Dopamine dressing — does it work?

Well that’s the idea behind ‘dopamine dressing’, the latest fashion trend that dips a toe into the world of health trends. But can a splash of brightness in your wardrobe really bring a smile?

Changing your mood with colour
Did you know that colours can have a profound effect on our psychology? Studies have shown that different coloured objects and clothing can have different effects on individuals.

In one experiment, a group of students were given a participant number in red, black, or green. Results showed that students who were given a red number scored a significant 20% lower than those who presented with a green or black number.

The colours that you wear can also have an impact on people’ perception of you:

• White — a humble and optimistic vibe is gleaned from this colour choice.
• Black — suggests self-confidence, as well as intelligence.
• Red — suggests power, strength, and status. It also makes the wearer appear confident. It can indicate good health and financial stability, too.

In the world of sports, colour has an effect too. Researchers have discovered that red can lead people to act with greater speed and force. And, studies showed that sports teams dressed in mostly black kits were more likely to receive penalties.

It’s clear to see that our moods and judgements are affected by a person’s choice of outfit. So, what about when it comes to dressing for your own happiness?

Changing your happiness with colour
It all comes down to our own personal connotations from colours.

It’s a fact that different cultures can have different views on a colour too. Like the colour red? In China, this hue is a symbolism of good luck, yet in Africa it’s associated with death. Interestingly, in the African nation of Nigeria, it has connections with aggression and vitality.

For example, if yellow seems like a happy colour to you, seeing that colour will likely make you feel happy. This idea is supported by one experiment involving a coat. Here, participants were all handed the same white coat — the only difference was that some were told it was a painter’s coat, and others were told it was a doctor’s. When asked to complete tasks, results revealed that those who were told it was a doctor’s coat performed better. It’s likely that the connotations that they associated with a professional uniform were more positive and motivational than those associated with the painter’s coat.

You can ‘power dress’ too, which can change your mood. Some women feel more confident in trouser suits or skirt and jacket combos when surrounded by men who are donning a similar outfit in the form of a three-piece suit.

Consider which clothes you feel confident and comfortable in, then dress accordingly to make you feel that way.

Show off your shape
Choose your clothing based on your shape — this helps keep you comfortable and plays to your best features, which will both help to improve your mood. Here are some tips for perfectly dressing your body shape:

• Pear-shaped — carrying your weight on the lower areas of your body gives you a pear-shaped frame. You can elongate your legs with a straight or bootcut jean. Avoid high-waisted trousers though, as these can make you look shorter.
• Apple-shaped — carrying your weight around the middle makes you apple-shaped. Bring
focus to your legs with a straight-leg trouser and pair with heels.
• Petite — some clothes can overpower a petite frame. High-waisted trousers and crop tops are good if you’re this size, as they can create the illusion that you’re taller and show off your small physique!
• Tall — if you’re looking to play towards your long legs as a feature, you should go for a low-rise trouser with a skinny leg.

As we can see, our wardrobe picks can indeed influence our emotions. Putting colours and shapes aside, the most important thing is that you’re comfortable in the clothes that you wear. This will ensure your confidence shines through — a guaranteed mood booster!

This article was created by QUIZ, retailers of plus size clothing.

Sources
https://www.theguardian.com/fashion/2017/feb/03/dopamine-dressing-can-you-dress-yourself-happy
https://www.theguardian.com/fashion/2018/apr/04/good-times-how-fashion-got-happy-and-what-it-says-about-the-world
https://graziadaily.co.uk/fashion/news/january-shopping-buy/
https://www.shutterstock.com/blog/color-symbolism-and-meanings-around-the-world
https://www.verywellmind.com/color-psychology-2795824
http://mens-fashion.lovetoknow.com/What_Colors_Do_Women_Prefer_on_Men
http://www.rochester.edu/news/show.php?id=3663
http://www.buytshirtsonline.co.uk/colour-perception/
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/yourtango/go-to-clothing-color_b_8286140.html