Home > How Dopamine Dressing Boosted My Self-Confidence

How Dopamine Dressing Boosted My Self-Confidence

We are coming out of two years of hard times thanks to the pandemic. I can see how happy people are that the world has started to open up. You know how I can tell? Well, the undercurrent of angst seems to have subsided, for one (thank GOD). I was tired of seeing people get into arguments over the last bag of Doritos at the grocery store, or diving for cover every time someone coughed.

Dominique Baker walking down the street in a bright green suit holding a Chanel Bag

Look at how people are dressing nowadays. There is colour everywhere. It is so refreshing! Much less beige and way more cobalts, flamingo pinks, sunny yellows and fantastic greens. Green especially is everywhere!

During a recent shopping trip, I picked up a few pieces in shades of the rainbow and bright florals that spoke directly to my ultra-feminine heart.

These pieces made me smile each time I wore them. I walked taller, felt brighter and my outlook changed. Adding a few bright pieces to my wardrobe was the kick in the pants my self-confidence needed.

Dominique Baker with a glass of rosé wine at Social Restaurant

What is “dopamine dressing” anyways? The Fashion Gods define it as choosing specific pieces of clothing and accessories to boost your mood. It doesn’t necessarily mean always choosing the brightest colours in your closet. Maybe that soft, cuddly teddy jacket heightens your spirits because it’s just that – squishy soft and feels like a comforting hug when you need one.

Personally, I had been down in the dumps and it showed. I was wearing a ton of dark colours…almost always reaching for black. As I look back over the past 1.5 years – a time filled with trauma, broken relationships and simply dealing with the pandemic, I was clearly dressing the way I felt.

As I sought therapy and put coping mechanisms in place to heal, something in my closet “healed” too. Now, don’t get me wrong. Black will always be my favourite colour…but rainbow colours started infiltrating my everyday wear.

When I started feeling optimistic again, a red blazer magically appeared in my shopping cart. Every time I wore it, I felt powerful and boss babe-ish.

When I got sick of blending into the crowd, a bright yellow wool coat arrived on my doorstep. I wore that coat to death as my confidence grew and I stopped feeling scared to live my best life.

Following those warm, bright pieces, an incredible apple green suit started appearing all over my social media. A chic girl strolling through SoHo during NYFW wore the hell out of that suit. She looked breezy, happy – but I also found her whole demeanour in that suit soothing.

After a little detective work, I found out the suit was from Zara. SIGH – I HATE ZARA, but I needed it like I need air to breathe. Not only did I want that breezy look but most of all, I wanted that feeling of joy, positive energy and happiness that apple green look exuded.

That suit in particular has proven to be the purchase of the year so far. Despite its insanely eye-catching colour, I have worn it a lot. Its cost per wear is now approaching ridiculous levels. As a full suit, or the blazer alone paired with relaxed jeans or the wide leg pants with a great boyfriend tee…this purchase kept delivering.

As I pore through the pages of Harper’s Bazaar and Vogue, delighting at all of the colour therapy, I wonder what my next rainbow-y purchase will be.

And…who knew you could wear therapy?

Outfit Details

Photography: Salt ‘n Streets Photography

Dominique Baker
Dominique Baker

Dominique is a Canadian-based fashion and beauty influencer with a strong voice in Ottawa’s black community. Since launching her blog Style Domination in 2015, she has amassed a global fanbase. Dominique shares her life through beautiful imagery and compelling story-telling that speaks to her fans on a personal level. She’s been featured in The Guardian, Flare, The Kit and Cityline. She also hosts events for Dress for Success, the Gem Conference, and has been named a United Way Person 2 Know for the past three years.

Find me on: Web | Instagram

5 Comments

  1. Beatrice Walker
    April 13, 2022 / 9:35 pm

    Looks great on you. I too have tried to do more color…but…I do look good in Black! Ha Ha

  2. Deborah
    April 19, 2022 / 10:36 am

    Love this article and you look gorgeous in the green suit! Wondering though – why do you hate Zara? I never shop there either, but I’m not sure why. Just wondering. Love your Insta and TikTok! 💚💚💚

  3. September 8, 2022 / 9:47 am

    Cute dress! You are looking stunning in this. I am obsessed with these styles. I want this sweater dress for me. Thanks for sharing.

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