How to Brighten your Style

Dopamine Dressing is one of the many trends that has emerged post-pandemic. Like the name suggests, the idea is to dress in colours and styles that make you feel good, instill a sense of optimism, confidence and happiness. Who doesn’t want a piece of that?

Considered a mindful practice, Dopamine Dressing has been knocking about since 2012, but has recently come more strongly to the fore. Research on the topic indicates that our clothing can alter the way we think and act. The clothing we wear has great impact on our perception of self, and the way in which we interact with the world around us.

Here’s how to embrace Dopamine Dressing:

Take notice of what you like, and what makes you feel good

There might be clothes you currently have that just make you feel great, but take notice of what you see on others. If you see someone rocking a bright yellow dress, but have always felt pasty in yellow, go out and find a yellow dress and wear it because it makes you happy.

Go op-shopping

Skim the fabrics and colours and let them jump out at you. Follow your intuition – try patterns and styles you’ve never worn, choose it because you like it, not because it’s fashionable or appropriate.

Have fun with your practice

Wear things because they are bright, because they are different, because they don’t match, because they look great on you and make you feel great too.

– Ronja Skandera