Style.Devine: How to master the art of dopamine dressing

“Dressing is more than just putting on suitable clothing for the day — it’s about creating outfits that inspire joy and make you feel good.” Bringing colour into your wardrobe can be genuinely mood-boosting, as Cambridge-based stylist Maggie Devine explains

It’s time to shake off the sparkles of the holidays and step into the New Year with intention and brightness. In my line of work, I often explain that dressing is more than just putting on suitable clothing for the day — it’s about creating outfits that inspire joy and make you feel good.

One of my favorite fashion trends right now is ‘dopamine dressing’, which simply means creating outfits that make you happy! That’s the whole aim. Surprisingly, this is often one of the last things people think about when getting dressed.

When I work with my private clients, I see many struggling to derive joy from their wardrobes. That’s why, as we enter a new calendar year, I want this article to focus on helping you find your happy place within your personal style.

Dopamine Dressing for Beginners
Dopamine dressing doesn’t have to mean diving headfirst into head-to-toe brights. Here are some beginner-friendly ways to integrate colour into your wardrobe.

1. Start Small Begin with a neutral base: jeans or trousers paired with a white, black, or grey top. Then add a pop of colour — this could be a vibrant knit, like cherry red (a perfect winter hue and one of the“‘it’ colours of the season), or even a bright scarf or headband.

2. Stick to a Colour Palette Choose softer, complementary shades that harmonize well together. Consider a palette of gentle reds, muted purples and delicate pinks. Starting with a cohesive selection of colors creates a balanced foundation, making it easier to experiment without feeling overwhelmed.

Embracing Bold Colours and Patterns
For those ready to take it further, consider mixing bold colours, patterns, or even dressing head-to-toe in a single vibrant hue. Take inspiration from the late Queen, who was a master of dopamine dressing. Her colourful two-piece suits with matching coats and hats weren’t just for herself — they brightened the moods of everyone around her. In fact, studies confirm that bright colours and textures can positively impact not only your mood but also the people around you.

If you’re ready to mix it up:
- Try layering patterns like plaids-on-plaids or dots-on-dots.
- Experiment with bold palettes like red/orange/pink, yellow/green, or purple/blue. Don’t be afraid to incorporate prints in these hues!

Brands & Influencers to Watch
If you’re looking for inspiration, here are some fantastic brands for playful, colorful dressing:

- Farm Rio

- Oliver Bonas (store in the Grand Arcade)

- Scamp & Dude (store in the Grand Arcade)

- Wolf & Badger

- Free People

- Never Fully Dressed

For influencer inspiration, check out:

- @cvazzana

- @blaireadiebee

- @black.fashion.mom

Dressing isn’t just about how you look — it’s about how you feel. So go ahead and reach for that bright pink blazer, vibrant green scarf, or mix them all together. Sometimes, the boldest choices bring the most joy!

And remember, if you’d like help curating your wardrobe or discovering your unique style, I’m always here for a 1:1 session. Let’s step into the New Year with confidence and colour!

To book a session, email maggie@styledevine.com. For more styling tips and outfit ideas, follow @style.devine