How Dopamine Dressing Improved My Self-Worth

ad. I’ve never had much self-worth. I grew up wishing I were more like my friends. They were pretty, funny and confident. I was ugly, awkward, and my clothes never fit me right. Two boys reinforced this at my high school. One who used to sit behind me in Geography and whisper ‘you’re ugly’ for the whole lesson. Another person who used to tell me to go home because nobody liked me. Not that I needed their encouragement to hate myself, it comes naturally to me; I’m basically an expert. Anyway, it’s not surprising that I internalised all this negativity and tried to make myself as physically small and invisible as possible, leading down a path of self-destruction. But let’s keep things upbeat… 

It’s amusing how my logical brain recognises that the opinions of two teenage boys from 25 years ago hold no weight. Yet here I am, at almost 40, with their words echoing in my brain when I look in the mirror, or see an image of myself taken from an angle that pains me. They say it takes 17 compliments to counteract one insult. And this is why I always try my best to compliment those around me who deserve it. Even though it’s out of my comfort zone and doesn’t come easily to me. I like to think I’m at least making their day better, which we all need, considering the awful things going on in the world at the moment. 

Anyway, back to the much-needed dopamine. 

Before I had my son, my wardrobe was filled with beautiful clothes. I was known for a floral dress. I had many of them. This whole blog was full of them! I spent years collecting items I truly loved. Then, I got pregnant and my body changed. I swapped out floral dresses for leggings I could pull over my mum-tum, and tops I could breastfeed in. I stopped wearing heels and opted for comfortable shoes. I would go to baby classes in jeans and a t-shirt. I weighed more than I have in my entire life. I didn’t feel comfortable in my new body, but at the same time, I had a child to care for, so looking after myself wasn’t a priority. Over time, I began removing those beloved items from my wardrobe. It felt pointless, as if I were holding onto my past when I had changed so much. Now, I only have a couple of dresses left that I can’t let go of, but don’t quite fit me. 

I’ve never really focused on building my new wardrobe because my weight has fluctuated significantly over the past five years. I’d lose 5kg, gain it back, and then some. I always wanted to make the change to put more effort into my looks, but I just never had time for it. Then 2024 hit me like a ton of bricks. The amount of stress we were under with the house situation meant I had zero emotional energy left to look after myself. I lost loads of weight before moving house, then gained it back. A cycle I know too well. Back to wearing clothes that make me feel invisible and avoiding eye contact with everyone I pass in the street. 

But now we’re through that dark time, and we are in our forever home, I can finally feel settled and get into a routine. I live in a new area now, and it’s like a clean slate. We built my home gym in the garage back in February, and I’ve been working on little ways to make myself feel better. 

Enter dopamine dressing. 

What is dopamine dressing? 

Dopamine dressing is a fashion trend that associates bright colours with feelings of pleasure and positive emotions in the nervous system. You use outfit choices to boost happy hormones and help improve your mood. 

Bright Colours and Positive Emotions

It’s no secret that bright colours spark joy and instantly lift your mood. Shades like sunny yellow, bright pink, and vivid blue give you energy. Many fashion psychologists say that wearing brighter colours leads to more positive feelings as your brain reacts with a surge of feel-good chemicals when it sees these lively hues. 

A 2023 study found that people who wore colourful clothes felt happier during the day compared to those who wore neutral tones.

Neutral Tones and Their Calming Effect

Neutral colours like beige, cream, grey, and soft whites can help you feel calm and relaxed. I often find that wearing neutral tones makes me feel at ease, almost as if I’ve taken a deep breath for my mood.

Science even backs this up; studies suggest that softer colours lower stress and can make you less anxious during busy days. While brighter colours might boost your energy, neutral tones give your brain a break from too much noise or excitement in your look—a bit of peace in a busy world. This is why so many people reach for these shades when they want comfort and calm.

Creating a Dopamine-Friendly Wardrobe

Creating a wardrobe that boosts your mood is all about fun choices. Choose bright colours and unique patterns to express yourself. But comfort should be key, too. You want to feel good in what you wear, right? So mix textures and styles that make you happy!

