Why You Should Start Dopamine Dressing

About Nicole Pajer

Nicole Pajer is a Los Angeles-based freelance published in The New York Times, Woman's Day, AARP, Parade, Wired, Glamour, People and more.

senior woman laughing in a polka dot shirt

Feeling a little blah? Change your clothes to boost your mood.

Do you ever put on a certain shirt and just feel better about your day? Or maybe a familiar necklace or some favorite earrings that complete your outfit and make you feel more confident. That’s a form of dopamine dressing.

This trending idea is centered around the thought that dressing in certain colors, textures, and styles of clothing can trigger the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and motivation.

The concept of dopamine dressing was made popular by Dr. Dawnn Karen, a fashion psychologist and author of Dress Your Best Life. While researching how clothing choices impact mental health, she coined the term “mood enhancement dressing" – aka dopamine dressing. But does it really work? And if so, how do you do it?’

The psychology behind dopamine dressing

The ideas behind dopamine dressing stem from color psychology, the notion that certain colors can affect our moods and play a big role in how we feel. This research suggests that yellow is associated with energy and optimism, blue evokes a sense of calmness and red can bring out our sense of excitement or passion. This concept is part of what psychologists call enclothed cognition. It’s the idea that the clothing we wear can work to influence not just how others see us—but how we see ourselves.

Does it work?

While scientific studies on dopamine dressing specifically are still lacking, experts note they definitely have seen their share of anecdotal evidence in favor of the trend. “As a psychologist, I see how our environment and habits impact our emotional well-being--and that includes what we wear,” says Firuza Aliyeva, chief medical officer at Plena Mind Center.

“Personally, I believe it works--not because clothes have magic powers, but because of what they represent,” adds Aliyeva. She’s noticed that when she and her clients choose outfits that feel expressive, joyful or even nostalgic, they’re sending a message to themselves: “I matter today.” That shift in mindset, she says, can be incredibly grounding.

Niloufar Esmaeilpour, a psychologist with Lotus Therapy & Counselling Centre, agrees. “People tend to feel at least a little more self-assured, energetic, or happy when they are wearing an outfit that they love or tie with positive memories,” she says. That feeling could be quite similar to the release of dopamine.

Want to give dopamine dressing a whirl? Here are some ways to embrace it.

Put on some bright colors

If you typically wear safer colors like black, white or neutrals, give some colors that pop a try. “Studies have found that bright colors make people talk confidently, and perhaps easy to rely upon by creating a socially and psychologically positive feedback loop,” says Julia Pukhalskaia, a fashion expert and stylist with Mermaid Way. Next time you’re shopping for new clothes, challenge yourself to try on something in a brighter hue than you’d normally opt for. You might not think that hot pink or yellow are your color but put them on, look at yourself in the mirror and see if it feels right.

Think beyond colors

Vibrant colors are fun but don’t forget to play with patterns, textures and different fabrics. Buy the shoes in the leopard print if you feel like they are more fun than the solid colors (spoiler alert: they are!). If you like flowers, work that into your wardrobe with floral print dresses or blouses. Stripes can be a fun way to work multiple colors into your wardrobe. And a polka dotted t-shirt may help you to feel extra playful. Try everything from cotton to leather to suede and beyond!

Accessorize

Don’t forget the power of accessories. “If you've felt stagnant, emotionally or stylistically, the concept of dopamine dressing is a simple, creative reset,” says Pukhalskaia. “It might start small with a neat little accent: a cobalt blue pair of earrings or a sunny yellow scarf--and then you'll notice how it makes you feel.” Accessories can be a great way to reset a tried and true outfit as well. If you typically wear the same outfits, try dressing them up and down with some different accent pieces. Throw the rules out the window and have fun. For instance, instead of pairing black shoes with black pants, throw on a pair of hot pink heels for an extra dose of fun.

Choose an outfit you love

“Putting on pieces and outfits uplift your mood and motivate you to move forward with your goals,” suggests Amanda Weil, a stylist and founder of Style Awakenings. To do this, she says, embrace wearing clothing that brings you joy. “Instead of chasing trends or trying to dress in a way you think you should be dressing, it's an opportunity to portray your inner essence through your style,” she says.

You can lift your mood with a favorite shirt, a hat that makes you smile or a pair of pants that just hug you in all the right ways. Ultimately, says Weil, it’s about an outfit that makes you feel good versus trying to chase a trend. Dress to impress yourself - not anyone else!