Dopamine Dressing and Modern Classics
I’m sure you’ve all heard the term dopamine dressing. At the end of the pandemic, many of us emerged from our homes with an intense desire to dress joyfully. Many people think the term means wearing the brightest colors possible and standing out like a beacon in any situation, but that’s not the whole story.
So, what is dopamine dressing? Dopamine is a neurotransmitter in our brain and a chemical messenger that’s associated with pleasure, motivation, mood, and our reward center. Dopamine dressing is rooted in the psychology of color and personal expression. It’s basically about choosing and wearing clothes that boost your mood so you feel happy.
Certain colors, textures, patterns, and styles will trigger positive emotional responses, which affect your overall sense of well-being. These differ for every woman. They can also vary based on your goal on any given day. How you choose to dress can be a simple yet powerful way to take control of how you feel. It turns getting dressed into a form of self-care.
Softer tones and fabrics may increase your sense of calm and serenity, which can be especially helpful when you know it will be a stressful day. Alternatively, bright or bold colors may increase your energy and excitement. Rather than box yourself into one corner or the other, you get to choose what works for you and dress to elicit the feelings you want for each day.
Let’s look at a few outfits featuring classic loafers and jeans that would spark very different feelings based on color, style, and texture. I used loafers because they’re predicted to be very popular in 2025, and jeans are a forever classic.
Dopamine Dressing With A Pop Of Red
BUCKET BAG / RED SOCKS / SUNGLASSES
This Madewell outfit ticks all the boxes with timeless items that have a modern edge. The red jacket makes a striking statement with minimal details in an easy-to-wear shape. The straight-leg jeans are not slim and not wide…just perfect. The cashmere cardigan could be layered over a tee or worn buttoned as a pullover. It doesn’t get more classic than these Loafers. I added red socks to create a color sandwich with the jacket that keeps the eye revolving around the outfit. Sculptural earrings and a classic bucket bag finish the outfit. This outfit feels joyous and energetic with a young, sporty vibe.
Dopamine Dressing With Leopard & Modern Shapes
This outfit features a classic style knit sweater blazer in a calming camel shade. I added some attitude with a leopard-print blouse and straight-leg ankle jeans. The shorter jeans allow the pointed-toe bow loafers to be on full display. The EastWest bag injects an up-to-the-moment shape that adds an urban vibe. A sculptural bracelet and gleaming earrings polish off the look, and keep it feeling elegant, not fussy.
Dopamine Dressing In Soft Neutrals & Modern Styles
CARDIGAN / CHARM EARRINGS / KNOTTED BRACELET
This outfit features soft, tonal shades of beige, accented with interesting textures and fun shapes. Slingback loafers are having a moment, and these patent-embossed croc-print loafers are so fun for spring. I paired them with a pretty sheer blouse, a classic cardigan, and kick-out jeans. I topped it with this cotton car coat and a uniquely shaped shoulder bag. I added a silver-toned bracelet and charm earrings.
Do you use your outfits as a way to impact your feelings and adjust them with the day? Does one of the above looks resonate with you more than the others? I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Thanks for reading, and remember to wear what makes you feel confident.
Fun post Jennifer! I love any conversation regarding color and its many mysteries. As a family of creative artistic designers we are very aware of the affects of color on people and the environment.
Colors have energy vibrations as well as emotional & psychological associations.
My relative is an interior designer who uses lots of bright fun color and everyone loves how her homes feel. Not just how they look… but how they feel. It’s like being enveloped in positive vibes. People walk around in her homes with smiles on their faces.
We always encourage people to experiment with color. Fabric, paint… it’s an adventure. Be brave!
PS … my favorite spring color is that beautiful pink of your sweater.
Fascinating! I’m getting more sensitive to the energy of colors. Now if I can just work more into my wardrobe and home.
Love this post, Jennifer!
Today’s information “dopamine dressing” was fabulous, just what I needed. Gave me lots of ideas with clothing I already have, to add some wow colors and accessories. I am much shorter than you but can wear many of the items you feature especially what is hanging in my “petite size” closet. Long skirts are my only “no” in my wardrobe. I just posted today’s information and a note about you on my Facebook page.
