
Most people have some awareness how clothes can change our moods and make their fashion choices in order to improve how they feel.
"That can mean choosing outfits that make us feel more confident or powerful, boost our self-esteem and create a positive mindset, or fit in with others. This could include choosing a power suit for an important meeting, or choosing a latest fashion trend look when meeting up with girlfriends for lunch," Lowe continues.
Colours, in particular, have a "really powerful" impact on our moods. Certain colours can enhance our frame of mind, influence our emotions and boost our energy levels.
For example, blues and greens can be calming; yellow and orange can energise; purple can uplift emotions; and red can increase feelings of emotion, excitement and passion, according to Lowe.
➡️ Read more: "I'm a dopamine dresser - I wear pink and yellow for a pick me up"
What is dopamine dressing?
The dopamine dressing trend encourages people to wear bright, bold or joyful clothing that will boost their mood and mental health.
Dopamine, often called the "feel-good hormone", is a chemical messenger in the brain that helps regulate mood and emotions. When your brain is low on dopamine, it can result in feeling tired, low, anxious and depressed.
So wearing mood-boosting colours can really help give your brain a dopamine hit, releasing feelings of pleasure as part of the brain’s reward system.
Lowe says the dopamine dressing trend has become "a very popular approach to improving one’s day-to-day outlook".
"This is a great approach that is accessible to all to try as it doesn’t need a huge change to make a difference. You only have to take a small step in the beginning by adding a colourful accessory and then build on this as you notice how certain colours make you feel.
"There may be one just particular colour that makes you feel brighter and happier that day or you may enjoy adding the full colours of the rainbow to bring a lighter mood into your life."
➡️ Read more: The Fascinating Science Behind the Dopamine Decor Trend
How can I try dopamine dressing?
Fashion expert Giorgio Ammirabile, who has more than 15 years of experience in the fashion industry, tells Yahoo UK that anyone can try dopamine dressing without having to completely change their wardrobe.
"It can easily be integrated into your wardrobe without straying too far from your comfort zone," he says. Ammirabile, of CSD, recommends starting with accessories - you can introduce bright and happy colours through scarves, bags and jewellery.
"A vibrant scarf or statement necklace alongside neutral outfits can make the transition to brighter tones more manageable," he adds.
"Another top tip for this trend is to stick to shapes and styles that you like and know suit you but opt for brighter colours. For example, if you enjoy wearing crewneck jumpers, try one in a red or pastel colour.
"This means you can maintain your preferred look but embrace new colours. Alternatively, you could stick to your original style but try to incorporate one colourful piece at a time. This adds interest to your outfit without making you feel overwhelmed - and it’s a great way to embrace a fresh look."
If loud, bright colours aren’t your style, though, you can still incorporate colours into your everyday wear through pastels.
Giorgio says: "Soft pastels like pink, lavender and sky blue are a great way to introduce colour into your outfits gently and they can provide an uplifting effect without being too bold.
"It’s important to understand basic colour pairings to help you nail this trend. Different shades of the same colour or colours next to each other on the colour wheel are best.
"Or you could pick shades that you’re naturally drawn to and that make you feel good. After all, wearing colours that you love can make you feel more confident and comfortable - and that is the essence of dopamine dressing."
Add some dopamine items to your wardrobe
Made from super soft modal-viscose blend, this scarf is ideal for adding a pop of colour to your outfit.
Add this versatile dress style to your wardrobe and enjoy endless styling options. Complete with a midaxi-length skirt, round neckline, long sleeves and elasticated waist, it couldn't be more flattering.
Tackle your next winter walk armed with this cosy padded jacket, featuring a feather-free insulation, water-repellent finish and stretch binding to keep the elements out.
Add a splash of colour to your winter wardrobe with these red stripe trousers, complete with a comfy elasticated waist.
This hot pink blazer with feather trim from Warehouse is the statement piece you need for an upcoming party or special occasion. For £23, reduced from £99, that's some hefty saving. Plus, there are matching trousers if you want to buy the entire power suit.
This vibrant pink midi dress is perfect for an upcoming occasion.
We love the red rose print on this midi dress from Dorothy Perkins, which is bound to get a lot of wear come spring.
This smart satin skirt is a versatile number to have in your wardrobe that you can dress up or down.
Stay extra warm this winter with this longline puffer style coat, available in a choice of colours and designed with a fixed hood and elasticated lycra cuffs to keep the wind out.
This statement green crepe midi dress is currently 60% off, and we love that it has pockets.
Watch: "I'm a dopamine dresser - I wear pink and yellow for a pick me up"
Read more about boosting your mood:
Five vitamin D-rich foods to help keep SAD at bay (Yahoo Life UK, 3-min read)
The science of beauty: how aesthetics can boost your mood and cognition (The Conversation, 5-min read)
Mood-boosting therapy can also improve gut health, study says (Yahoo Life UK, 4-min read)
