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The Weekend Read ✨That Hit of Happy - Dopamine Dressing and Why it Works

May 10, 2025

The Weekend Read ✨That Hit of Happy - Dopamine Dressing and Why it Works

Jenny Goldsmith | Read in 8 minutes

Hello!

What if we told you that your wardrobe might just be one of the easiest ways to boost your mood? No supplements, no journaling, no early morning ice baths (unless that’s your thing) — just you, your wardrobe, and a splash of well-chosen colour. Welcome to the world of dopamine dressing.

If you’ve ever popped on a sunshine yellow jumper and felt instantly lighter, or added a slick of bold lipstick and walked with just a little more sass, you’ve had a taste of it already.

But what exactly is dopamine dressing—and how can you make it work for you, even if colour scares the bejeebers out of you?

Grab a cuppa, this week’s The Weekend Read is your complete, no-pressure guide to dressing for joy.

So, What is Dopamine Dressing?

Dopamine dressing is the idea that what we wear can influence our mood, and that wearing clothing — especially colours and textures — that make us feel good can actually spark joy in our brains.

It’s rooted in the science of dopamine, the 'feel-good' neurotransmitter that plays a role in how we experience pleasure and motivation. Certain stimuli — like delicious food, exercise, or a compliment—can trigger dopamine release.

And yes, what you wear can be one of those triggers too. That burst of energy you feel when you wear your favourite dress? That’s dopamine at work.

The Weekend Read ✨That Hit of Happy - Dopamine Dressing and Why it Works

Where Did the Term Come From?

Although people have dressed for confidence and self-expression for centuries (think Cleopatra’s gilded gowns or the power suits of the ‘80s), the actual phrase 'dopamine dressing' first appeared in popular media around 2012, thanks to fashion psychologist Dawnn Karen, who explored the link between psychology and personal style.

But it really took off during the pandemic, when loungewear fatigue set in and people started reaching for colour and texture as a form of self-expression and mood-lifting rebellion. In 2021, post-lockdown collections exploded with hot pink, grass green, cobalt blue, and lemon yellow — fashion’s version of a group therapy session.

Since then, dopamine dressing has become a fully-fledged movement. But you don’t need to follow trends or be a fashionista to tap into it.

The Psychology Behind It All

Here’s the fascinating bit: dopamine dressing is grounded in what psychologists call enclothed cognition — the idea that what we wear impacts how we think and feel.

Studies show that clothing can affect our confidence, alertness, anxiety levels and even heart rate. When you feel good in what you’re wearing, your body language shifts. You stand taller, smile more, and move with ease. And guess what? That energy is contagious.

So, while you might think, “It’s just a dress,” your brain might say, “I’m ready to take on the world today.”

Is Dopamine Dressing Only About Colour?

No. While colour plays a big role (and we’ll get to that shortly), dopamine dressing is also about texture, print, fit, and personal expression. Think of it as dressing with emotional intention. It's about choosing clothes that evoke a smile — your smile, not someone else’s.

Ask yourself:

Do I feel powerful in this jacket?

Does this floaty skirt make me want to twirl?

Am I strutting because of these leopard-print shoes?

If the answer is yes, congratulations — you’re dopamine dressing already.

But What If I’m Scared of Colour?

You’re not alone. Lots of people shy away from bold colours because they’ve never been shown how to wear them in a way that feels authentic.

Maybe you’ve had a wardrobe full of black, grey and navy for years and don’t know where to start. Maybe you tried a bright top once and felt like a highlighter pen. Maybe you think colour’s not for you.

We hear this all the time.

The good news? Dopamine dressing isn’t about shouting the loudest — it’s about finding your happy colours and wearing them in ways that feel natural.

Here’s where House of Colour’s Colour Analysis changes everything. Because not all colours suit all people — but everyone has a palette that lifts them, brightens their complexion, makes their eyes sparkle, and brings out their natural radiance.

So no, you don’t have to wear neon pink. You can dopamine dress in soft sage green, warm terracotta, cornflower blue or canary yellow. It’s about your best colours, not someone else’s trend.

