Dopamine Dressing - A Practical Guide For Real People

what to wear

Feb 8

What is Dopamine Dressing?

One of the most talked about fashion trends for 2022 is what’s being heralded as Dopamine Dressing. What is it exactly? Well, in a nutshell, it’s dressing for joy. Wearing clothes that boost the happy hormone, aka, dopamine.

Joyful dressing can mean different things to different people. However the worldwide consensus is that the last 24 months have been tough. Like really sucky for everyone. So dressing in a manner that makes you happy, and lifts your mood, makes complete sense. And seems super appealing, I might add.

Color = A Dopamine Boost

Wearing color is an easy way to get that happy boost. While wearing all black can feel very city chic, and is slimming (who doesn’t love that). My tried and true NYC clients, who typically wear black 12 months a year, are craving an infusion of color - so that means this is the real deal.

I think three things have led to this need for color, and an openness to it, even from diehard black, white, grey devotees.

1. Zoom

Because we’ve all been seeing ourselves on screens as of late, we’re aware, whether consciously or unconsciously, that wearing color looks dang good - especially on camera.

2. We’re craving something NEW

Bright, dramatic colors feel fresh, literally the opposite of the practical, utilitarian clothes that defined the pandemic lockdown. The pendulum is swinging the other way.

3. History

Throughout history, our collective experiences have directly affected the fashion of times. Think of the roaring 20’s after WWI (and the 1918 flu I might add).

Dopamine Dressing On the Runway + In Real Life

We saw it on the designer runways, a color explosion. Vogue UK called it “Color Me Free” when reviewing the shows.

And then we’re also seeing it with applications in the real world. Pinterest showed a 16-fold increase in searches for bright colors and vibrant outfits.

Pieces that Boost my Dopamine

And I found the most AMAZEBALLS pieces, in fun bright colors and patterns - dopamine city baby!

And if you’re wanting to wear color, but a little intimidated…Here are some easy tips for wearing color with confidence.

How To Wear Color with Confidence:

1. Choose a colorful piece in a shape you’d typically wear. If you don’t wear ruffles, stay away from ruffles AND color, it’s too much new. Save the ruffles for a neutral color and opt for color in a more classic style, like a crewneck or cardigan.

2. Wear a color you like. Yes, that sounds simple but if you’re not a pink person, don’t wear pink. Pro tip: Blue is one of those universal colors that looks good on everyone.

3. Pick a shade that is comfortable for you. Often, more diluted colors feel more “do-able” than very saturated bright colors. Although, the more pigmented, bright colors are really the ones that pop on screen – so if you’re zooming regularly, I encourage you to try going bolder.

4. Pair the color with a neutral. Wearing a color with black, camel or denim makes it feel more muted and wearable.

5. Ground your color with a neutral third piece. Adding a topper to a colorful item allows the color to do its job without it being the center of attention.

Learn more about how to wear color and still feel like you in this blog post.

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Katie Mander