Background information

Fashion words: what is 'dopamine dressing'?

Laura Scholz
23.6.2023
Translation: machine translated

In the world of fashion, terms whose meaning is far from obvious are often used. At the moment, everyone is talking about "dopamine dressing". Let me explain what that is.

You're probably familiar with the term: in fact, back at the start of 2022, Pinterest declared "dopamine dressing" to be one of the 7 fashion trends for 2022. Fashion psychologist Dawnn Karen is behind this tongue-twisting alliteration. In her 2020 book Dress Your Best Life, she discusses the mood-enhancing power of clothes. At the start of the pandemic, Karen then looked specifically at ways to increase dopamine release in a simple way. This gave rise to the popular phrase "dopamine dressing", which was appreciated, shared and eventually established.

Dopamine, a chemical messenger unique to the body, also known as the "happiness messenger" or "happy hormone", is released whenever the body wants to reward us for something. Satisfaction, euphoria and, indeed, a feeling of happiness set in. Achieving this goal through clothing alone? Sounds like a good idea. Dopamine dressing is nothing more than a way of dressing that boosts morale. In this context, bright, bold colours and stimulating patterns are welcome.

Boost your mood:

JJXX JXRylee Colorblock Straight Fit Jeans (32)
Jeans

JJXX JXRylee Colorblock Straight Fit Jeans

32

JJXX JXRylee Colorblock Straight Fit Jeans (32)

JJXX JXRylee Colorblock Straight Fit Jeans

Yas YASCLIMA Coat (S)
Suit

Yas YASCLIMA Coat

S

Yas YASCLIMA Coat (S)

Yas YASCLIMA Coat

In the "Fashion Words" series, I'm trying to shed some light on different terms. If you, too, sometimes feel "lost in translation", I can certainly help; tell me more in the comments.

Header photo: Cottonbro Studio via Pexels

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