Dopamine Dressing For Mental Health

Self-esteem and mental health are often linked. A person who isn’t comfortable with their self-expression may struggle to show confidence, take risks, socialize with others, and believe in themselves. Some people might repeat unhelpful beliefs in their minds, such as “I’m not attractive,” or “I am not as beautiful as that person.” These beliefs can lead to stress and worsen mental well-being. 

A popular concept, commonly referred to as “dopamine dressing,” posits that dressing in certain colors and outfits can lead to enhanced mental well-being and improved mood. Exploring this concept and how clothes might be related to mental health can be one way to tackle low self-esteem. Another method of addressing self-esteem challenges may be to work with a licensed mental health professional.

What is dopamine dressing?

The psychology behind dopamine dressing

While research has not indicated that the way someone dresses can lead to increased dopamine (the brain’s “happy hormone”), it may tie into enclothed cognition, the idea that what we wear influences how we think, feel, and act. 

Enclothed cognition was first described in 2012, in a paper reporting that people performed better on an attention test when wearing a lab coat than a painter’s coat. Additional research determined that this impact was small to moderate.

, While dopamine dressing may not be the same as enclothed cognition, some people may discover that they experience certain positive effects from dressing with a fun and comfortable aesthetic. The idea has even spilled over into interior design, with wall color, fabrics, furniture, and art choices focusing on creating joy.

Where did the dopamine dressing trend come from?

The term “dopamine dressing” was coined by fashion psychologist Dr. Dawnn Karen in 2020. As the world was emerging from some of the stricter COVID-19 restrictions and began to have hope, dopamine dressing became a social media trend. People started shifting from comfortable work-from-home loungewear to bright feel-good colors and styles. The trend held, with many fashion magazines continuing to talk about it well after COVID restrictions were lifted, including the following articles: 

• Harper’s Bazaar bringing dopamine dressing into the new year in 2022
• The BBC exploring dopamine dressing in 2023
• Marie Claire covering this type of feel-good fashion in 2025

How colors can influence mood and emotion

Although the concept of dopamine dressing is not specifically mentioned in existing research, related factors have been examined in some studies, including the following. 

Dopamine dressing: Color psychology

Color psychology is considered a theory and is not necessarily evidence-based. However, preliminary studies show that color may impact psychological functioning for some people. The first official mention of color psychology was made in 1810 by poet Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. He believed certain colors were associated with an emotional response. 

Vibrant and saturated colors

Wolfgang von Goethe believed yellow was associated with happiness. Some associate red with anger because blood often rushes to the face when people are angry, and they may “turn red.” Sexual attraction is also often associated with red because of the blushing that may occur in people who are attracted to each other. In addition, blue and green are sometimes associated with sickness due to how people become pale and may have blue- or green-tinted skin when ill. 

Other studies suggest that color may become associated with emotions through social learning based on the messages and emotions often paired with colors in one’s culture. For example, in the US, vibrant colors like yellow and orange are often associated with the sun, which is, in turn, typically associated with happiness. 

Blue is often used to show emotions like sadness in popular media. In movies like Inside Out, colors are used to characterize each emotion. Red is used for anger, blue for sadness, green for disgust, purple for fear, and turquoise for envy. Inside Out 2 introduced even more color-coded characters, including: 

• Orange for anxiety
• Teal for envy
• Dark blue for ennui
• Pink for embarrassment
• Brown for nostalgia

Mental Health America (MHA) also reports that bright colors can increase energy and rejuvenation. Individuals can use these findings to decide which colors they might use in their outfits, accessories, or makeup to receive desired reactions from others or to improve their own moods. However, they may also find it helpful to remember that these results are not fully backed by science. In addition, no studies currently show that color releases dopamine in the brain.

Dopamine dressing and novelty

Novelty doesn't require buying a dream wardrobe. Styling a familiar piece from your collection in a new way, adding a bit of color, or rediscovering something buried in the back of your closet can feel just as rewarding as buying something new.

Dopamine dressing for daily life

You don’t have to reserve dopamine dressing for special occasions. Small, intentional choices can shift your mood before you've left the house. Getting dressed can become a daily act of self-expression, and it can be as simple as incorporating small changes, such as:

• A brightly colored cardigan for a Tuesday morning in the office
• A pair of striped socks on an ordinary Thursday
• A pair of bold earrings for happy hour on Friday

Dressing for work, home, and screen time

Whether you’re working from the office or have back-to-back video calls, your environment can influence your clothing choices. On-screen meetings can create a sense of distance between participants, but color and contrast in your clothing can be key to how others perceive you and bring life to an otherwise dull meeting. Even when you’re home alone, dressing intentionally rather than focusing solely on comfort can help you feel like the day has begun.

Encouraging self-expression without pressure

If you’re interested in trying dopamine dressing, encourage yourself to see getting clothes as a way to discover your own personal aesthetic. Your style and what you’re drawn to can change with your mood, the season, or your day’s agenda. Discovering what fits your mood, personality, and style can help guide your clothing choices.

Can dopamine dressing actually improve mental health?

Dopamine dressing can help boost your mood, build self-confidence, or create small moments of joy, but it may not be for everyone. For some people, trying to dress a particular way may be too much pressure, or they may have sensitivity issues that make bright colors and bold textures overwhelming. Plus, there is no research that proves dopamine dressing can have a significant impact on mental health. If you are navigating symptoms of anxiety, depression, or other mental health struggles, consider seeking the support of a mental health professional.

How therapy can support self-expression and confidence

Self-esteem, body confidence, and clothing are often connected. Regardless of whether the dopamine dressing trend is backed by research, the underlying reasons one wants to change how they dress may be linked to mental well-being. If you are struggling to be comfortable in your skin or are experiencing negative thoughts about your weight, body shape, or appearance, talking to a therapist may be a helpful way to work through these challenges.

Seek support through online therapy

If you face barriers to finding in-person therapy in your area, you might consider talking to a therapist through an online platform like BetterHelp. Online therapy generally allows you to attend sessions from home via phone, video, or live chat. If you have anxiety about your appearance, a phone or chat session can allow you to talk to a therapist without them seeing you. 

Studies show that online therapy can be effective for conditions like eating disorders. In a 2021 study on online cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), researchers concluded that the intervention effectively reduced body dissatisfaction and improved physical and mental health, self-esteem, social functioning, and quality of life for many participants.