Thanks, Mary Ann
Thanks for sharing Mary Ann! I appreciate your support
Hi Jennifer,
You may want to check out Vessi, a Vancouver company that makes great looking waterproof shoes perfect for the BC weather!
Amazing, thanks
Sorels are a great winter boot. Waterproof, lots of tread to prevent slipping and warm. Most everyone in our family owns a pair or two, including grandkids.
I love red so I would pick the first one as my dopamine dressing outfit. Even my SUV is red.
I like the principle behind the idea of dopamine dressing, but so struggle with anything that is not comfortable. I have a very hard time finding jeans that are comfortable. Not exactly sure why. No dopamine if I feel stuffed in. Not sure I am on the loafer trend, though I do own two pair. They seem a little “meh” to me, though very comfortable. How’s this comment for wishy-washy. Sorry!
Love the red jacket and pink sweaters. Those colors are my feel good colors. This year I’ve been into lavender. I don’t know if it’s popular but I like it.
Lavender is going to popular this year
Hi Jennifer, instead of boots, I have a pair of Altra waterproof trail shoes that I wear with Bombas’ wool socks. This combo keeps me warm and dry and also helps me on slippery surfaces. Also, I love you in that pink sweater—so cheery!
Great idea! It’s snowing again today and I have to walk to pilates soon 🙂
I like your new glasses . Thanks for including the link . Are you wearing the medium width ? They seem big on me . Thanks for a great blog . -28 here in Alberta this morning . Brrr we still have to wear our winter coats & boots !
Yes, but I have a broad face
Great suggestions. Especially like the red jacket.
Question….how can I tell a cool red from a warm red online? I know all monitors are different but do you have any tips? I seem to get it wrong and end up with orangey reds which aren’t good on me. What I need is a Goldilocks red….not too warm, not too cool but just right! 🤣
Thanks, Jennifer . Really look forward to your post each morning.
Lol, I love how you describe that. It’s very hard with monitors and websites like J. Jill colorize their images which is so dumb! I’ll try to call them out as I see them. I can often tell by the description and comments on the website
This is an interesting subject. I think I tend to choose what to wear depending on the situation. I notice I wear brighter colors when going out with friends and neutrals at home. I just bought Biza boots this year. They have kept my feet warm and dry in the rain. My Blondo boots also perform well in sloppy conditions. Both are affordable.
Thanks Sylvia
Thanks for including some petite sizes and accessories.
Many brands are carrying petites these days thankfully
Love the Paloma mini bag. I also really like your latest finds. The lipstick and jewelry are perfect for spring.
Good morning. Enjoyed the post. In fact, you inspired me to wear a red jacket & jeans today! I’ll sub in a T-shirt for the sweater as it is starting to warm up in Galveston County. I plan to wear a touch of red every day in February (for Valentines)! Talk about dopamine. It helps me search my closet and put on some combinations I have not tried or worn in a while. Maybe I’ll try green in March:) Have a great day.
What fun Laura! Happy Monday
Good Morning Jennifer. Great article. Thank you. I’m drawn to that red jacket and straight leg jeans from Madewell. I noticed while Christmas shopping that our Mall has just opened a Madewell store. Close to Nordstrom. I need to pay it a visit.
They’re a great option these days. My store is pretty small so be sure to check their online offerings.
Great post and I love the examples! Good luck on the snow/waterproof boots. I just did the same thing. I hit Nordstrom Rack and Nordstrom. While Nordstrom had put Uggs on sale, it was still more than what I wanted to spend and Ugg changed their heavy duty winter snow boots to be a lot more narrow. I ended up finding a pair of Sorel at NR and they were on sale for $47. Great price considering I may only wear them 3 times a year.
I’ll check out Sorels. Thanks.
My mood is definitely determined by what I’m wearing. Bright, happy colors and prints give me energy, while wearing something blah in color makes me feel just that…blah. It helps that I’m a winter so I look better in clear, bright colors rather than muted tones. Color me happy in bright hues!
Good morning Jennifer,
I absolutely adore the outfit combinations you selected, thank you🥰
The sweater blazer outfit.
I do like the first outfit because for me it is classic . The pieces can be mixed and matched with the neutrals I already have my closet. The red is also a happy color and in fall and winter months can be used to brighten your day. The second look is too trendy for me and the third is too neutral. Thank you for start my Monday off with some great ideas.