Dopamine Dressing: A guide to choosing outfits that can boost your mood

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When it comes to fashion, it can be an extremely personal choice which reflects your personality or a creative outlet to have fun with the latest trends. Beyond aesthetics, fashion has become a tool for self-expression which deeply impacts our mental well-being as well. Research has found that there are specific colour shades which spark joy, and patterns that fuel creativity and confidence.

‘Dopamine Dressing' is an increasingly popular concept which helps people harness the inherent power of clothing, whether you are a fashion enthusiast or not. It is a curatorial choice to infuse your wardrobe with mood-boosting elements and personalising your look to enhance your well-being.

We spoke to designers Dipti Advait of Nouria, and Oorja Shah and Vatsala Kalani, co-founders of Shop Mauve, to delve into the emotional connection between clothing and our inner selves. They also share practical tips on how to elevate your everyday lives with dopamine dressing.

(L) Dipti Advait; (R) Oorja Shah and Vatsala Kalani

Key elements of dopamine dressing
Dopamine dressing can be leveraged to enhance your mood by choosing the right clothes. "We believe fashion is a powerful tool for self-expression and emotional well-being. Dopamine dressing is all about wearing what makes you feel good - whether that's bold colours, different textures, or sentimental pieces that spark moments of joy," says Vatsala.

Below, she outlines three key elements of dopamine dressing:

Colours
Bright, vibrant hues like bright yellow, hot pink, and green are fundamental. These colours are psychologically linked to feelings of happiness, optimism, and energy. Think of incorporating these colours into your daily wardrobe through statement pieces or subtle accents.

Patterns and textures
Playful prints like polka dots, or florals and interesting textures such as velvet, silk, or knits add visual excitement. These elements introduce a sense of fun and individuality to your look.

Silhouettes
Flowy fabrics and relaxed silhouettes create a sense of freedom and ease, promoting comfort and relaxation. Structured tailoring, on the other hand, can enhance posture and project an image of confidence and authority. Comfort and how the clothing fits your body is a huge factor in dopamine dressing.

Harnessing the benefits of dopamine dressing
Dressing in a way that resonates with your emotions can enhance your overall well-being by making you feel empowered and at ease. "Dopamine dressing isn't just about mood boosting, it also enhances confidence with bold, empowering outfits, and inspires creativity via experimentation with colours, textures, and styles," poses Oorja.

Wearing clothing that aligns with who you are helps you project confidence, which positively impacts how you carry yourself and interact with others. She asserts, "Anyone can benefit from dopamine dressing! It's not just for fashion enthusiasts - whether you love experimenting with style or prefer a minimal wardrobe, wearing pieces that makes one feel good can positively impact their mood and mindset. Trust your instincts - If an outfit makes you smile, that's dopamine dressing at its best.

Kickstart your journey
If you are overwhelmed by all the information out there about dopamine dressing, do not fret. Dipti lists seven expert tips to help you kickstart your dopamine dressing journey:

1. Start with colour
Add small pops of vibrant colours - like a bright scarf or shoes - to your existing wardrobe.

2. Play with accessories
Try introducing fun accessories, such as statement jewellery or hats, to elevate simple outfits.

3. Revisit old favourites
Rediscover clothes you already own that make you feel good and mix them with new pieces.

4. Layer for impact
Layer your clothes in creative ways to add depth and personality to your outfit without needing a full wardrobe overhaul.

5. Prioritise comfort
Start by making sure your outfits are comfortable, as feeling physically at ease is a huge part of boosting your mood.

6. Embrace textures and patterns
Try mixing textures or patterns with your regular outfits for a fun, unexpected twist that lifts your mood.

7. Go for versatile pieces
Opt for timeless, versatile clothing that can be worn multiple ways - this allows you to express yourself without buying new things constantly.

The psychology of colour
There are specific colour palettes that are generally considered more effective for dopamine dressing.

Pink and warm tones
Oorja explains, "Pink and warm tones, including yellows, oranges, and reds are strongly associated with feelings of joy, optimism, and energy. Pink, in particular, is linked to nurturing and compassion." The design expert also explains that warm tones stimulate the senses, and can create a sense of excitement and enthusiasm, making them excellent for boosting mood and projecting confidence.

Cool shades
"While warm tones energise, cool tones such as blues, greens, purples promote calmness, tranquillity, and a sense of balance. Blues are often linked to stability and trust, greens to nature and growth, and purples to creativity and imagination. These are great for when you need to feel grounded and focused, or when you are needing to tap into your creative side," adds Vatsala.

5 ways to channel your personality through dopamine dressing
With dopamine dressing, you can let your personality shine by curating clothing that resonates with your inner self, creating an outward expression of your individuality.

Dipti shares five simple ways to channel your unique personality through dopamine dressing:

1. Choose colours that resonate with you: Colours like soft pastels for a calm vibe or bold reds and oranges for energy can create an instant mood shift.

2. Incorporate playful patterns or textures: Opt for prints or fabrics that bring you joy - whether that's florals, polka dots, or cozy knits.

3. Mix comfort with style: Wear outfits that make you feel comfortable in your skin - whether it's oversized shirts, tailored pants, or flowy dresses - comfort boosts confidence.

4. Accessorise with meaning: Add accessories that have personal significance, whether it's a piece of jewellery with sentimental value or an item that inspires creativity.

5. Experiment and evolve: Don't be afraid to experiment with new styles or revisit old ones that bring back happy memories.