Spring is here and with it comes the feeling of fresh air, blue skies, colorful flowers blooming, vibrant butterflies fluttering, birds taking flight, and more … all in all, it’s truly a time where we’ve emerged from our winter caves ready to embrace all the season has to offer.
One part of welcoming in a new season is unlocking a new wardrobe, whether it’s simply pulling already owned items out of storage or doing some shopping for some fresh or new-to-you items. And one trend, called “dopamine dressing,” is the perfect choice for brighter days ahead. Keep reading to learn how we’re trying the trend on.
WHAT IS IT?
If you haven’t heard of it before, dopamine dressing—a term first coined by fashion psychologist Dawnn Karen—is essentially the concept of giving your mood a leg up by incorporating elements into your wardrobe that give you a burst of “feel-good” dopamine. Accomplished in a number of ways, dopamine dressing can look different from person to person, making it an awesome way to embrace your own personal style, and feeling damn good while doing it.
The world is chaotic, and our daily lives can often feel stressful. Why let our clothing add to that distress when we could embrace letting our clothing work for our mood—not against it.
TIPS FOR PULLING IT OFF
Take a look at color. Dopamine dressing doesn’t specifically mean wearing, for example, bright yellow just for the sake of it being a bright, sunny color. Do you like the color? Do you feel good wearing it? If not, pass it on by! If your favorite color is an earthy green, seek out items of clothing that incorporate that shade. If you come across a cute dress in a color you never thought you’d like, but for some reason is speaking to you in that moment for whatever reason, try it on! You might be surprised by how you feel in it.
Patterns and textures are your friend. From polka dots and florals to layered chiffon and crisp linen, incorporating various patterns and textures into your wardrobe arsenal is key to embracing this trend. And remember, it all comes back to how you feel. Does a certain top in a fun material look great but have you fussing with it the whole time you’re wearing it? Then it’s not serving the purpose it should! If it’s helpful, consider making a list of all the patterns and materials you enjoy, and do some narrowed searching for those exact items. And you may even come across something you didn’t even know you’d like along the way (vintage lace trim satin dresses, anyone?).
Nostalgia can come in handy. Thinking back on “the good old days” can do more than just spark a very, very good playlist. It can also inspire your personal style today! Did you love those barely there skinny tank straps back in the ‘90s? Or how about some chunky silver jewelry or rich leather heels like your cool older sister used to wear? Or a band tee from a particularly memorable concert from your coming-of-age years? If any of these kinds of memories elicit positive feelings, see how you can make your own vintage items or vintage-inspired items work for you and your wardrobe today. The soundtrack certainly helps!
Accessories can pack a punch. You don’t have to commit to a head-to-toe look to give yourself that little dopamine rush. Accessories big and small can absolutely still accomplish what you seek with this trend. That cute red jelly tote? An adorable pair of gold dangle earrings shaped like cute little fish for some reason? A blue silk scarf with a truly unique swirled pattern (worn in your hair or tied to your purse)? All wonderful options for giving you that little mood boost you just might need.
Written by Sarah Suydam, Managing Editor for West Michigan Woman.
