Editorial Team
The new season is here and it’s time to turn up the brightness
Ready to step out of hibernation? After months of hiding under winter layers, it’s time to inject new-season energy into your wardrobe with our edit of happy-hued jackets, dresses, bags and more. Explore just-landed pieces and embrace colour for an instant mood boost.
What is dopamine dressing?
Part of a wider psychological phenomenon called ‘enclothed cognition’, which describes the power of clothing to impact our thoughts, feelings and behaviours, dopamine dressing refers to wearing clothes that boost the happy hormone – dopamine – to make you feel good. As psychologist Dr Becky Spelman tells us, “what you wear affects how you feel, and clothes have the power to make you feel more positive. Wearing a favourite style or colour can lift your mood and make you feel more energised.”
What are dopamine colours?
Colour psychology says that reds and oranges are good for energy and confidence, sunshine yellows for optimism and creativity. Sky blues and tranquil greens can help calmness and focus, while lilacs or purples suggest luxury and mystery. Dopamine dressing can also be about texture; think smooth, soft cashmere knits or silky dresses, which trigger comfort and happiness. The secret to getting that dopamine effect is, essentially, about choosing the pieces that make you feel good.
How to wear colour
Try mixing different tones of the same hue, or go for bold by clashing prints or wearing different colours together. Rachel Morgans, John Lewis’ fashion director, says: “As we step into the warmer months, pops of vibrant colour and bold prints give a confident reset that feels contemporary and effortlessly wearable. This season pink, red and green are everywhere.”
Neutrals with colour
If head-to-toe colour isn’t your thing, try adding colour pops to a neutral base of brown, tan, cream, or dark blue for an easy, contemporary look. For great, colourful mid-season layers that are perfect for throwing on over tees and denim, brands such as Polo Ralph Lauren, HUSH and Whistles do the hard work for you.
Colour-pop accessories
Ease yourself into a life in colour with accessories in eye-catching shades. Sunglasses, bags, shoes or socks in vibrant colours are an easy, playful way to nod to the trend while accentuating a classic, pared-back look. We love bold and bright handbag styles from Polo Ralph Lauren, MM6 Maison Margiela and Mulberry.
Dopamine dressing for men
It's easy to play it safe with a wardrobe of navy and grey, but layering in men's colour-pop pieces adds energy, confidence and personality. Try elevated basics, such as jumpers, linen shirts or shorts in salmon pink, lilac or bright blues, from brands such as Barbour, John Smedley, Ralph Lauren and New Balance. To keep it simple and subtle, choose accessories such as a baseball cap or Paul Smith socks.
Colourful kids
Wear what makes you happy – this is an idea that has always been at the heart of the best childrenswear. Our edit of kids’ colour-pop is full of looks perfect for sunny days, from brands including Mini Boden, Molo, Stella McCartney Kids and The New Society. It’s all about self-expression, playfulness and joy – plus, you might find it inspires you to embrace the rainbow, too.
