It’s reasonable to say that since the pandemic began, our collective wardrobe has undergone a makeover—pyjamas, comfy clothes, and attire for Zoom meetings were all introduced.
Your mood probably affects the clothes you wear when there is no dress code in place. For instance, you are more likely to put on comfortable pants and a plain T-shirt than, maybe, clothes in your favourite colour on a day when you wake up feeling a little melancholy.
However, a fashion trend that is currently popular focuses on reversing that pathway and actively influencing your mood with your clothing.
Increasing happiness and boosting self-confidence are closer than you think. You can focus on both of these aspects in your wardrobe with—dopamine dressing!
Grounded with principles of colour and fashion psychology, fashion psychologist Dawnn Karen introduced dopamine dressing, also known as Mood Enhancement Dress.
This trend can be implemented by selecting colours that energise or calm you, looking for new looks you have always wanted to try, and avoiding outfits that don’t feel quite “you.”
In dopamine dressing, your opinion is more important than how you want to be seen by others. It encourages us to feel good about our sense of style, enables us to enjoy wearing the clothing we adore rather than blindly purchasing items.
Each person has a unique perception of colour and that our needs go beyond mere aesthetics when it comes to clothing. We need to feel comfortable and confident about the clothes we wear, as well as our appearance. Because of this, each of us will interpret dopamine dressing differently.
Fashion stylist Hallie Abrams and fashion psychologist Dawnn Karen suggest how to dopamine dress and still feel like you:
It’s evidence of how much our lives are determined by how we perceive ourselves, and how much clothing affects that perception.
Dopamine dressing in simple terms is dressing with the intention of boosting your mood. Colour, texture and style can all have psychological associations and are often tied to your memories.
Getting out of your comfort zone when it comes to clothes can also trigger dopamine release! Remember, happiness comes from within.
Interested in fashion and style? Read also Art In Motion Collection by ASICS SPORTSTYLE and Malaysian Model Vanizha Vasanthanathan Shines at Milan Fashion Week.