Fashion As Therapy: How Dopamine Dressing Can Affect Our Mood
Clothing is a tool to express ourselves. It can give us confidence and remind us of our power. When we feel powerful, we can affect more change.
Fashion psychologists research dopamine dressing — using clothing to boost our moods and confidence. Feeling better also affects how we act. Our brains release dopamine whenever we experience pleasure. Let’s talk about three aspects of dopamine dressing — color, comfort, and wearing our values.
The first aspect is color — an element of personal style that has an immediate impact on us and on those around us. Certain colors have certain meanings. This is based largely on culture, as well as personal experience and preference. For an instant mood boost, wear a color that you like, even if it’s hidden to others. An example could be wearing bright colors for a brighter perspective.
The second aspect is comfort. For instance, comfort can mean a physical feeling based on how a certain fabric feels, or the way a certain shape garment falls against the body. It can also mean familiarity. Something is comfortable because we know it intimately. An example can be wearing an item passed down from a family member, or an outfit worn on a memorable occasion. Recalling these memories triggers a dopamine release.
The third aspect of dopamine dressing is about matching our outside to our inside. When our clothes align with our values, we feel authentic and are reminded of our power. This is called wearing our values. Like styling outfits, there are endless ways to wear our values. And since we get dressed every day, we have at least 365 chances each year to communicate a message to ourselves and others.
Dopamine dressing is an easy and fun way to boost your mood and positively affect those around you. Give it a try and let us know in the Comments how your wardrobe empowers you.
For a deeper dive into the world of fashion psychology, consider following Dr. Dion Terrelonge; Shakaila Forbes-Bell, author of Big Dress Energy; and Dawnn Karen, author of Dress Your Best Life.
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