Dopamine dressing – it’s about more than the clothes.
Wearing clothes that I enjoy has always seemed like a no-brainer to me. It’s amazing how, in a matter of seconds, I can feel a wave of confidence and joy sweep over when I put on an amazing outfit. Style is all about personal expression. And as of late, I’ve been leaning into clothing as a way to counteract the weight of feelings I have as I bear witness to everything happening around us.
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Some say art thrives during times of adversity and change, serving as a powerful outlet for reflection and expression. In a season when we may have more questions than answers or scattered thoughts unable to articulate, art is essential to our story as human beings. Art is important during all seasons and conditions, and perhaps more so when life’s challenges feel insurmountable.
As a fashion admirer and style enthusiast, participating in the art of fashion is one of the ways I instill joy in my everyday. By experimenting with a range of vibrant and bold colors my well-being and creativity soars. The belief that wearing clothing one enjoys can impact your mood, an idea known as dopamine dressing, is a long held belief in psychological research.
This year you should embrace the idea of wearing clothes that instill joy.
It’s ok if dopamine dressing doesn’t happen easily at first. There have been times I’ve struggled to exude confidence when wearing colorful outfits. As trends shift towards neutral tones and minimal designs it can feel uncomfortable to go outside the bounds of societal norms. I’ve also minimized my appreciation for clothes because it seemed superficial or disconnected from the perils of the world. I’ve recoiled at statements like “its just clothes” when confronted with sentiments from others about dressing practically instead.
One day I decided that I am not going to wait for everyone to love my outfits or even for my confidence to catch up. I’m just going to wear my clothes. Along the way I’ve found amazing pieces — some of my most treasured items — from brands that really go the distance in creativity, style and design.
Related: Statement Pieces You Need In Your Closet
It’s more than ‘just clothes’. Style matters. Expression matters. Art matters. Fashion has always been a way for me to instill joy through what I wear. Dopamine dressing does exactly that. The things that bring us joy — when all else can feel bleak — is what keeps us going.
How can you start dopamine dressing?
It all starts with the colors. You’ll want to select bright, vibrant colors that will stimulate your brain’s feel good chemical. Colors like yellow, orange, pink, purple and green have meanings associated with happiness, calm, creativity and vitality.
To start you can add a colorful coat or pair of shoes to your wardrobe. During the winter, is is very likely you will see me in a bright coat. One of my favorites is this Karen Millen Rounded Shoulder Double Breasted Coat in lime as pictured in this post. No matter what my mood is I can put on this coat and immediately get happy.
Be sure to shop your closet and use the items shared as inspiration. You may even have colorful pieces from the summer section of your closet that you can style for fall or winter. The main goal is to wear clothes that create joy. Because joy can affirm our humanity.
Live abundantly,
Bethany
