It’s Time To Start Dopamine Dressing

pic by MART PRODUCTION

Picking out an outfit can be stressful. What will everyone else be wearing? Am I too formal? Am I too casual? Do I look good in these jeans?

If you are anything like me, most of the time the whole thing gets overwhelming, and I end up wearing the same ‘jeans and a nice top’ combo that I have worn a million times before. Now, the fashionistas of TikTok are encouraging people to tackle this daily stress, by using a styling technique called dopamine dressing.

 

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A post shared by Molly (@killer_closet_)

Dopamine is that little hormone in your brain that makes you feel happy and satisfied. Every time you complete a task, whether it be big or small, your body gives you a little reward by spiking your dopamine levels. This is why we feel good about ourselves when we achieve something. So, dopamine dressing is linked to using clothes to give you a little mental lift.

There is a wide misconception that dopamine dressing means you have to dress head to toe in clashing patterns, interesting textures and bold colours. But really dopamine dressing is more about dressing for mood, rather than aesthetics.

When you are staring at your wardrobe, think to yourself, “How do I want to feel today?”Are you going to a work meeting, and you want to be seen as professional and competent? Are you getting ready for a date and you want to feel confident and sexy? Are you just running to the shop so you want to feel comfortable, without wearing joggers and a hoodie?

@ellie.richards

The reason youre dressing WRONG… fashion psychology ‘dopamine dressing’ #dopaminedressing #fashionpsychology #fashionpsychologytips #whatnottowear #dopamine #fashion #styletips #CapCut

♬ original sound – Ellie Richards

When you think about how you want to feel in your clothes rather than trying to adhere to fashion trends, then you will naturally gravitate towards certain pieces of clothing in your wardrobe. If what you are wearing doesn’t bring you joy, then don’t wear it. Fashion is a reflection of your own personality, not a one size fits all trend.

 

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This doesn’t mean you should avoid using colour in your outfits, you definitely can if that’s what makes you feel your best. Adding a pop of colour to your wardrobe definitely can boost your mood.

Each colour actually has a specific psychological effect on you and the people who see you. According to colour psychology, light blue has a calming effect and is noted to lower blood pressure, while red emulates confidence. So colour can definitely help to boost your mood if you like the colour you’re wearing.

Dopamine dressing, just like anything to do with clothes, is an extremely personal thing. It looks different for everyone as they work around their own preferences. So, whether you want to be covered in colour, or keep it monochromatic – make sure to think about how you want to feel about yourself, instead of how you want anyone else to feel about you.

• Dopamine Dressing
• Fashion
• TikTok