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Hey there!
Ever wondered about the buzz around dopamine dressing?
Well, if you’ve been keeping an eye on the fashion scene, whether it’s strutting down runways, hanging out in retail spots, or lighting up your social media feeds, you might have noticed a colourful revolution happening.
Bright hues, vibrant prints, and daring patterns are stealing the spotlight, and it’s no coincidence. Fashion is stepping up to the plate, delivering a dose of joy and happiness straight to our closets. Yep, people are getting all dolled up to give their mood a little pick-me-up.
Sure, we all know that mood and mental health are hot topics these days, but what’s fashion got to do with it?
Turns out, quite a bit! Your style choices can work their magic on your emotions and mindset, for better or for worse. It’s like they’re in cahoots, influencing each other in ways we might not have realized. So, let’s dive in and discover how your wardrobe can be your mood’s new best friend!
Meet Dr. Dawnn Karen, a trailblazer in the fascinating realm of Fashion Psychology. In her book, “Dress Your Best Life,” she dives deep into the notion of syncing up your mental state with your choice of attire.
Dr. Karen’s groundbreaking “Mood-Based Dressing Theory” lays the groundwork for a whole new way of approaching our wardrobes, breaking it down into two insightful categories. And from these categories emerges the widely embraced concept of Dopamine Dressing – a term Dr. Karen coined. It’s all about the belief that slipping into specific styles of clothing has the magical power to give your mood a serious boost.
So, get ready to explore the world of dressing for joy with Dr. Dawnn Karen’s Dopamine Dressing!
Diving into the first category of Dr. Dawnn Karen’s “Mood-Based Dressing Theory” sheds light on a familiar behaviour we all share. It turns out, when we’re picking out our outfits, we tend to go with the flow of our current emotional state.
Picture this: reaching for cozy sweatshirts on those down days or embracing vibrant colours when the happiness meter is high. Dr. Karen aptly terms this approach as dressing to “match your mood and perpetuate your current emotional state,” a concept she coins as Mood Illustration Dress. So, whether it’s comfort during a low-key moment or a burst of colour on a cheerful day, your wardrobe becomes a canvas illustrating your emotions.
Let’s explore the flip side of Dopamine Dressing – the days when you’re not necessarily feeling on top of the world and you’re looking for a mood lift. Enter Mood Enhancement Dress, a concept where your clothing becomes a tool to alter your emotional state positively. In simpler terms, it’s about dressing to feel better.
Picture this: opting for a sharp black suit to exude strength and capability right before that crucial board meeting, even if you’re not exactly feeling it at the moment. On the other hand, those comfy sweatshirts we chatted about earlier might be your go-to for cozy relaxation when the world around you feel a bit too hectic.
At the core of it all, we’re emotional beings, and Dr. Dawnn Karen emphasizes that our choice of attire should be driven by internal factors and authenticity, aligning with our core values. Whether you’re using clothes to empower yourself before a big moment or seeking comfort on a sensory-overloaded day, the key is to stay true to your emotional needs. After all, dressing up is more than just putting on clothes – it’s a self-care prescription with a multitude of benefits. So, go ahead, dress up, and let your wardrobe become a tool for enhancing your mental well-being!
Step 1: Make Dressing Up a Self-Care Ritual to Jump-Start Your Day
Let’s turn getting dressed into a daily self-care moment to kick off your day on a positive note. Dr. Dawnn Karen suggests viewing the act of dressing nicely as a form of self-care that can genuinely boost your mood. Believe it or not, the simple act of choosing an outfit that resonates with you can set the tone for the day ahead.
As you peruse your closet, pay attention to what captures your interest and sparks joy. Whether it’s a vibrant scarf, a floral print skirt, or even a comforting men’s robe, let your feelings guide you. High heels are even making a comeback – embrace whatever calls out to you from your wardrobe.
Mix and match your favourite pieces until you create an ensemble that makes you feel like a winner. Today, you might channel the lady in red, tomorrow the print princess, and the day after, a nautical belle. Perhaps, a statement necklace over a simple tee-shirt is your way of elevating your style.
Here’s the key: there are no fashion rules when it comes to your mental health – just do what makes you happy. And remember, you don’t need a special occasion to don an amazing dress because, guess what, you are the main event! You are worth it.
Dispel the myth that you have to reserve your best looks for special outings. Invest in yourself because that big moment you’re waiting for might never come. So, seize the day and celebrate you!
Step 2: Find Your Ideal Colour Palette by Wearing a Range of Hues
Did you know that colours can influence your mood and psychology? Research shows that different hues convey symbolic meanings tied to the wearer’s state of mind. In the world of Dopamine Dressing, choosing specific colours is a powerful way to impact your mental health positively.
