Dopamine dressing: The secret to being happier at work?
PLUS: LinkedIn workshop for journos 9 MAY - tickets now on sale
A pink jacket. From Sainsbury’s. It’s not the first thing that comes to mind when you think of a tool for career happiness. But there I was, standing in a lift, grinning, as I took a photo of myself wearing said jacket.
I posted it on LinkedIn, and several people told me I was dopamine dressing. I’d never heard of it!
Dopamine dressing is the idea of wearing clothes that boost your mood by stimulating the brain’s reward system — particularly the release of dopamine, a chemical linked to pleasure, motivation, and happiness.
The idea is that what you wear can directly influence how you feel. Instead of dressing for trends, expectations, or formality, dopamine dressing encourages choosing outfits based on what brings you joy. That might be a bright pink jacket, or, as is often the case for me, leopard print. For some people it’s accessories, for others it might be a jaunty shoe.
I've dopamine dressed in other areas of life: Festival sequins, gold cowboy boots, snazzy scarves and a wide range of eyeshadows. But at work? Well, sometimes, but not with happiness specifically in mind.
But that whole day, I felt something. More joy, a bit more spring in my step. It made me think whether, if I dopamine dressed ALL the time, if I’d be happier in my career. Is a pink blazer, a gold shoe or a fancy pair of earrings going to make you more joyful in meetings, more engaged with clients, more positive in your sales technique?
Ultimately, dopamine dressing is less about what’s “fashionable” and more about what makes you feel alive, authentic, and energised. And while it’s not a total quick-fix, it can be a gateway to a smile, a different conversation, decisions that are made while you’re in that happy zone.
I do think that what we wear can affect how we feel and behave at work. The concept of dopamine dressing taps into this by encouraging us to wear clothes that boost our mood — and when we feel good, we can tend to show up with more energy, confidence, and creativity.
In a work context, this can be a quiet but powerful form of self-care and self-expression. Choosing colours, textures, or pieces that lift your spirits (rather than defaulting to neutral, “safe” workwear) can shift how you enter a meeting, speak up in a group, or handle challenges. It signals to your brain: I’m allowed to take up space. I belong here.
It can also break up the monotony of routine. A bright pink jacket on a dull Monday or a bold pair of shoes for an important pitch can act as mini mood resets, increasing your motivation and presence.
And perhaps most importantly, dopamine dressing supports authenticity. Feeling like yourself — rather than a watered-down version — can boost career confidence and even help you attract the right opportunities.
Want to try it? Here are three ways to give dopamine dressing a go - and see how it affects your working day or week (or even life!):
1. Start with a Pop of Colour
Choose one item — like a bold top, colourful scarf, or statement jewellery — and pair it with your usual neutral workwear. Colourful nail polish or make up can count too.
2. Wear What Feels Like You
Dopamine dressing is personal. It’s less about being loud, more about the feelings. If you love vintage patterns, soft textures, or a quirky brooch that makes you smile — wear it. Choose items that reflect your identity and make you feel more ‘you’ at work.
3. Use Texture and Detail
Joy doesn’t only come from colour. Try fabrics and textures you love like velvet or satin or details like embroidery or a pattern on a top. These small touches can give a sense of individuality and boost your mood throughout the day.
Here’s more on my work outfits:
LINKED IN WORKSHOP FOR JOURNALISTS: May 9th
Hello to all the freelance journalists who have the LinkedIn ‘ick’. Want to ditch it and start using the platform to find work? Come and join this workshop where we’ll look at why LI is important for freelance journos, how to use it, lurking with purpose and finding work through updating your profile. It’s £20 as this is the first time I’ve run it so grab your ticket while it’s the bargain intro price! BUY YOUR TICKET