Ready to Try It? Let’s Take a Quick Dopamine Dressing Quiz!

Circle or note down your answers — this is just for fun (and for you):

How do you feel when you wear colour?

A) Energised and confident

B) Curious but a bit cautious

C) Slightly uncomfortable — it’s not really 'me'

Your current wardrobe is mostly:

A) A rainbow of joy

B) A mix of neutrals with a few standout colours

C) Black, navy, grey… repeat

Your dream outfit would make you feel:

A) Playful and radiant

B) Polished but interesting

C) Invisible and safe (in a comforting way)

You most often shop for clothes when you feel:

A) Happy and inspired

B) In need of a pick-me-up

C) Panic-buying before an event

Mostly A’s: You’re already a dopamine dresser — keep going!

Mostly B’s: You’re on the brink! A little guidance and you’ll be buzzing.

Mostly C’s: You’re not alone. Let’s walk into colour together — at your pace.

How to Incorporate Dopamine Dressing into Your Wardrobe

1. Start Small

If a full-on magenta trouser suit feels terrifying, try:

A coloured scarf in your seasonal palette

Statement earrings in your wow colour

Colourful shoes or a bright bag

2. Mix Colour with Neutrals

Pair a bold top with your favourite jeans. Try a royal blue cardigan over a cream t-shirt. A little colour paired with a neutral makes a big impact without overwhelming.

3. Use Colour Near Your Face

This is where it counts most. Your best colours will illuminate your skin and make you look healthier and more vibrant — even on tired days.

4. Get to Know Your Seasonal Palette

This is key. When you wear colours that suit your undertone, you won’t just look better — you’ll feel better too. You’ll stop second-guessing your purchases and actually wear what’s in your wardrobe. We promise.

Year-Round Dopamine Dressing

Colour isn’t just for summer. Here’s how to work it all year:

Spring: Coral pink, turquoise, apple green and oxford blue.

Summer: Pastel jade, cerise pink, cornflower blue and lavender.

Autumn: Mustard, peacock, royal purple, light olive, and rust.

Winter: Emerald, fuchsia, electric blue, ice pink and scarlet.

The key is to shop and style within your palette — so whether you’re adding a punchy jacket or a bold winter coat, you’ll feel aligned and energised.

Where to Shop for Dopamine Dressing Pieces

You don’t need a designer budget. Here are a few places to explore:

H&M & Zara – Great for bold colour and trend-led pieces (perfect for experimenting).

Boden – Known for colour and pattern across all seasons.

Kettlewell Colours – A dream for those who already know their seasonal palette.

Marks & Spencer – Reliable and often more colourful than you think!

Charity shops or Vinted – Sustainable and great for trying something new without the price tag.

Look for clothes that match your seasonal colour swatches, or bring them shopping with you to test things on the go.

Still Nervous? Here’s a Gentle Challenge

Here's our Dopamine Week Challenge:

Day 1: Wear a colourful accessory — scarf, bag, necklace.

Day 2: Add colour on top — a top or jacket in one of your season’s colours.

Day 3: Try coloured trousers or a skirt with a neutral top.

Day 4: Go tonal — layer multiple colours from your palette.

Day 5: Lipstick in a bold, season-appropriate shade.

Day 6: Mix pattern or texture — velvet, silk, sequins, corduroy.

Day 7: Your full dopamine outfit — go head-to-toe in what makes you feel AMAZING.

Let us know how it goes — we’d love to hear from you.

Final Thoughts: Dressing For You

Dopamine dressing isn’t about looking 'fashionable' or impressing others. It’s about choosing clothes that support your mood, your identity, and your personal joy.

It’s a form of self-care.

It’s a form of expression.

It’s a reminder, every morning, that you matter.

And with a little help, your wardrobe can become your daily dose of happy.

Want to discover your happiest colours and feel confident every time you get dressed? That’s what we’re here for.

Click here for your Dopamine Dressing Edit

Enjoy your weekend! Next week, The Weekend Read is all about Swimwear. Look out for that next Saturday!

Best wishes,

Jenny & Judi x