Colours, patterns, prints! A splash of pink, yellow, green! Dresses, skirts, crop tops! Don’t mind me, just looking into my wardrobe. If fourteen year old, Blue Banana, Tumblr era Rosie could see me now, she would be so disappointed.
Nowadays, as a twenty-something creative mess, I am a huge fan of dopamine dressing. Cue some scratching of heads and squinting of eyes. “Wait, what does that mean?” In the fashion world, dopamine dressing is a ‘trend’ for 2022, focusing on bright colours and patterns. Every fashion brand from New Look and ASOS, to Alice + Olivia and Dolce & Gabbana are raving about it and dipping it in seasonal drops. But dopamine dressing is more than a fashion trend that mixes clashing prints and primary school paint palette. It’s personal style meets mental health meets confidence.
I first heard about the concept of dopamine dressing from the style icon that is Demi Colleen.
If skincare, style, and colourful living are what you need on your social feeds, you really need to give her a follow. Demi herself is also a wonderful example of what dopamine dressing really is. It’s about wearing what makes you feel good and happy all of the time. Choosing clothes that boost your mood, no matter what fashion ‘rules’ they break and without worrying what other people will think.
For the past few years, I based my outfits on black and navy. Whilst they are great neutrals and basics, I didn’t use those colours as such – I used them to hide my body.
I never wanted to stand out because of what I was wearing, because I didn’t want people to look at me or my body. Style was just something that was there, something I didn’t really care about. But then, the pandemic happened and I needed to find moments of joy in the everyday. Those moments of joy just happened to take place in my wardrobe. As my body changed and my style changed, I bought more colourful and patterned pieces into my life. Why? Because they made me happy! Now, it’s rare that I leave the house without a pop of colour or a pattern on me – or pops of colour, two patterns, and mismatched earrings. For me, dopamine dressing is all about making yourself happy through your style, not worrying about what others will think.
My wardrobe is in dire need of a summer refresh. So instead of hiding behind clothes I know will cover me, I’m going for clothes that are bright, loud, and bring my joy, baby! Here’s a glimpse what I’ve got saved on my ASOS board.
Whilst I know some people will be looking at these looks and saying “hun, these items of clothing aren’t out there. If you want bright and colourful, look to Oscar de la Renta or Valentino for inspo.” To them I say – back off, thank you. My looks are bright, colourful, and make me the happiest gal around. Dopamine dressing is subjective, it doesn’t fit one mould. If my outfits boost my mood, then I’ve reached my dopamine dressing goal.
Tell me, what’s the one piece in your wardrobe that makes you feel the best and happiest version of yourself? For me, it’s got to be my Monstera print dress from Joanie. As soon as I pop it on, I feel beautiful and happy, and that’s what it’s all about. Let me know yours in the comments!
Rosie x
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