Dopamine Dressing
It is no surprise that fashion serves as a primary outlet for expressing both our physical and emotional needs. Whether consciously or not, we all dress in a way that reflects our psyche. This supports the idea that fashion is an extension of our subconscious, however, recognizing this may lead to overanalyzing those around us. In this sense, everyone becomes emotionally exposed. The challenge in making this claim lies behind the driving force of our individuality—each person experiences and applies fashion in their own unique way. Ultimately, it comes down to the power of personal choice: to wear our hearts on our sleeves or to use fashion as a therapeutic tool.
Image Courtesy: Instagram
This leads me to the current resurfacing concept of “Dopamine Dressing.” The term was coined by fashion psychologist Dawnn Karen. Karen popularized the idea in her book “Dress Your Best Life.” In a broad sense, it is the ability to consciously make clothing choices that trigger the release of dopamine, a chemical in the brain that makes us feel good. If you browse the term online, it is apparent that the leading conception is associated with bright colors, funky textures, and comfortability. It compliments the widely understood concept of color psychology, how certain colors both influence us and affect our moods. However, I do have to admit It does sound slightly tasteless, partly because fashion is much more complex than what this theory implies, like waking up and deciding to choose a yellow shirt when you feel down.
I believe that the term still being considered as a “tool” can and should be presented in widely adaptable scenarios. For instance, amidst a recent darker period of my own life, I unknowingly gravitated towards clothes that covered my body loosely, picking the darkest shades out of my closet, just to get progressively more frustrated with my sense of self. It was then that I started to recognize that my internal struggles with identity and its correlation to fashion are emphasized when I am experiencing waves of turmoil. I thought, so now what? I know there are moments where the dark and loose clothing do make me feel confident, so what does that say about my sense of self? All of these questions are open ended, but what I do know after having these revelations is that it simply requires an act of agency day to day.
Image Courtesy: Instagram
The items in our closets hold different values, sentimental meaning, and appeal. I believe that once we reveal ourselves to the moods and expressions each article brings out, we are able to organize our own personable styles that make positive changes in our attitude towards the day. This takes “Dopamine Dressing” and makes it a reinforcing application to our own autonomy and identity through fashion. For reference, this past week, I’ve felt a deep longing for my family and the people I hold close. Borrowing my mother’s faux gator loafers, in many ways, makes sense as a way to connect with a symbol of home and the confidence I admire in her. By simply wearing this item, I am actively choosing to incorporate a piece of sentimental value into my outfit, offering my mind a sense of comfort throughout the day. And maybe next week, I will apply the scientific support of color theory.
Using “Dopamine Dressing” as a therapeutic tool also addresses the current complexities and illusions of feeling a need to consistently adhere to a certain fashion aesthetic, something that I believe is a common root to my generation's struggles with identity. The good news is that behind clothing choices, there is a sense of empowerment. When I access it as a creative outlet, it arises an opportunity to decide who I am each day. Hopefully, like me, you choose to strive for the best version of yourself everyday and the beautiful quality in fashion is that this effort looks different for everyone. The big Idea to take away is that an active choice to use fashion to our advantage exists, especially in the shadowed weeks we feel restrained to our own emotional conditions.
Strike Out,
Selah Hassel
Editor: Maya Kayyal
Saint Augustine
Selah Hassel is a content writer for Strike Magazine. She has a passion for travel, spending much of her time reading, writing, or collecting comfort objects.You can find her on instagram, @Selah.eve.
