Expert on why dopamine dressing is so good for you this month – 'will give you a lift'

What is Dopamine Dressing?

Dopamine dressing is simply using the power of a great outfit to feel good! Like all choices in life, our clothes have the power to make us feel better or worse.

When you look good, you feel good – our posture changes, you smile more, feel more confident and the effect is magnetic. Others sense your good mood and treat you better as a result – it’s a win-win!

So how do I do it?

All you need to do is wear clothes which you enjoy and feel good wearing.

It might be a sequin top leftover from party season (sequins are not just for Christmas you know) that you can dress down with a more casual item.

It might be a particular fabric that drapes beautifully and feels wonderful against your skin, a figure-flattering blazer which takes inches off your waist or a shirt in exactly the right colour to bring out your eyes. 

Use colour

Besides wearing exactly the right shade to give you a radiant glow, there are also specific ‘feel good’ colours that can give you a lift and it’s handy to have a colourful clothing toolbox ready whenever you need a little lift.

Blue is calming and reassuring if you feel nervous, green is nurturing and relaxing if you are stressed, pink is gentle and loving, orange is zingy and energising, yellow is happy and uplifting.

Dressing mindfully and wearing the shade that possesses the qualities you require can be game changing particularly with monochromatic looks. Frequency? 

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Don’t save it for best

They are called ‘glad rags’ for a reason – they bring us joy! Don’t let all your favourite party pieces gather dust in the wardrobe for the rest of the year, make a point of wearing them, even if the occasion doesn’t demand it.

I’m not suggesting housework in ballgowns (although if it was good enough for Freddy Mercury….) but why not get those statement earrings out for a quiet coffee with your friend, wear the high heels to a lunch date or silk blouse to go shopping – it will change your emotional state for the better.

My advice to you is to approach your outfits more mindfully this year, and literally ‘dress for success’ – you will have a pep in your step and when you catch your reflection in a mirror you will feel far more positive about what you see…. More good things will follow!