A few years ago I stumbled upon this amazing article on Dopamine dressing. But it wasn’t until recently that I was reminded of it after seeing two Instagram bloggers I follow (@alwaysafashionparade and @girlwithbellsandwhistles ) bring up this topic.
So here I am wanting to share this with you ladies as well! Basically, dopamine dressing or styling is all about how clothes make you feel- and in this case- mostly in a happy way. There’s a lot of research on how wearing color can boost your mood and why it is that we choose certain colors over others.
In the case of dopamine dressing, it’s all about how good, lucky, hopeful (you get the gist) you feel when you wear a certain outfit (hence the superstitious wear of the lucky this-or that). But there’s clear evidence that the clothes you wear can have a certain effect on your mood. I wouldn’t limit this happy feeling to only wearing colorful clothing though…as some of us can be flying high just by wearing black!
So it’s really about yourself and the importance you place on particular pieces from your closet. In fact, it may also be the reaction you get from others when seeing you dressed in a certain attire. Take for instance some feisty logo on a tee you love to wear…when you’re walking around you don’t necessarily focus on that logo, right? But it can be the smile that lights up the person who crosses your path that has you smiling right back at them. And, there’s nothing like a smile to change your mood.
Which leads me to asking; who doesn’t want a feel good hormone in their life? If it’s as easy as just getting dressed up for happiness, then why not give this a try? Take a good look at what’s in your closet- guaranteed you’ll find special moment outfits (good or bad); lucky sweaters; first date shoes; promotion dress…
Lastly, when you’re out shopping, let this be a new determining factor for purchase. Ask yourself not only how good you look in it- but also, how does it make you feel? Do you feel comfortable? Does it make you feel glamorous, artistic, young (fill in the blanks for what you aspire)…and ultimately- does it make you feel happy?
Sometimes it’s good not to over-analyze and just go with the feel. It may probably turn out that these are the pieces that will live the longest in your closet (and in your life!).
#Confessionoftheday: Was my all-time dreary mood all of January’s fault? Come to think of it…I did very little dopamine dressing. Hmm, time to change things up for February!
For more outfit ideas and inspiration, be sure to follow me on Instagram: @lucybertoldi
