So when I heard about “dopamine dressing” — which supposedly boosts your mood with the colors you wear — I was curious. The idea is that swathing yourself in head-to-toe color, prints, and all-around fun fashion acts as an antidote to dark days. But these days are QUITE dark, and how on God’s green earth does throwing on some polka dots and canary yellow act as the fashion equivalent of an antidepressant? I decided to go on a week-long dopamine dressing mission to find out. However, choosing “dopamine dressing” outfits that were bright or fun enough to turn heads was time-consuming. I spent about 20 to 30 minutes assembling an outfit every day of the week! As a full-time writer, time is not something I have much of. Charles Henry Sleeveless Fit n’ Flare Dress in Royal Blue (sadly sold out) Plaid Platform Boots in Yellow (also sold out, sadly, but these UNIF ones are very similar) I’m wearing: Hot Kiss Tribal Flares (sold out, but here’s a similar pair from Fashion Nova, $20) Tie-Front Crop Tee (Papaya, $7) Sheer Floral Zip-Up (Thrifted) Blue Calcite Wire-Wrapped Crystal Necklace (Handmade!) Bayer Woven Multi-Color Platform Sandal (Rocket Dog, $40) Funky Fanny Pack (similar style on Etsy, $10) YMI Mid-Rise Cuffed Shorts (YMI, $30) Ribbed Knit High Neck Tank Top (Rainbow Shops, $4) Jarvis Olive Slingback Platform (Rocket Dog, $40) Aerie Super Scoop One Piece Swimsuit (American Eagle, $23) Universal Thread High-Rise Jeggings (Target, $35) Women’s Reebok Freestyle Hi Casual Shoes (similar style at Finish Line, $60) Longline Swim Cover-Up Kimono (Forever 21, $20) Striped Flare-Leg Pants (Forever 21, $15) The trick? Choose things you like that also radiate positivity. Rather than choosing the brightest or boldest outfit just because — choose one that makes you smile, one that procures happy memories, or one that makes you feel like you can take on the world. To me, dopamine dressing is selecting your daily wardrobe based on what makes your dopamine levels rise. Or, in simpler terms, it’s dressing for yourself. So, if wearing polka dots with florals or leopard print and lime green makes you feel good, go for it. And if dressing in clothes that make you feel good is considered a trend, consider me all in.
