Is it possible that what we wear affects our mood? Ummm . . . yeah. Small wonder then that as we stumble out of our pandemic fog and emerge back into society, lots of us are reaching for uplifting outfits. Otherwise known as “dopamine dressing,” it’s very easy to do. Think color, sparkle, feathers and frippery, and you’re there. Our correspondent Meredith Lepore shows how to get happy with designer fashion outfits that are the epitome of dopamine dressing, including dresses, pants, shorts, purses, and more.
dopamine dressing is the post-pandemic designer fashion trend
We all have our athleisure clothes which became our work and do everything else clothes, it is time to start dressing again. After our closets basically hibernated for two and a half years it is time to start dressing for fun again and not just because putting on sweatpants somehow felt more productive than wearing pajamas all day. We need clothes that make us emotionally feel boosted. Hence welcome to the summer of dopamine dressing.
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What is dopamine dressing you ask? Essentially it is wearing clothes you love in order to elevate your mood. The clothes will literally have you feeling so good that dopamine will be released. Dr. Carolyn Mair, author of The Psychology of Fashion, told Well+Good.
“Dopamine motivates us to seek a reward. So, scientifically speaking, dopamine dressing refers to a person’s motivation to dress in a way that will result in a positive outcome, like feeling more confident, competent, or happy.”
How to get happy with designer fashion outfits that are the epitome of dopamine dressing, including dresses, pants, shorts, purses, and more.
Of course, this will look different for everybody as certain colors appear to more people but often these colors are bright and rich in hue. Think royal blues, reds, oranges, greens and of course, pink. Dopamine dressing is definitely driving the Barbiecore trend you are seeing everywhere right now. We saw a lot of bright vibrant pink on Valentino’s Fall/Winter 2022 – 2023 collection and Balenciaga as well.
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You are dressing to achieve a mood. Why else would such outlandish items like opera gloves, feather tops, and literally dressing like a Barbie Doll be so popular right now? Fashion Psychologist and Professor at the Fashion Institute of Technology Dr. Dawnn Karen told Bustle, “The pandemic caused a shift where people had to assess their wardrobe and form a new relationship with their clothing… Pre-pandemic people dressed for external factors — the weather, their friends, location etc. Post-pandemic people are now dressing for internal factors such as how they feel.”
Summer of dopamine dressing is the latest luxury fashion trend
1. Classic Shirt Dress in Bright Turtle Green, Banana Republic
It’s simple but makes a statement, just like a turtle. Not sure too many turtles are that shade of green but we’re into it nonetheless.
BUY NOW – $150.
2. Veronica Plaid Colorblock Dress, Tory Burch
And of course, Tory Burch, who is all about happiness in her designs, and making women feel strong got in on the trend with this gorgeous summer dress. Sometimes plaid seems out of place in the summer but not here.
BUY NOW – $898.
3. One Shoulder Dress, Outdoor Voices
Athletic dresses are all the rage and these two-toned ones which come in a variety of colors are great for a light workout or just doing nothing and looking great!
BUY NOW – $64.
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4. ASOS EDITION button front tiered eyelet maxi dress in bright pink
Now, this is a stunner. Though it is in the Barbiecore pink shade family it is definitely a classic summer silhouette that will brighten your mood and everyone’s mood around you.
BUY NOW – $260
5. Archive Move Wide Leg Pants, Pangaia
Then have some fun with these bright green unisex pants. They are comfy but also make a statement.
BUY NOW – $90.
6. Pleated Wide-Leg Pants, BCBG Maz Azria
Another pair of gorgeous pants. Pair it with the matching top or go crazy and do another equally as bold color like pink, green or blue. Now is not the time to be shy and embrace the dopamine dressing.
BUY NOW – $228.
7. Issa Jumpsuit in Lilac Cut Paper
This jumpsuit is a work of art and comes in many beautiful color combinations but this one caught our eye. It is truly a conversation piece.
BUY NOW – $148
8. Bottega Veneta Mini Jodie
Though a neutral purse is so easy, change it up! Bottega Veneta is having a major moment right now and it is because they are embracing color! In fact it was their “Bottega Veneta green” that skyrocketed the label. And though green is often associated with wickedness and greed, frankly it is just so pretty! And this bag and the many other shades of green they have (the mint is also exquisite as is acid kiwi and fountain or go for tangerine and cranberry for something different but equally as cheery.)
BUY NOW – $2,500.
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9. White Monstera One Shoulder Jumpsuit, Farm Rio
Farm Rio is such a fun and unique company and this jumpsuit just makes you think of summer and fun.
BUY NOW – $225.
10. Lilly Pulitzer Buttercup Stretch Short
Lilly Pulitzer was dopamine dressing way before it had a label. In fact, she may even deserve credit for getting people to wear more happy and bright colors in general (and with elephant prints on them no less!) These are a fun short but honestly anything Lilly makes falls into the dopamine dressing category.
BUY NOW – $70.
11. The Party Platform, Hill House Home
And if you feel like your feet have been left out of this trend (though you could get on the colorful crocs trend as that doesn’t seem to be going away), you are in luck. Nell Diamond, the founder of Hill House Home, just rolled out an amazing shoe line. Not sure they will be quite as comfortable as her nap dress but they do have the potential to be. They are quintessentially feminine, fun, flirty and the perfect shoe to complete your summer of dopamine dressing.
BUY NOW – $375.
Summer of dopamine dressing is the latest luxury fashion trend
join our community
For access to insider ideas and information on the world of luxury, sign up for our Dandelion Chandelier Newsletter here. And see luxury in a new light.
This article contains affiliate links to products independently selected by our editors. As an Amazon Associate, Dandelion Chandelier receives a commission for qualifying purchases made through these links.
Meredith Lepore is a freelance writer, editor, and content strategist. Her work has appeared in Marie Claire Magazine, Women’s Health, InStyle, Architectural Digest, The Observer, and Travel & Leisure. She earned her Masters in journalism from the Newhouse School at Syracuse University. Meredith resides in New York full time, and enjoys reading, jogging, spinning, and playing with her small dog, Otis.
