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What is dopamine? -

Dopamine is a chemical messenger in the brain that regulates feelings of pleasure and reward, reinforcing behaviors that lead to positive outcomes.

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Colors and moods -

For centuries, color and emotions have been closely linked. Chromotherapy, using color and light for health treatment, originated with the Ancient Egyptians and Greeks and continues to be practiced today.

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Reiki and color -

In the context of Reiki, each color has a different energetic vibration associated with certain energy centers in the body. Red, for example, is associated with feeling grounded and safe.

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Enclothed cognition -

Enclothed cognition, coined by psychologists Hajo Adam and Adam D. Galinsky, is the idea that clothes have the power to alter our perception and behavior. For example, wearing athletic wear makes us more likely to exercise and formal clothing can make us feel more authoritive.

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Emotions and color are subjective -

Emotions and color are subjective, but some associations are widely experienced. Green is considered a soothing color, and wearing it can make you feel less anxious.

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Emotions and color are subjective -

Red has more psychological and emotional connections than any other color. Wearing red can make you more attractive to others and boost your self-confidence. 

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Colors in other cultures -

What a color "means" in one culture can be completely different in another. In the West, white is associated with elegance and purity, while in China, white is often worn at funerals.

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Colors on a personal level -

Colors can also hold personal significance, often reminding someone of a specific time or person. Dopamine dressing, therefore, is all about personal preference.

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Consider items in your closet -

Before you rush out and buy new items, consider how the items you already own make you feel. Do you have a pair of jeans that give you a confidence boost every time you wear them? Do you get a compliment every time you wear a certain shirt?

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Consider items in your closet -

While you should make a physical or mental note of everything that makes you feel good, you should also be aware of items that make you uncomfortable. Consider donating anything that doesn't fit right or affects your confidence.

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Think twice about buying something new -

Reconsider buying from fast fashion brands if you want to update your wardrobe. Of the 100 billion items of clothing that are produced each year, 92 million tons end up in landfills. 

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Go thrifting -

Dopamine dressing is less about following trends and more about how clothes make you feel, so if you want to add something to your wardrobe, check out thrift stores to find a unique garment that sparks joy.

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Swap clothes with your friends -

You don't need to spend money to try dopamine dressing! Mix and match items you already own or swap clothes with your friends. 

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Consider colors you're drawn to -

Consider colors you're drawn to if you don't know where to start. If the color pink makes you feel calm, incorporate it into an outfit, whether as an item of clothing or an accessory.

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Experiment with textures -

The texture of clothes can also impact mood. A cashmere jumper might make you feel cozy, while silk tends to make a person feel elegant.

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Experiment with sounds -

The sound of a pair of high heels walking across a hard floor can make a person feel powerful. 

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Consider accessories -

If you wear a uniform or suit, you may want to inject some of your personality with a bold necklace or eye-catching sunglasses.

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Try monochrome -

If you have a favorite color, why not dress head-to-toe in it! You can play with varying shades and hues to create depth in your outfit.

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Leave your comfort zone -

Dressing yourself, instead of following fashion trends or dressing based on how you think you should dress is a dopamine trigger in itself. This can mean leaving your comfort zone, however, which can be daunting for some. 

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Dopamine dressing doesn't have to mean bright colors -

If dressing in all-black makes you feel good, then go for it! Dopamine dressing isn't just about wearing bright and colorful clothes.

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Don't limit dopamine dressing for when you're out and about -

Whether you're at home working remotely or relaxing at the weekend, it's still an opportunity to wear something that makes you feel good.

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Liven up your basics -

Liven up your loungewear with a set in your favorite color. It's an easy way to feel put together on days when you don't feel like trying too hard.

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Experiment with patterns -

Dopamine dressing isn't restricted to block colors. Try out dresses or blazers with an interesting pattern.

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There's no right or wrong way to dopamine dress -

Dopamine dressing is all about choosing clothes that make you feel like your best self. Whatever makes you feel confident is the right choice for you.

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Play dress-up -

Ease into dopamine dressing by arranging a night out or dress-up party with your friends. Being surrounded by people you feel comfortable with will allow you to step out of your comfort zone.

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A confidence boost -

Wearing something that makes you feel comfortable and at ease makes conversations and interactions with others more fluid and engaged, which boosts confidence.

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All year round -

Bright colors are usually associated with summer, but you don't have to wait until the warmer weather to wear a funky shirt or eye-catching dress; dopamine dressing is for every season.

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Take inspiration from social media -

When you're scrolling through social media, take note of the outfits you like. Creating a mood board can help you discover your aesthetic, and watching videos on dopamine dressing can give you a boost of inspiration.

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Color analysis -

If you're keen to incorporate more color into your wardrobe but need some guidance, a color analysis consultant can help you find the colors that suit you best based on your skin's undertones.

Sources: (Verywellmind) (Self)

See also: Your personal style, according to your star sign

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