Dopamine Dressing – bringing colour to my fashion world
As I’m ageing I’m wearing brighter colours that lift my mood and look great. Gone are my ‘corporate’ clothes of black and grey. These are replaced with bright, zesty colours which bring fun and happiness in what I wear. I’m also loving the colourful accessories that I’ve started to purchase – although that may need to be another post.
What is Dopamine Dressing?
Dopamine dressing is a fashion trend that involves wearing bright, vibrant colors to elevate mood and boost positivity. It is based on the concept that certain colors can stimulate the release of dopamine, which is commonly known as the “feel-good” hormone. By intentionally incorporating colorful clothing and accessories into one’s wardrobe, dopamine dressing aims to enhance overall well-being and create a sense of happiness and energy. This fashion approach is a way to express individuality, embrace positivity, and add a playful touch to everyday outfits.
Bringing Colour to my Wardrobe
I just returned from a long weekend in Sydney catching up with family who I hadn’t seen for 8 years. I stayed with my darling cousin/godmother/’big sister’ and friend, Carole. We speak weekly but nothing beats a face-to-face visit. We had a hectic weekend catching up with each other, a Saturday lunch with my cousin and her husband (Carole’s daughter) and a family 70th birthday on Saturday night then out to lunch with my two cousins on Sunday before heading home late Sunday afternoon.
What a wonderful weekend and I hope that it won’t be 8 years before I see them all again.
The weather forecast was for very chilly temperatures for Friday and Saturday with a warmer, fine Sunday predicted.
I packed and unpacked several times which will be great experience as in under two weeks I’ll be packing for a three-week holiday to Europe where it will indeed be cold!
This is what I wore for the weekend away – stylish yet comfortable were my ‘go to’ words for my wardrobe.
When I fly I like to be comfortable, yet stylish. I can feel cold in the plane and it was wintery weather in Sydney so I selected layers.


- Favourite black ponte pants from the petites range by Danni Minogue @targetaus
- @fella_hamilton pink vowel neck top. Warm yet light to wear.
- Gorgeous scarf @gregory_ladner_accessories
- Ankle boots from @spendlessshoes
- Faux suede jacket from @shein_au
Saturday
- Still cold my daytime outfit was casual and comfy bringing colour to a dull day. A pop of colour is always a great way to lift your mood.
- Red jacket – purchased on a trip to Quebec is cosy and perfect for today’s weather.
- My orange and gold pashmina which I don’t wear often but should because it’s a gorgeous color.
- Some leggings and a @3rdstorythelabel white tee from last season.
- Comfy walking shoes ready to explore.




One of the reasons I was going to Sydney was to attend a 70th birthday party. It was a Rio theme but travelling from Brisbane I decided that feathers and mardi gras costumes would not fit in my bag so I came up with my own ideas.
I selected this outfit from Shein and had my fingers crossed that Saturday evening would not be too cold to wear it.
I love the bright colours and my earrings which I had purchased quite some time ago matched perfectly. Adding some colourful beads and ‘blingy’ sandals I was ready to party.




Sunday
After a slow start to the day the weather was warmer with blue skies and sunshine. As I was leaving Sunday night, there was time to enjoy a lovely lunch with my darling cousin and her daughter and a walk along the foreshore. For today’s outfit I selected
- Black leggings
- White tee
- My beautiful scarf from Gregory Ladner
- White shoes with gold trim
- My Fella Hamilton Haven French Rib Zip Jacket in Baby Pink

Planning to bring colour for my River Cruise
On Saturday, we fly to Amsterdam and prepare for our first ever River cruise – I’m excited. We will be spending some time in Amsterdam before embarking on a 7 day cruise to Basel then 6 nights after that in Milan. If you would like to read my itinerary click HERE
We are going from Summer temps in the 30sC to Wintery temps of 9C so first thing packed will be my red jacket along with my red beanie and scarf. Did you read my Bringing Back the Hat post from last week? It was a fun look at the hats I’ve worn or still wear. I was surprised at how many I have in my wardrobe, especially for someone who doesn’t think hats suit them.


I have read that there aren’t any formal nights on the cruise but I’m packing this evening wear just in case.
Recently, I’ve been fortunate to collaborate with Fella Hamilton and this is one of the outfits they kindly sent me. It will easily fold up into my bag and it doesn’t crease – perfect for travelling.
Fella Hamilton has kindly given me a code to share with my readers for a discount. If you would like to treat yourself, remember to USE CODE: SUE10 at the checkout. You can find your Fella Hamilton garments HERE

Other favourite colours in my wardrobe
I just adore this pink dress which I purchased from West Indies Wear last Summer. Every time I put it on I feel happy, confident and ready to take on life. I also love the colourful beach pants purchased from WIW so comfy and bright.


I love the Spearmint Green another Fella Hamilton top and of course Navy and White always look so fresh.


So, if you’re looking to boost your mood through your clothing choices, consider wearing clothes that make you feel good and comfortable. Remember, it’s all about wearing what makes you happy!
What colours do you like in your wardrobe? Do you find that there is one dominant colour or a rainbow of colours? I’d love to hear or see a photo.