Dr. Dawnn Karen explains, “Mood Enhancement Dressing isn’t just about dressing up when you have to. It’s about using clothes to shift your perspective as needed.” For instance, if you’re dealing with seasonal blues, opting for cheerful colours can literally brighten your outlook.
So, if you’re feeling a bit low, why not experiment with colours that resonate with the emotions you aspire to feel? Dive into your wardrobe and explore the spectrum of hues that can become your mood-boosting allies.
Whether it’s the sunshine yellows, calming blues, or empowering reds, let your clothing choices be a canvas for painting a brighter emotional landscape. Remember, you have the power to wear the colours that lift your spirits and enhance your overall well-being!
Here are some colours are their attributes below.
• Blue – a cool, calm, clean and clinical colour.
• Green – symbolizes life, nature, growth and maturity.
• Yellow – happiness, friendship, creativity and youthfulness.
• Orange – boldness, expansiveness, optimism and joyfulness.
• Black – could mean power, prestige, exclusivity and authority.
• Red – danger, anger, fierceness or love, passion and seduction.
• White – peace, fragility, purity, innocence, minimalism and light.
• Purple – royalty, mystery, adventure, wealth and creativity.
Step 3: Embrace Your Colours and Express Yourself
Now that you’ve discovered the colours that speak to your soul, it’s time to infuse your wardrobe with them in a way that feels just right for you. There’s no need to hold back – add as little or as much of your chosen hues as you please. The key is to pay attention to how it resonates with your inner self.
Feel free to get creative! Experiment with prints, patterns, and textures in your favourite colours to craft the perfect Dopamine Dressing look. While some may lean towards a colour wheel or rules, the truth is there are no hard and fast rights or wrongs in the world of expressing your mood through clothing.
If you’re a bit on the shy side, start small by incorporating subtle colours through accessories. Gradually work your way up to bolder choices that truly make you shine. Remember, there’s no need to stick to rigid guidelines – it’s all about what makes you feel good.
However, here are some gentle guidelines for beginners, not rules, to help you navigate the world of adding colours to your style. The goal is to stay true to yourself while having fun with your wardrobe. So, let your authentic self-shine through, and wear those colours that bring you joy and a sense of well-being!
Select One Accent Colour: Begin with Your Favourite or Skin Tone Complement
Embarking on a colourful journey? Start by choosing a single accent colour. It could be your all-time favourite hue or a shade that beautifully complements your skin tone. If you’re new to adding pops of colour to your wardrobe, it’s best to take it slow.
Resist the urge to go all out with multiple accent colours at once. Instead, focus on introducing just “one” accent colour initially. This approach helps ease you into the idea of incorporating a variety of colours into your style.
Start with Small Accessories: Dip Your Toes into Colourful Waters
Take a gentle step forward by selecting one or two small accessories in your chosen accent colour. Think along the lines of a silk neck scarf, a chic belt, a statement necklace, or a stylish purse. This is especially handy if the thought of wearing bold colours makes you a tad nervous, and you’re uncertain about how it’ll look on you.
For a more daring move, consider pairing several items in the same accent colour – like a vibrant red belt and a matching neck scarf. The key is to let your style evolve at a comfortable pace, ensuring you feel confident and fabulous every step of the way.
Partial or Full Colour Block: Embrace Your Adventurous Side
Feeling a bit more daring? Ready for the next style adventure?
Now, let’s move on to partial or full colour blocking. Choose two colours that complement each other and pick pieces from your wardrobe to reflect this vibrant duo (partial colour block). With the solid foundations laid in previous steps, you can now elevate your style game by pairing not just two but three or more colours you love (full colour block).
Get creative and let your wardrobe become a canvas for a dazzling display of hues!
When Shopping, Step Out of the Comfort Zone and Express Your Inner Self
Fashion is more than just clothing – it’s communication, self-expression, and empowerment. The way we dress influences how others perceive us, shaping their impressions, whether accurate or not.
With dopamine dressing, you’re projecting a vibrant, happy personality, so it’s time to step out of your comfort zone when selecting clothes. Be intentional when shopping, and pay close attention to what truly makes you feel alive!
While first impressions matter, you don’t have to be dressed to the nines every day. The key is to always stay clean, crisp, and presentable. Doing so is likely to attract positive attention, fostering connections with people who may become part of your support system.
So, whether your colour blocking or keeping it simple, remember that your style has the power to influence not just your day but also the people you encounter along the way.
