Enter: dopamine dressing, which has beenall over social medialately.
The thinking behind dopamine dressing is that wearing clothes you love will boost your mood.
In fact, a great outfit can ignite a positive feedback loop5.
Experts say the dopamine dressing trend may be legit.
When the overall experience is positive, we experience a general boost in our overall mood.
Its also worth noting that you dont need to spend money on new clothes to try dopamine dressing.
you’re able to shop your closet by mixing and matching pieces you already own in new ways.
There are tons of ways to get creative and give items a second life.
Did that blazer make you feel like a powerful force during your work presentation?
Did that flowy dress you wore to the beach bring out your free-spirited nature?
On the flipside, did a pair of jeans make you feel uncomfortable and kind of insecure?
These are all valid feelings to tap into.
Additionally, jot down any positive feedback you received from others about your clothesand how that made you feel.
Consider the colors youre drawn to if you dont know where to start.
Everyone has a color or two they like, Dr. Johnson says.
For example, the color Baker-Miller Pink, which has a bubblegum hue, can have a calming effect6.
Want to feel a little more vibrant?
Try orange hues, which research shows are stimulating and playful7.
For a happy vibe, try yellow7, which is associated with warmth and cheer.
All of that said, context is important when it comes to color, Dr. Benkendorf says.
In that case, avoid it!
Wearing your favorite, worn-in cotton T-shirt can feel as inviting as a hugand theres a reason for that.
The tactile effects of clothing texture can make you feel a particular way.
Try wearing clothes made of different materials and pay attention to how you feel in them.
Doing so can help you pick the right texture to match the mood you desire.
The visual and audible effects of material can affect how you feel too.
For instance, research suggests that visually, satin gives a sophisticated vibe.
In contrast, opaque fabrics tend to look sporty.
Clothes that make a faint rustling sound, like taffeta, can make a person feel elegant9.
Regardless of the fabric you choose, its important to feel comfortable.
And dont underestimate the power of rocking underwear that makes you feel damn good.
Dont pressure yourself into dressing like a fashion influencer.
Its okay to make small tweaks and try new styles at a pace that works for you.
The fashion choice thats right is the one that makes you confident, Dr. Johnson says.
Whatever works for you is all that really needs to work.
