DOPAMINE DRESSING

In our constant struggle for happiness with all the things that life throws at us daily, we often seek happiness in various activities, experiences, and through the purchase of material possessions.  I believe the key to happiness lies not just in what we do, say, think and buy, but what we wear too.  Enter dopamine dressing, (with its own Instagram hashtag) a concept gaining traction in the realm of psychology and fashion. This intriguing phenomenon suggests that our choice of clothing can directly influence our mood and well-being by triggering the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward.

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter—a chemical messenger in the brain—known for its role in regulating mood, motivation, and pleasure. It plays a crucial part in the brain's reward system, reinforcing behaviors that are associated with pleasure and satisfaction. Activities such as eating delicious food, engaging in enjoyable conversations, or receiving a text back from your crush can stimulate the release of dopamine, leading to feelings of happiness and contentment.  The feeling is often short lived though and you need another hit not long after.

Recent research suggests that our choice of clothing can influence our mood and behaviour by affecting our dopamine levels. Dopamine dressing revolves around wearing clothes that make us feel good about ourselves, boosting our confidence and self-esteem. Whether it's a favourite outfit that makes us feel stylish and attractive or comfortable loungewear that promotes relaxation, the right clothing can have a profound impact on our psychological state. 

I have a Sunflowers top from my store and love to wear it.  It is both comfortable and bright.  I get a lot of compliments from people when I wear it that I am bringing the sunshine.  Especially helpful on a rainy day, or when it has been raining for days on end and people are starting to get fed up with it.  I have had women stop me in the shops to admire my Sunflowers Top.  These are available in my store in several different styles to suit slimmer or more solidly built women with different arm sleeve lengths too.

One aspect of dopamine dressing focuses on the role of colour in influencing mood. Different colours have been found to evoke specific emotional responses, with vibrant hues often associated with energy and positivity. Wearing bright colors like yellow or red can promote feelings of optimism and excitement, potentially leading to an increase in dopamine levels. On the other hand, soothing tones such as blue or green may induce a sense of calmness and tranquility, contributing to overall well-being. 

Red is the colour of excitement and attraction and it is believed a person is 20% more attractive when wearing red.  It makes a great first impression especially meeting someone like a date for the first time.  I also love mixing blue and green together in my artworks and clothing, and pink and yellow which is both pretty, attractive and mood boosting.  Playing with colour onto shoes and clothing, is something I love doing, so make sure you check out what is available to purchase in my store and select something you will love to wear.

In addition to colour, the comfort factor plays a significant role in dopamine dressing. Wearing clothes that feel comfortable and fit well can enhance feelings of relaxation and ease, reducing stress and promoting a sense of well-being. This could explain why many people prefer to wear soft fabrics and loose-fitting garments when they want to unwind and de-stress after a long day.  Nothing like taking off an uncomfortable bra or too tight pants.  Pretty much everything in my store is about comfort.  Lots of big sizes to relax in and casual wear that promotes comfort for a low price. And you are getting something unique that you can’t buy from the local department store that everyone else has.

Beyond the physiological aspects, dopamine dressing also delves into the psychological effects of fashion choices. The clothes we wear not only reflect our personal style but also influence how we perceive ourselves and how others perceive us. By selecting outfits that align with our self-image and aspirations, we can boost our confidence and project a positive outward image, further enhancing our mood and happiness.

To apply dopamine dressing principals in our wardrobes, first take time to sort out your clothes.  Take each garment and ask yourself if it brings you joy, or when you wear it, you feel fat, uncomfortable, too tight around the top of your tuck shop lady arms, it makes you feel daggy like you just stepped out of 1986 or whatever.  Do this with everything and be brutal. So often we put something away because we like it, but there is no chance we will ever be that size again.  We are kidding ourselves.  Keep a few special things and ditch the rest.  Ask yourself if you do, or might reach, for that item of clothing often, or if it is something that you will never reach for because it doesn’t make you feel happy and positive when you wear it. By all means, keep some home lounging around clothes that are worn out and comfortable, but if you are storing hundreds of items of clothing you will never wear, consider a major clean out and stock or restock your wardrobe with items that you love and will reach for to wear daily.

If you have trouble letting go of old clothes you might wear again, you could put them in to a box or basket and store them somewhere for a while.  Then wear the clothes you love each day and soon enough you will be donating that basket to charity. 

Choose clothes that make you feel comfortable, confident, and empowered. You wear it, you look good and you know it. If you get compliments when you wear that dress or top, it’s a definite keeper if you love it too.  Experiment with different colors and styles to see what uplifts your mood the most. Additionally, pay attention to how your clothing choices impact your mood throughout the day, and adjust accordingly.

Dopamine dressing offers a fascinating insight into the intricate relationship between fashion and psychology. By understanding how our clothing choices can affect our mood and well-being, we can harness the power of dopamine to cultivate happiness in our lives. So, the next time you're getting dressed, remember that it's not just about looking good—it's about feeling good too.  Reach for something that makes you happy.