Incorporating Patterns and Textures

1. Experiment with floral patterns for a touch of nature. I love a pretty floral print! 
2. Stripes add a classic feel to any outfit. They’re simple yet bold, making you look sharp and put-together.
3. Polka dots bring fun and whimsy. This playful pattern can lighten your mood on a dreary day.
4. Textures like velvet or silk add a luxurious feel. They feel nice against the skin, it’s all about sensory pleasures!
5. Knitted items provide comfort and warmth during the colder months.
6. Animal prints show confidence and daring. Wearing them adds an edge to your look.
7. Geometric shapes can be modern and striking. They make an outfit stand out in the crowd.
8. Lace details offer romance and delicacy. This texture adds softness to any piece, making it more feminine.

Each choice contributes to the concept of enclothed cognition, where what we wear influences how we feel and behave.

Prioritising Comfort and Individuality

When it comes to joyful dressing, comfort is so important! Soft fabrics feel good against your skin and aid in sensory pleasure. Loose fits allow your body to breathe through busy days. 

I love choosing trainers with bright colours or a soft, oversized jumper if I need a bit of warmth or cheer. 

Dressing with Intention for Different Occasions

Every day looks

For everyday looks, I wear what I want. Simple as that! Dopamine dressing is about wearing what makes you feel good and comfortable. If an item of clothing brings you a positive emotion, wear it! 

One of the reasons I love dresses so much is that most of them are suitable for a wide range of occasions. You can dress them down with a cardigan and flat shoes, or dress them up with heels and accessories. Also, they are easy. All you have to do is put the dress on. No faffing around with tops and belts and tucking things in. It’s easy.

Work-Appropriate Looks

For work-appropriate outfits, comfort is essential too. Try a smart blouse and refined trousers in calming tones, such as navy or grey. You can still wear vibrant accessories to keep it lively, though! Mixing patterns gently can add personality without losing professionalism. Keep it seasonal, like adding florals and pastels in the spring, and plaid and browns in the autumn. 

Fitness Wear

It’s not the first time I’ve discussed how a fun workout outfit motivates me to exercise! Dopamine dressing also complements your fitness routine. So invest in some workout clothes and tracksuits you love, or cute and colourful tennis skirts, to ensure you feel great while staying fit! 

I love colourful running jackets and workout trousers, or fun trainers! 

My Dopamine Wardrobe

Over the past few months, I’ve made a conscious effort to wear the things I love. In the past, I’d have had a few staple items that I’d wear over and over. I’d mainly stick to darker colours, although many floral prints and dresses were also involved. However, this meant that many of my clothes remained hung up and unused. 

This year, I’ve made a greater effort to wear more of my wardrobe. My motto is ‘just wear the outfit‘. I’m sick of waiting for special occasions to wear the things I love. I work from home, leaving the house only for the school run, and spend the rest of my day at my desk. So I wear the outfit. And to be honest, I don’t think anyone really takes any notice of what I’m wearing, which is great because it’s not about them, it’s about me. And I know I feel better wearing something I love, rather than just sticking a pair of leggings and a hoodie on.

Dopamine dressing really changes how I feel about myself. Whether I’m wearing bright colours or calm ones, making a bit of effort with my clothing choices each day has changed my life for the better.

It’s not really about the outfit. It’s about feeling a bit more put together on the outside, which makes me feel more put together on the inside, which in turn makes me more productive. So, when I get home from the school run, I’m in the right mindset to work. This then makes it easier to opt for healthier food options. This then makes me healthier overall. I sleep better and I feel better. I stick to routines and goals. I stop losing and gaining the same 5kg.

And I’m not saying you need to buy a whole new wardrobe! Dig into the back of your cupboard and find those items you’ve forgotten about. I’ve recently pulled a big box of clothes that I’ve had on Vinted for ages, and decided that I’m actually going to wear them. Speaking of Vinted, it is a great way to add new items to your closet. 

I use Pinterest to pin all the outfits I like. From here, you can get a clear visual of items that come up again and again. You can also search for similar items on Vinted and get similar pieces for much cheaper. There is a tartan dress that I bought over ten years ago, which reminds me of Clara Oswald’s tartan dress in Dr Who. I loved that dress and wore it so much that the zip broke. I wish I had just fixed it. But I just searched on Vinted and found it for £2!!! And the red version, which I also loved. Another item I love that brings me immense joy, I can’t wait for them to arrive.

So although on the surface, dopamine dressing may seem a little superficial. But it’s about looking your best so you feel your best!

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