Why 'dopamine dressing' is taking over this Spring.
Guys. If you haven’t heard of ‘dopamine dressing’, then we must come to your rescue. Dopamine dressing is the mood-boosting trend that’s taking over this Spring. And yes - we predict it will be even bigger than the resurgence of the Y2K aesthetic.
Dopamine dressing is pretty much one of the biggest styles of 2022, with everyone from designers to street stylers to celebrities hopping onto the happiness bandwagon.
So what’s it all about? And how is it supposed to boost your mood? Well, dopamine dressing is all in the spirit of punchy patterns, electric colours, eye-catching graphic prints and fun dressing. Think bright green pantsuits or fuschia dresses with matching Mary Janes. Think teal and orange zigzag patterns paired with geometric prints. It’s about power clashing. It’s about being loud with colour. It’s about disregarding what’s sensible and embracing the fun - making you walk a little lighter and smile a little wider. And honestly, after living through a few mental years, we’re fully on board for anything that brightens the mood!
A bit more background for those who haven’t become *obsessed* with this new trend yet, (dw, you will)... dopamine dressing emerged in 2021 and took over runways like the Dior & Versace Spring & Summer collections, and has boomed in the style scene since then. Plus, a smorgasbord of celebrities are currently dripping with DD swag, with everyone from Saweetie to Anne Hathaway to Beyonce adopting the trend in shades of teal, orange and fuchsia.
But, dopamine dressing doesn’t always need to be about bright colours. It can be about wearing any patterns, shades, hues and silhouettes that make you feel good. It could be a bright co-ord set, a fave tee or a loud statement accessory. Honestly guys, if there were ever a trend where there are absolutely no rules - this is it.
So, in celebration of mood-boosting style and with warmer weather being on the horizon, let’s look at some of the killer features of dopamine dressing and how you can splash some happiness into your wardrobe this Spring.
Vivid colours
If you could only pick out one defining feature of dopamine dressing, it would have to be the use of vivid colours. “Rainbow” “fuchsia” and “gradient” dresses are on the rise in IG feeds and so are “electric blue outfits”. All manner of bright coloured wears are being added to shopping carts left, right and centre - and for good reason! There is actually a science behind the mood boosting effects of different colours, with the origins of dopamine dressing having some strong links to colour therapy.
You would have seen tonnes of celebs have been playing with this vivid colour trend, usually in a monochromatic or co-ord style, with Megan Fox, Lucky Daye and Kim Kardashian styling the look in full flair.
Happy tip: For a true to trend look, adopt an accessory like a hat, bag or sunnies in the same hue as your outfit.
Punchy patterns
As we come into the warmer months, style slayers are embracing punchy patterns as part of the dopamine dressing craze. Think geometric designs, bright graphics and wavy, spoty and zig zag patterns. So fun! While you’re experimenting with these patterns, why not try bringing two powerful prints together? We still don’t know why pattern power clashing works, but thank gawd it does. So, whether you’re heading out for drinks or spending the day picnicing in the park, you’re sure to draw the eye in these poppy prints.
Happy tip: Honing punchy patterns is one thing, but clashing them in style is another. When in doubt, go big and small. Matchup tiny zebra prints with huge illustrative designs, or pair up thin stripes with a thick, curvy pattern.
Contrasting colours
We all know when it comes to style that complimentary colours have a structured, serene vibe to them that’s pleasing to the eye. But, dopamine dressing is about doing the exact opposite. It’s about mixing yin with yang. It’s about meshing one loud colour with another. So it’s only natural that contrasting colours are having a serious moment in the mood-boosting style movement.
But it’s not just about colours. The art of contrast in dopamine dressing is about texture too. That means styling things like wool, cotton and linen, with silk, suede and leather. Feels weird? Try it and tell us we’re wrong!
Happy tip: Play with contrasted colours in a retro style by experimenting with cold and warm palettes. Mix green hues with shades of pink, or take a cooler, muted piece and bring a sunset gradient to it.
Easy breezy silhouettes
Dopamine dressing isn’t just about colour, prints and patterns - it’s about the cut, and so much of dopamine dressing is about embracing loose fits. Afterall, if you’re looking for feel-good fashion, what makes you feel better than comfy, wearable and playful silhouettes? Breezy fabrics like linens and cottons in flowy designs are sure to boost your mood further, plus they’re more comfortable for a warm Spring day on-the-go.
Happy tip: Try flowy on the top and tailored on the bottom, and vice versa!
Accessories that pop
You can’t stop at clothes when it comes to dopamine dressing. Happy dressing means pairing your threads with some wowing accessories to complete the look. And fear not - with other trends you may have to worry about the whole ‘less is more’ thing. But with dopamine dressing - a return to bright, bouncy maximalism means you can start living that ‘more is more’ lifestyle. Yew!
Happy tip: For maximum happiness levels, select a hero colour and pair it with a loud accessory of the same shade. We’re talking hats, shoes, bags, sunnies and jewellery - nothing’s off the table!
