Dopamine Dressing and the Office

Dopamine dressing has been buzzing around the fashion and social media world recently, with icons such as Harry Styles leading the charge in this new trend, but what is it and how can it benefit your work life?

The term ‘dopamine dressing’ comes from the rush of dopamine we can feel when incorporating colour into our outfit. Dopamine, a neurotransmitter, creates feelings or pleasure, and simulates the reward response in our brains, improving our overall mood and productivity.

Put simply, dopamine dressing is wearing clothes in colours, patterns or textures which make you feel happy or calm. According to the research, sporting our favourite colours to work can brighten our mood, increase productivity, and improve office culture

Colourful clothes can emulate that new ‘fit feeling, boosting your confidence and putting a spring in your step on your morning commute. Dopamine dressing is all about wearing items that make you feel happy, and improve your mental wellbeing. It really is the little things!

Since the pandemic, more people are focusing on how their clothes make them feel, rather than solely on the way they look – whether that’s ditching the heels, or adding a burst of colour. This shift allows your clothes to serve your needs, and this includes your professional life!

Dressing for comfort can lead to the abandonment of personal style, opting to stick with joggers and hoodie over putting together an outfit. Dopamine dressing is here to help! Picking colours for your office outfit which make you feel confident and positive can get you out of a dressing rut, and encourage you to be more outgoing at work.

Whilst dopamine dressing can benefit all areas of our life, more recent studies demonstrate its use in the workplace, analysing the connotations of certain colours in the office. Looking to ace an interview or just bring good vibes to your workplace – try a few of these!

Yellow: Improves energy, confidence, and happiness – Ideal for meetings and networking.

Green: Encourages relaxation and security – good for those stressful days!

Blue: Great for creativity – ideal for those in creative roles or those days when you need to problem solve.

Purple: Indicates sophistication and imagination – great for brainstorming and making a positive first impression!

Black: Shows authority – for those days when you need to be powerful!

“It is not about the colour per se, but rather what you associate with that colour” – Elizabeth Lombardo PHD