Dressing for joy has never been easier! Step into summer with a burst of audacious hues and embrace the dopamine rush.

Colour, an unwavering force, has sculpted the tapestry of fashion across centuries, weaving its vibrant threads through the fabric of history while persistently influencing the contemporary realm of style. Punchy palettes, bold prints, interesting textures and eye-catching accessories have held the esteemed position of uplifting moods within countless wardrobes and have shaped trends throughout history. 

The relationship between clothes and how they make one feel is not new; it is one that has existed for aeons. While dressing loud and proud may have taken a backseat momentarily during the pandemic, it did not hide in people’s closets for long. Right after the pandemic, the gradual reopening of the world’s doors to normalcy and regular functioning led to people overdosing on colour – in order to inject an extra bounce into their strides. With people’s need to head somewhere over the rainbow, in came the psychologically-backed trend: ‘Dopamine Dressing.’ Coined by fashion psychologist Dr. Dawnn Karen in her book “Dress Your Best Life,” in 2020, this trend didn’t just make a splash on social media – it has continued to take over runways, light up red carpets, and graced the bustling streets with unbridled flair ever since.

The Science Behind Dopamine Dressing

At the heart of dopamine dressing lies the belief that specific colours, patterns, and styles possess the remarkable ability to elicit positive emotions and trigger the release of dopamine – a neurotransmitter intricately linked to the sensations of pleasure and reward within the brain. In the annual Pinterest Predicts report – a trend forecast based on user search data – the platform anticipated the rise of the mood-boosting fashion trend in 2022 – reflecting our collective desire for positivity and joy. 

Dopamine dressing swiftly conquered TikTok and Instagram, unleashing a sartorial revolution that saw fashion accounts and influencers joyously embracing the transformative power of statement-making hues. However, the trend didn’t confine itself to our mobile screens alone; it seamlessly seeped into the realms of renowned designers’ collections and adorned the wardrobes of Hollywood’s elite. This infusion of vibrant energy splashed onto the runway and red carpets, injecting euphoria-inducing shades into the heart of high fashion.

Electrifying the Runway

A chromatic explosion rocked the runways as fashion’s elite ignited the season with a riot of hyper-bright hues. Balenciaga, under the creative direction of Demna Gvasalia, turned the runway into a canvas of chromatic boldness with electrifying pieces from their Fall ‘24 collection, like the blue fuzzy faux fur coat adorned by Carbi B. Adding to this colourful symphony was India’s Rahul Mishra, who injected Palais de Tokyo in Paris with a dose of dopamine with his latest “easy-to-wear” line, AFEW. Bursting with a kaleidoscope of feel-good designs, the Spring ‘24 collection featured rainbow-hued dresses, nature-inspired ensembles vividly adorned in neon tones, and evocative sets infused with flower power. At Gucci, Sabato De Sarno’s debut collection as the creative director redefined luxury through a bold yet understated palette. The collection showcased masterfully tailored essentials strategically injected with hints of neon greens and yellows.

Ruling the Red Carpets

Daring fashion trends and glam are no news for red carpets, but the past few years have certainly seen celebrities embracing the most eye-catching shades, introducing a much-needed dose of vibrancy on a carpet where black has reigned supreme for years. A prime playground for the dopamine dressing trend, global red carpets saw celebrities trading safe neutrals for a technicolour explosion – highlighting a glamorous rebellion against sartorial safety. Floral, graphic prints, feathers and audacious layers – the red carpet is seeing a resurgence of playful patterns and textures. Bright blues, emerald greens, neon yellows, fiery oranges, and ruby reds dominate, reigniting the dopamine dressing trend this summer. From Florence Pugh’s trendsetting Valentino red gown and Margot Robbie’s Giorgio Armani Privé barbie-core masterpiece at the Golden Globes to Rosamund Pike’s scintillating blue gown at the Critic’s Choice Awards, dopamine dressing is taking centre stage at the 2024 red carpets.

Closet Therapy: A Burst of Colour For Your Wardrobe

With dopamine dressing, you can transform your wardrobe and your mood, all with one fabulous outfit. Mastering this euphoria-inducing art is simpler than you think. The key? Find out precisely what mood-boosting pieces are for you so that you can hack your way to a happy wardrobe.

Embark on your dopamine-filled journey with celebrated Indian designers who have perfected the trend with their colour-drenched collections. Take Saaksha & Kinni’s ÉCLAT –  a riot of colour, print and hand embroidery. Made for the modern connoisseur, the new-age silhouettes in the collection pay homage to the homeland. For a playful punch, dive into the whimsical world of Shivan & Narresh’s Solscape, where a kaleidoscopic dream comes to life. For a truly luxurious escape, opt for Wendell Rodricks & Amit Aggarwal’s collaborative collection, which explodes with form-defying silhouettes imbued in the most saturated shades. Extending beyond clothing, accessories play a pivotal role in defining the trend. Experience an instant mood boost with Accessories By Papa Dont Preach’s creations, where creativity and flamboyance unite harmoniously.

As the radiant tide of dopamine dressing washes over fashion, it leaves behind a trail of fearless flair. 2024 is the year to ditch the sartorial safe zone and step into your happy place, one statement piece at a time. Embrace the dopamine rush, and let your wardrobe be a canvas for your most vibrant self. The little black dress? It might still have a place, but this season, take a detour down the electric avenue. After all, a little bit of colour can go a long way in brightening your day and of those around you.