Positive Dressing: Can You Boost Your Mood With Clothes? | #AD
If adding more colourful fruits and veggies to your plate can improve your health, can colourful clothes improve your mood? That's the idea behind 'dopamine dressing', the latest fashion trend that dips a toe into the world of health trends. But can a splash of brightness in your wardrobe really bring a smile? Fashion retailer QUIZ, with their own sparkling array of sequin dresses, investigates the trend.
Colours can have a profound effect on our psychology Studies have shown that different coloured objects and clothing can have different effects on individuals.
In one colour study, a group of students were given a participant number in red, black, or green. Results showed that students who were given a red number scored a significant 20% lower than those who presented with a green or black number.
Your choice of outfit colour also impacts people's perception of you:
Clearly, our moods and judgements are affected by a person's choice of outfit. So, what about when it comes to dressing for your own happiness?
It boils down to our own personal connotations from colours.
Different cultures can have different views on a colour too. Like the colour red? In China, this hue is a symbolism of good luck, yet in Africa it’s associated with death. Interestingly, in the African nation of Nigeria, it has connections with aggression and vitality.
If yellow seems like a happy colour to you, seeing that colour will likely make you feel happy. This idea is supported by one experiment involving a coat. Here, participants were all handed the same white coat — the only difference was that some were told it was a painter’s coat, and others were told it was a doctor’s. When asked to complete tasks, results revealed that those who were told it was a doctor’s coat performed better. It’s likely that the connotations that they associated with a professional uniform were more positive and motivational than those associated with the painter’s coat.
Power dressing can also change your mood. Some women feel more confident in trouser suits or skirt and jacket combos when surrounded by men who are donning a similar outfit in the form of a three-piece suit.
Build your outfit around your shape — this helps keep you comfortable and plays to your best features, which will both help to improve your mood. Here are some tips for perfectly dressing your body shape:
It's clear that our wardrobe picks can indeed influence our emotions. Putting colours and shapes aside, the most important thing is that you’re comfortable in the clothes that you wear. This will ensure your confidence shines through — a guaranteed mood booster!
Colour Your Mood
Colours can have a profound effect on our psychology Studies have shown that different coloured objects and clothing can have different effects on individuals.
In one colour study, a group of students were given a participant number in red, black, or green. Results showed that students who were given a red number scored a significant 20% lower than those who presented with a green or black number.
Your choice of outfit colour also impacts people's perception of you:
- White — a humble and optimistic vibe is gleaned from this colour choice.
- Black — suggests self-confidence, as well as intelligence.
- Red — suggests power, strength, and status. It also makes the wearer appear confident. It can indicate good health and financial stability, too.
Clearly, our moods and judgements are affected by a person's choice of outfit. So, what about when it comes to dressing for your own happiness?
Colours For Your Happiness
It boils down to our own personal connotations from colours.
Different cultures can have different views on a colour too. Like the colour red? In China, this hue is a symbolism of good luck, yet in Africa it’s associated with death. Interestingly, in the African nation of Nigeria, it has connections with aggression and vitality.
If yellow seems like a happy colour to you, seeing that colour will likely make you feel happy. This idea is supported by one experiment involving a coat. Here, participants were all handed the same white coat — the only difference was that some were told it was a painter’s coat, and others were told it was a doctor’s. When asked to complete tasks, results revealed that those who were told it was a doctor’s coat performed better. It’s likely that the connotations that they associated with a professional uniform were more positive and motivational than those associated with the painter’s coat.
Power dressing can also change your mood. Some women feel more confident in trouser suits or skirt and jacket combos when surrounded by men who are donning a similar outfit in the form of a three-piece suit.
Have a think about which clothes you feel confident and comfortable in, then dress accordingly to make you feel that way.
Shaping your outfit
Build your outfit around your shape — this helps keep you comfortable and plays to your best features, which will both help to improve your mood. Here are some tips for perfectly dressing your body shape:
- Pear-shaped — carrying your weight on the lower areas of your body gives you a pear-shaped frame. You can elongate your legs with a straight or bootcut jean. Avoid high-waisted trousers though, as these can make you look shorter.
- Apple-shaped — carrying your weight around the middle makes you apple-shaped. Bring focus to your legs with a straight-leg trouser and pair with heels.
- Petite — some clothes can overpower a petite frame. High-waisted trousers and crop tops are good if you’re this size, as they can create the illusion that you’re taller and show off your small physique!
- Tall — if you’re looking to play towards your long legs as a feature, you should go for a low-rise trouser with a skinny leg.
It's clear that our wardrobe picks can indeed influence our emotions. Putting colours and shapes aside, the most important thing is that you’re comfortable in the clothes that you wear. This will ensure your confidence shines through — a guaranteed mood booster!
Disclaimer: this is a sponsored post in collaboration with Quiz Clothing.