Dopamine Dressing: Embracing My New Fave Summer Trend on a Budget!
It seems like things are going to hell for about a hundred different reasons right now, And no, we don’t have to lay them all out here because we’d never get to the actual post! But I saw a term for a trend the other day that I realized I’d pretty much fully embraced as of late, so I thought I’d share it with you in case you’re looking for a little boost. It’s called “Dopamine Dressing,” and I wouldn’t say I’m the biggest trend follower, but Dopamine Dressing is something I am 100% on board with.
According to Harvard Health, “Dopamine is most notably involved in helping us feel pleasure as part of the brain’s reward system. Sex, shopping, smelling cookies baking in the oven — all these things can trigger dopamine release, or a ‘dopamine rush.’”
Brb, heading to the grocery store real quick!
The thing I love about this trend is there are no rules other than to just pack on the color. You can wear any trend, any silhouette that flatters your body type or feels good to you, and just go for it 🌈 All of these items are things I’ve purchased recently, have tried on, or have hanging out in an abandoned cart somewhere waiting for a discount code (does anyone else do this?).
I’m not trying to say I haven’t enjoyed building out my loungewear wardrobe over the last 2 years, but it feels genuinely good to wear something bright and cheerful. And if you’re not feeling it because gestures broadly at everything that’s ok. Maybe try it out to see if it can help impact your mood from the outside in. A real “build it and they will come” scenario! For those of you that are wary of wearing bright colors, I’m going to help you out, too.
Oh, and all of these options are under $88 because trying to build out an entire work wardrobe is no joke.
Let’s pump up the color, y’all!
Women's Sleeveless Jacquard Sweater Dress by Wild Fable - $28
The dress so cute my boss literally bought it online the second she saw me in it. It’s a light sweater material, so it will stretch out a little. I’m usually a large, but I purchased a medium and am very happy with it. I still can’t believe it’s from Target. The photos don’t do it justice. I paired mine with some nude heels and pink boho-style earrings. I’m considering buying the other 2 color options because I like this one so much. It’s been sold out for a while, so RUN — do not walk — to buy this dress. (PS if it’s sold out, I’ve had good luck requesting to get a notification when items are back in stock.)
SheIn Casual Slit Wrap Asymmetrical Draped Skirt - $33.99
I don’t buy much of anything on Amazon and definitely haven’t had much luck in the clothes department, but I saw this skirt and had to have it. I haven’t actually worn it yet, but it ticks a lot of boxes: the draping is so beautiful and flattering, it’s comfortable, and it packs a punch! I think I’m going to pair it with a cobalt blue top and a pair of nude heels, but it would also look great with a cropped white tee and sandals. If lime green isn’t for you, this skirt comes in a few dozen color options. It’s not sheer at all, and I ordered my normal size (but you might be able to size down).
Rainbow Puff Sleeve Top - $88
Can’t decide which color you want to wear? Why not wear all of them! This top is from my friend Rachel’s boutique at L&L Market (if you’re in Nashville, GO!), and the puff sleeves and smocking and the ruffle detail at the bottom are so feminine and FUN. I’m wearing a medium because the smocking provides a good amount of stretch and I don’t have a lot going on up top if ya know what I mean! Every time I wear something from her shop I get a million compliments on it, so be sure to shop local if you can, and if not, you can shop her online boutique by clicking here.
Janis Slide Sandal - $49.96
I purchased these sandals in black because my go-to black sandals bit the dust, and I’m so obsessed with them. They look much more expensive than they are. I really love this lilac version. The ruched strap across the top is so fun, and you can actually see the cute croc detail on the heel and at the toe. One of my coworkers literally squealed when she saw me wear them for the first time. So if you want someone gawking at you, pick these up! Oh, and they’re pretty comfortable. I don’t know if I would wear them all day running errands, but we have a pretty big office and I make it through the day just fine. I ordered my normal size.
Linen-blend shirt dress - $39.99
I’d never purchased anything from Mango before, but they were having a sale and I was desperate for work clothes, so I tried this and a few other items out. I wanted something lightweight and linen for summer, and this is a great basic with a twist (pun intended!). The little knot detail in the front is so chic. I had to swap it out for a smaller size (I’m usually a 10, but I needed an 8), and it stretched a little throughout the day which I didn’t mind because it’s so hot out. But I’m really happy with the quality, and when I exchanged my initial purchase, I bought it in black, too. I paired it with black sandals. Easy squeezy! And it’s on sale right now!
Satin Effect Slit Pants - $49.90
Absolutely obsessed with these pants. As someone who sits at a desk all day, elastic waist pants are the real deal. Not trying to have something cutting into my waist for 9 hours. GROSS. I love that they paired these with a pink bodysuit for a monochromatic look. Also, I feel like these could go more casual or dressy, depending on the accessories.
…But what if I’m scared of color?
It’s ok! I spent several years working in salons as well as doing haircare sales, and black is the official color of salon professionals everywhere. To mimic my environment, my wardrobe eventually transitioned to a very minimal palette. It took me a while to embrace color, too. Start small with fun makeup or accessories and build your way up!
Why not try a bold eyeshadow or a punchy lip color or a bright nail polish? Or maybe some fun earrings or a statement bag? Here’s a little Pinterest inspo for you:
