Could fashion give us the wellbeing boost we all need this winter?
As the days get shorter, here’s how fashion can boost your mood.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.‘Dopamine dressing’ boomed into the local lexicon two years ago, as people began to explore how injecting colour into their wardrobe could help them feel happier.
At this time of year, as the clocks go back and the days get shorter, our moods can often dampen with the weather.
Whilst colour is one way to brighten your day, forming a stronger relationship with your wardrobe can enhance your overall wellbeing, says therapist Eloise Skinner.
“Fashion can make [you] feel confident with your appearance, which can translate to increased confidence in personal, social and professional settings,” says Skinner.
Skinner explains how fashion is a powerful tool for self-expression, as it helps communicate who you are before saying a word.
“Fashion can connect you to your personal sense of style, which helps to strengthen your sense of self – your identity, values and image,” says Skinner.
Strengthening your sense of self can make you feel more secure, making it even more crucial to discover your own style and tastes as we head into the cooler months.
The colours in our wardrobe are also crucial to our mood. Different shades can evoke different emotions, varying from comfort to alert to excitement.
“The Ecological Valence Theory (EVT) suggests that we’ve been exposed to particular colour-object pairings throughout our lives,” explains fashion psychologist, Shakaila Forbes-Bell, from Clearpay’s consumer insights.
“These associations have become so ingrained in us that they influence the emotions we experience when encountering certain colours.”
Forbes-Bell explains how this theory applies to fashion and how the colours we wear can influence our mood and emotional state.
“When we choose certain colours in our clothing, we may subconsciously be drawing on these emotional connections, using fashion as a way to evoke or enhance specific feelings,” says Forbes-Bell.
“According to new sales data from Clearpay, yellow coats have had a 271% surge in sales – a colour we associate with the sun, which in turn lifts our spirits and brings joy.”
It’s no surprise that people are gravitating towards bright colours at this time of year. Yet if you’re someone who enjoys wearing more neutral hues, you can still get your dopamine dose.
“Olive green has seen a 78% year-on-year sales increase,” says Forbes-Bell, “This is likely due to its connection with nature, making us feel grounded and serene as the cooler months approach.”
Forbes-Bell explains how these mood-enhancing colours can counteract the seasonal shift, bringing people a sense of joy through fashion.
If you’re hesitant to overhaul your cream and navy knits for bright yellow jumpers – start with accessories and work your way up.
Setting the task of introducing more colour into your wardrobe this season can provide inspiration for piecing an ensemble together – it could even make you more fashionable.