Dopamine Dressing: The Latest Happiness Hack

Dopamine Dressing: The Latest Happiness Hack

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Did you know, by simply wearing a specific set of styles, colours and textures, we can trigger the release of dopamine in our bodies? Perhaps a new pathway to pleasure, the term “dopamine dressing” was coined by fashion psychologist Dawnn Karen, also known as “The Dress Doctor”, for the mood-elevating, feel-good features that accompany its name. At the start of the pandemic, Karen began to look for ways to naturally enhance dopamine. Her book, Dress Your Best Life, highlights how what you wear can improve your mood: “Dopamine can be released by doing other things. What about wearing something crazy, whimsical stuff that doesn’t match, polka dot or leopard print, tutus, or bright colours?” it reads.

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Dopamine is a chemical neurotransmitter that is released in the brain to reinforce behaviours that make you feel good. Often referred to as the “feel-good” hormone, it is prompted when you’re doing something pleasurable, that gives you a sense of enjoyment. This can range from activities such as practicing yoga or meditation, listening to music, spending time in the sun and petting a dog. The theory behind dopamine dressing is simply that by wearing the clothes you love, you can boost your mood. Although it has not been proven that this affects everyone, experts say there is something to this trend, as generally speaking, “what we wear impacts our self-image and what we think of ourselves,” mentions neuroscientist Matt Johnson in conversation with SELF Magazine.

The connection between clothing and experiencing these happy hormones isn’t anything hot off the fire. A study published in 2012 by the University of Hertfordshire Press found a strong link between the two, suggesting that for an everyday mood-enhancer, people should wear certain clothes, whether it be bright colours, eclectic prints or pieces with an uplifting backstory. Dopamine dressing includes a bold colour palette, particularly electric blue, bottega green and hot pink which beam bright in its buzz. Although these daring colours have shown to promote the release of dopamine in dress (and a growth in sales), they are not the only colour schemes and block-colour styles to embrace satisfaction. Other mood-boosting outfits can include an influx of patterns and prints, a certain fit or silhouette.

Despite the pandemic taking a heavy toll on the world, it also put a lot more into question, allowing for new or different outlooks on life. As a result, Karen found herself wondering whether her clients actually dress for themselves or for society. “Typically, we’re dressing for external factors – the weather, other people, special events. During the pandemic, there was a shift that occurred. Since no one was around to tell you what to wear, you gave yourself permission to find styles that make you happy,” she told TODAY. In effect, more and more people are now dressing loud and proud. At its core, dopamine dressing is a subjective term, based on personal preference, as opposed to a one-size-fits-all. It’s all about wearing what makes you feel good. Fashion has always been a form of self-expression, so why not celebrate your unique style by wearing something that, in turn, makes you feel fierce, fabulous and free?

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