31 Comments
Your bright colors look stunning, Sue. They are uplifting and inspiring!
I’m loving the colours, Donna and they certainly do lift your mood x
Loving all your colour. Those outfits will be perfect for travel. Have a fantastic time.
Thanks, Jo! It’s getting real now! x
You look amazing in all those outfits Sue! I particularly love the colourful evening wear jacket worn with the black pants and top. How exciting that you’re soon off on a river cruise in Europe. That is on my wish list. I hope we get to do it one day. I will be watching for your photos with great interest! Safe travels and have the most fantastic time. Thank you for linking up with #WWWhimsy xo
Thanks, Min! I’m very lucky to have been gifted some beautiful outfits and just in time for my River Cruise. It’s our first so I will let you know what it is like. Everyone is telling us we will enjoy it so fingers crossed. x
Yes, yes, yes!! You must wear that scarf more often. Red is such a good color for you. Well, actually, you look gorgeous in all of these colors. But, honestly…that Rio outfit…you are positively stunning, Sue!
I’m looking forward to your posts about your vacation…all places and things I hope to do some day!
https://marshainthemiddle.com/
Hi Marsha, thanks for your lovely comment and I was very happy with the Rio outfit which was very inexpensive. I’m sure it will be a feature over the Holiday season. I’ll be posting photos of my trip which I hope you will enjoy. x
Lovely colours Sue – you’re right up there with the Fashion Bloggers with this post 🙂
Thanks, Leanne. Trying something new but not sure I’m up there with the Fashion Bloggers yet. x
I love all your outfits – you really know what suits you. I feel like I’ve forgotten! I tend to wear lots of navy, white, various shades of blue and the occasional pop of fuchsia. Your posts have provided me with motivation to make a bit more effort! Have a wonderful trip
Hi Janine, deep down I do know what suits me and can certainly tell hen it doesn’t. Navy and white never go out of fashion and I love a pop of fuchsia to lift the mood. x
Fantastic colours Sue, bright and bold and perfect in my eyes! I think the world needs more colour and am on a mission to show examples of wearing more colours following along with the dopamine dressing meaning! You suit the clothes so well and you should be all set for your trip with some of these outfits. Thanks for spreading joy with colour!
The world does need more colour Deb and we can all do our part to bring colour to the world. x
Those bright colours look great on you, Sue. Have a wonderful trip! I look forward to your post-trip report and photos.
The bright colours certainly make me feel more confident, Natalie. Thanks for the good wishes for the trip it is nearly here! x
Hi Sue, I’m back to say thank you for linking up with #Weekendcoffeeshare. Safe travels to you and Mike!
You’ll definitely wow the other cruisers Sue if your travel wardrobe is anything like the one you’ve displayed here. You are certainly living (and looking) well after 50!
Take care
Cathy #WWWhimsy
You are very kind, Cathy. I’m loving my wardrobe at the moment and it makes me feel confident and joyful. x
Sounds like you had a fabulous trip and you packed so well! Love all the bright colours and especially love your Shein top – what a find. I must say although I do still love my black basics, the older I get, the more I love colour. Bright pink is definitely one of my favourites.
Hi Sammie, I do still love my black basics but am trying to bring more colour in. Black is a great mix and match basic isn’t it and you can’t go past a bright pink to lift the mood. x
You look gorgeous in these bright colors, Sue. I’m afraid much of my wardrobe is pretty boring. I do have a bright pink t-shirt that always makes me feel good when I wear it, so maybe there is something to be said for dopamine dressing. I’ll keep that in mind for my next clothing purchase.
Thanks so much, Christie. I’m loving the bright colours and it does make me feel more confident. I still love my monochrome basics but adding a pop of colour is such a mood booster. x
I love all your outfits, Sue – I love plenty of colours, too
Thanks, Toni colour is a great mood lifter. x
Sue, I love this idea of dopamine dressing! Do you think fun flashy coloured glass would work as an accessory?
I loved your fun-coloured halter that shows off the shoulder. It is cute and dressy. Great hats too! Thank you for sharing this. I think I’m going to give it a try.
You look fabulous! I still have too much corporate black and gray, mostly so I make sure I have things that match when I’m dressing in a hurry on work days. I’m starting to pick up a few bolder pieces though.
Sue, you look beautiful in all your outfits. I love the bright colors and the cute jackets.
What fun outfits! I don’t really wear many bright colors. I feel like I used to wear them more when I was in HS and college, now I lean towards neutral muted colors.
I really enjoyed your post, Sue. A year ago, I wouldn’t have said I was into fashion, but I love op shopping and discovering Salvos Online has taken it up quite a notch and is a perfect place for finding or searching for stand out items. I am quite creative and automatically wear bright colours, interesting quirky prints and love Peter Alexander pyjamas. I hadn’t thought of this as dopamine dressing but it certainly lifts my mood and is more expressive. Red and hot pink are my favourite colours. Just need a bigger wardrobe now.
Best wishes,
Rowena
Hi Rowena, thanks for your comment and yes Red and Hot Pink are my favourites – so bright and a sure way to lift our mood. I hear you about the bigger wardrobe! x