What is Dopamine Dressing? Clothes That Make You Happy

This post shows my favorite dopamine dressing pieces!

As a self-proclaimed Libra, I love to look fashionable but I also like to indulge in things like food, wine, and my favorite, sleep.

While some may confuse it for laziness, I’m just serious about lounging and comfort.

But as much as I love the privilege of working from home in cozy clothes or pajamas, I miss the routine of getting dolled up and ready in the morning.

I’ve gotten a little too comfortable and my performance is starting to show it. And honestly, seeing people roll out of bed to barely function in society is depressing.

For anyone who feels like the world is dystopian and that you have to dim your light to make others comfortable with their lack of effort in appearance, I say this:

Just because the world is ugly right now doesn’t mean you have to be.

In fact: It’s time to shine a little brighter. Starting with your outfit.

To avoid becoming a full-time sloth, I’ve started to become very intentional with how I get dressed in the mornings. Items that make me feel comfortable, but still chic. Clothes that make you always feel good.

No more lounge sets. Instead, I’m looking into dopamine dressing with a huge dose of outfits to feel happy, creative and the authentic version of me.

What Are My Immediate Dopamine Dressing Clothing Pieces?

In these times, we have to force ourselves to show up in what makes us feel good, no matter what.

Here are clothes that make me feel good no matter what!

1. Dresses With Pockets

There is nothing that makes me happier than wearing a dress with pockets.

While I’ve struggled with my mental health, dresses have been the one piece of clothing that makes getting ready, one less step in my routine.

Fashion that also has a function I love! Some pockets are more aesthetic than functional, I do notice when a dress has pockets vs. not having one.

And even if the pocket isn’t truly functional, I love to have a spot to tuck in my hands.

Call it a quirk, social anxiety, I don’t know but we need us ladies need our safe space!

It’s a fashion aesthetic that we have to fight for and a reminder that women are oppressed down to our clothes!

Thrifted NY and Company Sun Dress: 7.99

Thrifted MTC Plaid Dress: 7.99

2. Light and Airy Fabrics

When I first started thrifting, I was beyond shocked at how many things in my closet were made of polyester plastic!

I have an auto-immune disease that flares with excessive sweating, stress, and temperature changes so constricting, tight, and non-breathable fabrics are an absolute no!

When I noticed things were significantly cheaper and better quality with thrifting, I made it my mission to transition to a more eco-friendly and breathable closet.

For example, I’ve found cotton summer dresses, silk shirts, for staying warm during winter and cool during summer. Matching knit sets or sheer camis always come in handy. I like linen here and there but the clothes don’t seem to be as cute.

They’re a little drab. No shade.

Other eco-friendly fabrics:

Modal
Viscose
Cotton
Rayon

And it’s not just for fabrics! The silhouettes matter too. Anything where I feel non-restricted like skirts, sleeveless shirts, flowy shawls, and dresses are my favorite!

3. Cardigans

I am obsessed with cardigans.

It’s honestly the perfect accessory regardless of all the hate people try to give it.

Insults vary from looking like a grandma, too nerdy, old lady, childish but these are people who only go by what’s “trendy”.

I love cardigans because they give Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood vibes: kindness, innocence, community. All things we need right now.

And Mr. Roger’s switching out his sweaters was the highlight of the show. R.I.P.

Yes. I am THAT millennial.

I also appreciate or don’t mind that cardigans are associated with libraries or nerds, which just indicates you read and are educated, if you ask me.

The best part is they’re soft and comforting. It’s like a security blanket but fashionable and for adults.

Plus, I’m highly sensitive to temperature changes, a cardigan ensures I’m never caught cold indoors.

Thrifted LaCoste Orlon cardigan: 4.99

4. The Color Black

I used to feel guilty for having so much black in my closet. I kept trying to figure out what was wrong with me, why didn’t I gravitate towards colors?!

Well, I’ll tell you. I love being fashionable and put together but I do not like mixing and matching outfits together.

That takes effort and time I just do not have. Whereas black is appropriate for every day.

If I want to hide from the world, I can hide in black. If my mental state is horrible, then I’m still a beautiful disaster in black. When you go to a job interview, wearing black makes people take you more seriously.

Black represents mystery, death, sophistication. It can do it all. It’s easy and quick to put together and still feel like me, a 24/7 walking contradiction.