Dopamine Dressing: A guide to choosing outfits that can boost your mood

When it comes to fashion it can be an extremely personal choice which reflects your personality or a creative outlet to have fun with the latest trends Beyond aesthetics fashion has become a tool for selfexpression which deeply impacts our mental wellbeing as well Research has found that there are specific colour shades which spark joy and patterns that fuel creativity and confidencelsquoDopamine Dressingrsquo is an increasingly popular concept which helps people harness the inherent power of clothing whether you are a fashion enthusiast or not It is a curatorial choice to infuse your wardrobe with moodboosting elements and personalising your look to enhance your wellbeingWe spoke to designers Dipti Advait of Nouria and Oorja Shah and Vatsala Kalani cofounders of Shop Mauve to delve into the emotional connection between clothing and our inner selves They also share practical tips on how to elevate your everyday lives with dopamine dressingL Dipti Advait R Oorja Shah and Vatsala KalaniKey elements of dopamine dressingDopamine dressing can be leveraged to enhance your mood by choosing the right clothes ldquoWe believe fashion is a powerful tool for selfexpression and emotional wellbeing Dopamine dressing is all about wearing what makes you feel goodmdashwhether thatrsquos bold colours different textures or sentimental pieces that spark moments of joyrdquo says VatsalaBelow she outlines three key elements of dopamine dressingColoursBright vibrant hues like bright yellow hot pink and green are fundamental These colours are psychologically linked to feelings of happiness optimism and energy Think of incorporating these colours into your daily wardrobe through statement pieces or subtle accentsPatterns and texturesPlayful prints like polka dots or florals and interesting textures such as velvet silk or knits add visual excitement These elements introduce a sense of fun and individuality to your lookSilhouettesFlowy fabrics and relaxed silhouettes create a sense of freedom and ease promoting comfort and relaxation Structured tailoring on the other hand can enhance posture and project an image of confidence and authority Comfort and how the clothing fits your body is a huge factor in dopamine dressingHarnessing the benefits of dopamine dressingDressing in a way that resonates with your emotions can enhance your overall wellbeing by making you feel empowered and at ease ldquoDopamine dressing isnrsquot just about mood boosting it also enhances confidence with bold empowering outfits and inspires creativity via experimentation with colours textures and stylesrdquo poses OorjaWearing clothing that aligns with who you are helps you project confidence which positively impacts how you carry yourself and interact with others She asserts ldquoAnyone can benefit from dopamine dressing Itrsquos not just for fashion enthusiastsmdashwhether you love experimenting with style or prefer a minimal wardrobe wearing pieces that makes one feel good can positively impact their mood and mindset Trust your instincts ndash If an outfit makes you smile thatrsquos dopamine dressing at its bestKickstart your journeyIf you are overwhelmed by all the information out there about dopamine dressing do not fret Dipti lists seven expert tips to help you kickstart your dopamine dressing journey1 Start with colourAdd small pops of vibrant coloursmdashlike a bright scarf or shoesmdashto your existing wardrobe2 Play with accessoriesTry introducing fun accessories such as statement jewellery or hats to elevate simple outfits3 Revisit old favouritesRediscover clothes you already own that make you feel good and mix them with new pieces4 Layer for impactLayer your clothes in creative ways to add depth and personality to your outfit without needing a full wardrobe overhaul5 Prioritise comfortStart by making sure your outfits are comfortable as feeling physically at ease is a huge part of boosting your mood6 Embrace textures and patternsTry mixing textures or patterns with your regular outfits for a fun unexpected twist that lifts your mood7 Go for versatile piecesOpt for timeless versatile clothing that can be worn multiple waysmdashthis allows you to express yourself without buying new things constantlyThe psychology of colourThere are specific colour palettes that are generally considered more effective for dopamine dressingPink and warm tonesOorja explains ldquoPink and warm tones including yellows oranges and reds are strongly associated with feelings of joy optimism and energy Pink in particular is linked to nurturing and compassionrdquo The design expert also explains that warm tones stimulate the senses and can create a sense of excitement and enthusiasm making them excellent for boosting mood and projecting confidenceCool shadesldquoWhile warm tones energise cool tones such as blues greens purples promote calmness tranquillity and a sense of balance Blues are often linked to stability and trust greens to nature and growth and purples to creativity and imagination These are great for when you need to feel grounded and focused or when you are needing to tap into your creative siderdquo adds Vatsala5 ways to channel your personality through dopamine dressingWith dopamine dressing you can let your personality shine by curating clothing that resonates with your inner self creating an outward expression of your individualityDipti shares five simple ways to channel your unique personality through dopamine dressing1 Choose colours that resonate with you Colours like soft pastels for a calm vibe or bold reds and oranges for energy can create an instant mood shift2 Incorporate playful patterns or textures Opt for prints or fabrics that bring you joymdashwhether thatrsquos florals polka dots or cozy knits3 Mix comfort with style Wear outfits that make you feel comfortable in your skinmdashwhether its oversized shirts tailored pants or flowy dressesmdashcomfort boosts confidence4 Accessorise with meaning Add accessories that have personal significance whether its a piece of jewellery with sentimental value or an item that inspires creativity5 Experiment and evolve Dont be afraid to experiment with new styles or revisit old ones that bring back happy memoriesatOptionskeyd0ddb8ef8f1a62a8cdd22fac27fc5ea7formatiframeheight90width728params