There’s no denying that the past 24 months have been challenging. Everyone is ready for a booster shot of joy and in the fashion world, it’s coming in the form of something called dopamine dressing. Dopamine, often called a “happiness hormone”, is essentially a chemical released in the brain in response to things that make us feel good. Dopamine dressing is an approach to style that involves the use of colour, texture, and pattern to make us feel happier. An infusion of bold, bright colours is this spring’s answer to the stay-at-home doldrums of the past two years.  

If you’re like me, you wore the neon rainbow back in the mid 80s and perhaps you can’t quite see yourself doing that again. The real goal of dopamine dressing is to dress in a way that makes you feel happy and gives you joy, so that may not mean dressing head to toe in highlighter colours like vibrant yellow, orange, green, and pink. Dopamine dressing isn’t going to look the same for everyone. 

If you’re interested in bringing a bit more colour into your life but don’t want to overdo it, consider adding a colourful accessory or two. A bright pair of shoes or handbag can go a long way toward giving you a new, current look. If you want to go a bit further than that, think about anchoring a bright top with a more neutral pair of pants or basic blue jeans. 

And if you think that dopamine dressing is only for the young, think again! Here’s 100-year-old fashion icon, Iris Apfel, in all her sunshiny glory!

Ultimately though, always strive to dress in a way that make you feel happy and you’ll inevitably spread your happiness to others too!

 Images: Pinterest